SDPA Member Spotlight - HOLLY GLOVER

Holly Glover, PA-C, MPAS, MBA

1. How long have you been in dermatology and what's your favorite thing about it?

I have been practicing dermatology for 7 years now. I love that I get to care for patients of all ages...newborn to 102! I love the wide variety of dermatological conditions that we see and how they overlap with internal medicine, rheumatology and other specialties. No day is ever the same as the day before!

2. What's your dermatology passion?

I love treating atopic dermatitis and psoriasis! I love educating my patients on the pathogenesis of these dermatological processes, and then, giving them the education and therapy options to manage these diseases effectively. Improving the quality of life in these patients is so rewarding! 

3. Tell us how you got involved in dermatology.

When I graduated from PA school, I went into pediatric GI, specifically IBD. I loved the close relationships I formed with patients and their parents. The disease is really difficult for kids, and they end up in the office or hospital frequently because of the chronic, relapsing and remitting characteristic of the disease. I thought the disease process was interesting, but the scope was so narrow. So, I made a jump to critical care. I wanted something fast paced and acute. I really enjoyed the procedures and the fast paced day in the ICU, but I missed the ability to form relationships with patients. One day I was talking with a friend who worked in dermatology, and it seemed like dermatology could combine all the things I loved about pediatric GI and critical care: acute and chronic conditions, meaningful relationships with patients, ability to do procedures, and a fast-paced day. I love dermatology! I never see myself leaving for another subset of medicine. It meets all my criteria for my definition of what makes a great work day and career choice!

4. What's your favorite thing to do?

I love to work out. It is my time to decompress and work hard to meet fitness goals.

5. What would you tell your thirteen-year-old self?

I would tell myself two things.

1. Lighten up...stop being so serious all the time and just chill out! Enjoy the day for what it is and stop worrying about tomorrow.
2. Life is about people. Spend your time and effort developing deep and meaningful relationships. Money, fame, prestige, the degree you have, where you work, what you wear, what you own do not matter in the slightest. What matters most is your character, your integrity, your relationships. Be true to yourself. Treat others the way you would want to be treated, be kind and listen well, give more of yourself to others and expect nothing in return, be thoughtful and generous. 

Holly serves as the current Chair of the SDPA Legislative Affairs Committee.  She has been a practicing dermatology physician assistant since 2013, currently serving patients at the Dermatology and Skin Cancer Surgery Center in Waxahachie, TX. She is honored to advocate for SDPA constituents and our profession at the AAPA national level meetings by addressing Derm PA concerns and advancing Derm PA interests. Dermatology physician assistants face many key issues regarding our scope and practice, reimbursement, relationship with dermatologists and public perception of our role in providing care. She believes it is vital for each SDPA member to be informed on the current issues, and equally important that each member has a voice in response to those issues.