INJECTION CONGRESS. Olga Obishchenko

1. Why did you choose cosmetology?

Rather, cosmetology chose me. I am a dermatovenerologist by profession, and as I was managing patients with dermatological diseases, questions arose: “how to keep rosacea in remission for as long as possible after the prescribed treatment or what to do with patients with post-inflammatory pigmentation and acne scars.” So, gradually, I began to simultaneously develop the field of cosmetology for myself, and now in my practice I combine these two areas - dermatology and cosmetology. This allows for the most comprehensive approach to patient management.

2. Define aesthetic medicine.

Aesthetic medicine is the medicine of happiness and healthy people. Because when something hurts you are unlikely to go to a cosmetologist. Only as basic needs are satisfied, when everything is good, does the desire appear even more, even better. This, in fact, is what we, doctors and cosmetologists, do. I make my patients more confident, happier, and I like it.

3. What was your path to aesthetic medicine?

Long and thorny. My medical experience is more than six years and I started working in the intensive care unit. Sleepless nights, 24-hour shifts, catheters, probes, patients in shock and coma who need assistance at any time when they stop breathing. It was a very good school. This is all while studying. After that, I worked as a pharmacist in a pharmacy: I worked at night and went to study in the morning. After that, there was an insurance company as a doctor-coordinator of the insurance company. And after receiving a specialty as a dermatovenerologist in the clinic. The maximum number of clinics where I worked was 4. It was a frantic rhythm and I was running from one end of Kyiv to the other between patients, between appointments. This all happened before I met my big and strong love. This is the clinic where I now work, where I direct all my strength.

4. What experience gained over the last year do you consider the most significant in your profession?

Perhaps this is a trip to the cadaver course in Toulouse. A cadaver in aesthetic medicine is something akin to an MBA in business. This was my incredible dream, goal, and I am grateful to my chief physician Katerina Zonova and Allergan for making it come true.

5. Describe a portrait of your patient.

This is predominantly a girl, 25-35 years old, with early signs of aging, and a separate category of patients with rosacea-like dermatoses. This is acne, this is rosacea.

6. Should every young specialist have a mentor? Why? Who is yours?

I can’t answer for everyone. Personally, I have. And this gave me significant professional and personal growth. In principle, I am of the opinion that every person, every specialist has something to learn. We have a very friendly team, and my colleagues and I constantly exchange experiences, best practices, new information, and techniques. This helps a lot in my work. But two people played a key role in my life - my two mentors. This is Katerina Zonova, chief physician, leader, mentor, inspirer and just a wonderful girl. And the second person is my mentor in trichology - Kuzma Nikolaevich Khobzey - a dermatovenerologist-trichologist.

7. Which medical case in your practice was the most difficult?

I am of the opinion that, in principle, there are no difficult cases, there is laziness, reluctance to learn something new, and fear of being referred to colleagues or related specialists. Because you can always cope with any of the most difficult, most confusing problems, if not alone, then certainly with the help of colleagues. If we talk about personal experience, the most difficult patients are those who are more psychologically complex. What I mean? For example, diagnostic dermatoscopy revealed melanoma. This is very difficult, first of all, to tell a patient psychologically.

8. What modern beauty trend do you strongly disagree with?

I do not agree with the one that will not suit my patient. I am of the opinion that everything should be harmonious, so if I do not see the person who came to me with this procedure, with these angles with these lips, I will not do it, in such cases I simply refuse the procedure.

9. What do you value most about yourself?

A sense of empathy, although sometimes it may be a disadvantage, I sincerely empathize with all the people around me. And the second is a positive attitude. In any situation, even the most negative, I try to find positive aspects and treat this as an invaluable life experience.

10. What irritates you in your profession?

I am annoyed by human stupidity and the fact that between seeing patients you need to take night breaks to sleep. I'm kidding of course.

11. Where do you get your inspiration?

I travel a lot. This brings me pleasure. And I love cooking for the family. When I travel, I buy cookbooks with recipes for local cuisine, then organize family themed evenings. This inspires me.

12. If you could choose a non-medical specialty, what would it be?

I once made cakes to order, so perhaps I would open my own pastry shop or restaurant and make everyone happy with sweets.