Mentor, sponsor, and lifelong friend

Mentorship changed the course of AAD member Olayemi Sokumbi, MD, FAAD’s career.

Dr. Sokumbi’s story

The Academic Dermatology Leadership Program (ADLP) was career changing for me. I was fortunate to have a friend who had participated in the program the previous year suggest that I apply for it. At the time, I was lacking career direction and particularly struggled as a minority in dermatology trying to find her voice. I hit the jackpot when I was able to choose Dr. Tammie Ferringer as my ADLP mentor. Although I had chosen Tammie because she was someone I admired from afar for her academic achievements, I got so much more from her.

In Tammie I got assigned to someone who became a mentor, sponsor, and lifelong friend. Things began to change very quickly for me! We discussed my goals and vision for my career, and I was able to quickly realize the breadth of opportunities available to me within the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). During the Leadership Forum I interacted with AAD leaders who I would have never dreamed of interacting with. After that weekend, it was clear to me that anything was possible. That weekend also created a yearning in me to commit to a lifelong journey of working on my leadership skills to expand my capacity to serve others.

My leadership opportunities have expanded beyond the AAD to other professional societies and my institution. I continue to nurture the skills I garnered from this program and use them in my personal and professional life. Although I completed the program years ago, Tammie and I continue to have check-ins and planned “sessions” at meetings. There are no words to express my gratitude. For those looking for a mentor, please take advantage of the mentorship programs offered by the AAD. In addition, demonstrate your commitment by leaning into the experience of being a mentee. I am certain it will change the course of your career.

Olayemi Sokumbi, MD, FAAD, associate medical director of the department of business development at Mayo Clinic in Florida.

Olayemi Sokumbi, MD, FAAD with her mentor Tammie C. Ferringer, MD, FAAD.