Maritza I. Perez MD
Maritza I. Perez MD is a graduate of the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine where she also completed her residency in dermatology. In addition, she completed post-doctoral training in Immunodermatology at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York and dermatologic surgery including Mohs micrographic and laser surgery and cosmetic dermatologic surgery under Dr. Perry Robins at New York University. Dr. Perez is Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at St. Luke's Roosevelt Medical Center and Associate Professor of Clinical Dermatology at Columbia. She is an active member in numerous dermatology organizations, including the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Women Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for Laser in Surgery and Medicine, American Academy of Dermatology Women's Association, Dermatology Foundation, and is on the Board of Directors for the Skin Cancer Foundation.
JDD: What do you think of the concept of JDD to the realm of dermatological literature—does it fill a gap?
Dr. Perez: That is a very good question. I think the JDD really has an edge, it offers all of us in dermatology an idea of what there is to offer in terms of treatments for our patients. We all have to read the Blue journal, we have to read the studies, but we need to have a clear view of what compares to what. Otherwise we will always be trying to draw comparisons. JDD gives us a more thorough view of the marketplace of what we can offer our patients in order to cure them.
Dr. Perez: That is a very good question. I think the JDD really has an edge, it offers all of us in dermatology an idea of what there is to offer in terms of treatments for our patients. We all have to read the Blue journal, we have to read the studies, but we need to have a clear view of what compares to what. Otherwise we will always be trying to draw comparisons. JDD gives us a more thorough view of the marketplace of what we can offer our patients in order to cure them.
JDD: What has been your favorite aspect of the JDD and what, in your opinion, is the most valuable?
Dr. Perez: Review articles with summaries of the latest technologies and drug discoveries give doctors a broad overview of the recent advances in a particular field. I get to see how some of my colleagues conceptualize their theories and am able to understand the thought processes behind them. It alters my perspective and leads to a good internal discussion. It is valuable information that creates curiosity.
Dr. Perez: Review articles with summaries of the latest technologies and drug discoveries give doctors a broad overview of the recent advances in a particular field. I get to see how some of my colleagues conceptualize their theories and am able to understand the thought processes behind them. It alters my perspective and leads to a good internal discussion. It is valuable information that creates curiosity.
JDD: What has been your favorite aspect of JDD? What do you like best?
Dr. Perez: I like the dedicated issues to specific specialties. This format works because if you are interested in psoriasis for example, the immuno-modulators are brought together in the issue, which enables me to make a better comparison of what is available to be done. There are special topic issues on fillers, another one on lasers, this helps keep us informed on the latest and most effective new products.
Dr. Perez: I like the dedicated issues to specific specialties. This format works because if you are interested in psoriasis for example, the immuno-modulators are brought together in the issue, which enables me to make a better comparison of what is available to be done. There are special topic issues on fillers, another one on lasers, this helps keep us informed on the latest and most effective new products.
JDD: How have you seen JDD grow over the past decade? Do you feel that the articles in the Journal have improved? Have you seen an increase in the quality of articles over the years?
Dr. Perez: I'll give you an easy example. To me, it's like watching a bright observant child grow and mature. As time goes on experience helps the child mature into an adult. Experience is a great teacher and JDD has that honor.
Dr. Perez: I'll give you an easy example. To me, it's like watching a bright observant child grow and mature. As time goes on experience helps the child mature into an adult. Experience is a great teacher and JDD has that honor.
JDD: Do you feel that JDD has been beneficial in your practice/field, and how so?
Dr. Perez: Definitely, whenever you need to know about a certain topic in a short period of time, I know to reference the JDD issue on the topic. I know that I will find the reference there, it helps me to speed my search.
Dr. Perez: Definitely, whenever you need to know about a certain topic in a short period of time, I know to reference the JDD issue on the topic. I know that I will find the reference there, it helps me to speed my search.
JDD: Do you feel that the distribution of eJDD to 23,000 dermatologists around the world is a good initiative?
Dr. Perez: Yes, I would agree this is a wonderful initiative and kudos to Dr. Robins, it seems he always has the right idea in mind. His legacy is to educate and train the next generation of dermatologists and this is the way to do it.
Dr. Perez: Yes, I would agree this is a wonderful initiative and kudos to Dr. Robins, it seems he always has the right idea in mind. His legacy is to educate and train the next generation of dermatologists and this is the way to do it.
JDD: What would you like to see more of?
Dr. Perez: If I had to say one thing about the journal, it would be that the journal brings excitement and that is great, and what you are doing is great.
Dr. Perez: If I had to say one thing about the journal, it would be that the journal brings excitement and that is great, and what you are doing is great.
