Dr. Rachel Bognet of CSC Steil Dermatology
Hindsdale Magazine Group (HMG): Who were your mentors, and how did they influence your current practice?
Dr. Rachel Bognet: I’ve been very fortunate to have worked with many wonderful physicians along the way. From a very young age, I was enamored by my pediatrician, who could make even the sickest child laugh with his comedic routines. Although it was a summer job in college and volunteer work at the AAD summer camp for children with severe skin conditions that started my love for dermatology. My mentor in residency was most influential in how I practice. He had an unwavering dedication to teaching the basics and a deep understanding of clinicopathologic correlation. This proved vital in how I approach every patient, with a commitment to fixing even the most challenging cases. A dedication to lifelong learning is crucial to being a trusted and compassionate physician.
HMG: How do you stay passionate about medicine, especially after years of practice?
Dr. Bognet: Luckily, this is not difficult, as Dr. Steil and I are constantly eager to learn about new technologies and emerging treatments. The plethora of safe and effective medicines we can now offer patients with severe eczema, psoriasis, hair loss, and acne is astounding. When I graduated residency, many of these were not created or an option yet and it has transformed how we can care for patients. Improving patients’ lives and restoring their confidence through groundbreaking medicines and cosmetic treatments is extremely rewarding.
HMG: What makes your practice successful?
Dr. Bognet: Building strong relationships with our patients is at the core of our success. Open and honest dialogue about their medical or cosmetic concerns allows patients to feel at ease. Listening and offering options without judgment or coercion is the foundation of trust in any relationship.
HMG: How do you see the role of precision medicine impacting dermatology in the coming years?
Dr. Bognet: Personalized medicine is already here, and changes are rapidly coming due to advances in technology. We now have genomic testing available on skin cancer tissue to better guide the need for immunotherapy and radiation. Genetic testing is also allowing physicians to know which type of medication will be most effective for patients without the antiquated “trial and error” method. Better outcomes with minimal side effects is always the goal.
HMG: If you weren’t a doctor, what would you have wanted to be?
Dr. Bognet: That’s a tough question because I truly love what I do! I suppose when I’m too old to do surgery anymore, I would venture into home remodeling more. I’ve always loved old homes and restoring beauty and balance has always been a passion.
CSC Steil Dermatology
125 W 2nd St, Hinsdale, Illinois
5157 Main St, 205, Downers Grove, Illinois
630-455-0045
cscdermatology.com
