Heart, Healing and Healthy Skin
Dr. Pamela E. Sakalosky, Dermatologist, Watson Clinic
Patients should trust that Dr. Pamela E. Sakalosky is in it for the long haul as their dermatologist—as doing things well for an extended period of time is in her DNA.
She was inspired to go into the medical profession by her father who opened and ran his own private practice as an optometrist for more than 50 years.
“I remember going to his office and meeting his staff and patients, and he always had a great relationship with everyone. He was kind and attentive, always trying to help everyone,” Dr. Sakalosky says. “When I decided to become a physician, I was hopeful that I could find a practice where I could impact my patients and staff in the same way.”
Today, 24 years after starting at Watson Clinic, she is the proud leader of a team that includes longtime physician assistants Lisa Korin and Brittany Vogt, who collectively see patients for a wide variety of skin issues at the Watson Clinic Bella Vista Building.
“I primarily focus on skin cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment,” Dr. Sakalosky says. “I usually add that dermatology is the best specialty in which to work, but I may be biased.”
THE LAKELANDER
Why did you choose to work with the healthcare network and/or hospital you are currently part of?
DR. SAKALOSKY
I started with the clinic right out of residency, which I completed at the University of South Florida in 2002. I was familiar with Watson Clinic as partners Dr. William Roth and Dr. Kitt Duncan volunteered on our faculty. Additionally, Dr. Sharon Fairbee was my peer and had started at the clinic two years prior to myself. When I visited Watson Clinic, it was obvious the dermatology group was extremely happy with the work environment and I observed a unique family atmosphere between all specialties. I clearly made the right choice, as I still love my job and continue to practice here 24 years later.
THE LAKELANDER
What is the biggest challenge you face in modern medicine?
DR. SAKALOSKY
The biggest challenge I face is insurance denials, particularly around biologic medications. The amount of time and energy my staff spends trying to get medicine approved has greatly increased in the last few years. Paperwork is always a challenge, but with AI and Dragon voice recognition, we have improved in this area in recent years and will continue to improve going forward.
THE LAKELANDER
What is something you would suggest more people do to take better care of themselves? If so, please share.
DR. SAKALOSKY
As a dermatologist, I would love to see more people wearing sunscreen and photoprotective clothing. Living in Florida, it is hard to avoid the sun, and for some of us, it is the primary reason we live here. Instead of avoidance, I try to encourage patients to wear their sunscreen, to reapply it and to cover up with hats and clothing if out during the sunnier parts of the day or for extended periods of time.
THE LAKELANDER
Outside of work, where might someone find you in your free time?
DR. SAKALOSKY
My husband, Mark, and I have three young adult children and a yellow lab, Bailey. All of our kids were and are college athletes so you could usually find us cheering at their soccer and gymnastic competitions on weekends throughout the years.
As they transition into the next stage of their lives, we enjoy visiting them in Atlanta and New York City. As a couple we love the outdoors, whether it’s boating in Tampa Bay, hiking in the national parks or walking our lab in the neighborhood. We have come to love this great area where we live with the water, beach and professional sports teams all so
very close.
THE LAKELANDER
What do you love most about your profession?
DR. SAKALOSKY
That’s an easy one, I love my patients. They are the best part of my job! I’ve been at Watson Clinic for 24 years and two of my nurses have been with me since I started. I have patients that have been with me since I started. I feel like I have an amazing work family and I can’t imagine practicing dermatology anywhere else.
Watson Clinic Urgent Care South
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863.647.4047
“When I visited Watson Clinic, it was obvious the dermatology group was extremely happy with the work environment and I observed a unique family atmosphere between all specialties. I clearly made the right choice, as I still love my job and continue to practice here 24 years later.”
