About time: making every moment count

“Where do you find the time?” This intriguing question has become a frequent inquiry since I stepped into the role of President of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA). I believe that it invites a moment of reflection: How does one truly “find time?” When was the last time you stumbled upon a surplus of unused, unaccounted-for moments? It’s almost amusing to think about, and it’s a topic I’ve considered quite a bit over the past year. You do not “find time,” but you can “create time” or even “curate time.” This sounds simple and is great in theory, but let’s start with a definition, what IS time? As it turns out, this question does not have a simple answer. According to Merriam-Webster, “time” is “the measured or measurable period during which an action, process, or condition exists or continues…a nonspatial continuum that is measured in terms of events which succeed one another from past through present to future.” If you consider Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity, time is relative, and the speed at which it passes is dependent upon an individual’s frame of reference. The concept of time is quite complex, but for me, it ultimately boils down to one question, “How can I maximize my time?” I continue to hope for an extra day to appear in my week, but so far, that has not happened! As I prepared to take on this leadership position, I thought it essential to balance my professional responsibilities with my personal life, ensuring my family did not feel the burden of my volunteer commitments. I wanted them to feel like integral participants in this journey rather than mere runners-up in order of importance, and I hoped they would understand and appreciate my passion for the organization. This was a tall order, but I was committed to coming up with a plan! After careful reflection, I realized the path forward was clear: I needed to eliminate wasted time and live intentionally with the hours I have. I initiated a series of exercises aimed at identifying underutilized moments and compartmentalizing my tasks for maximum focus and efficiency. By organizing my responsibilities not only by their importance and urgency but also by the level of concentration required, I became adept at multitasking—answering emails between patient appointments, for instance—while also carving out dedicated “focus time” for activities like writing this editorial. Admittedly, I have not perfected this strategy, but I practice it daily and encourage you to consider its application in your own life. As a result, I find myself scrolling through social media far less and engaging in meaningful conversations with my husband and son much more often. My son Tyler is a senior this year, and it doesn’t escape me that we are on borrowed time before he goes off to college. I even feel more present during the moments hanging out with our dog Margaux. I challenge each of you to consider the same: could you benefit from balancing your personal and professional worlds by living more intentionally with your time? As autumn is heavily upon us and the leaves on the trees change, I continue to consider the concept of time, only to realize that I am already a third of the way through my term as SDPA President. Several familiar phrases come to mind—“Time flies,” “Where does the time go?” “No time like the present,” and the ever-pressing “Running out of time.” I distinctly remember my grandmother frequently saying, “Time flies.” While my younger self dismissed it as a phrase only “old people” use, I now find myself using that expression daily and appreciating each sunrise more than I ever did before (thank you, Mommom, for the foreshadowing—I wish I had listened to you back then!). This season is by far my favorite, as I love to embrace the cooler weather, the excitement of weekends filled with football, and the enjoyment of sitting by a roaring fireplace at the end of the day, all while knowing that the holiday season is right around the corner. Every year I attempt to slow down and take in every moment, enjoying it until the last leaf falls to the ground and the holiday lights begin to twinkle. Reflecting on the limited time that I have to serve the members of the SDPA in this role, I am committed to making every moment count. I have fully immersed myself in our strategic plan, aligning my efforts with our vision and considering the impactful outcomes we can achieve for our members. The SDPA team and I launched this process at our annual leadership summit in July, where we were laser-focused on cultivating our organizational culture, developing our leadership skills, and planning for the future. During this 3-day event, we dedicated countless hours to laying a strong foundation that will set the organization on a successful trajectory. Our initiatives are now taking shape, supported by well-defined execution of plans designed to deliver real, tangible benefits to our membership and the PA profession. Our strategic plan serves as our roadmap for the next 3 years and is both comprehensive and robust. This is truly an exciting time for the SDPA. As I embrace this time in my life and my role as president of the SDPA, I invite each of you to join me on this journey of intentional living and managing time. Let us collectively commit to maximizing each moment—whether it’s through meaningful conversations with loved ones, positive and robust interactions with our patients in the clinic, focused work on our professional responsibilities, or engaging in activities that enrich our lives and the lives of others. In doing so, I believe that you will experience a similar impact in your own lives that I have found in mine. Who knows, you might even wind up with enough extra time to volunteer for the SDPA! Working together, we have the power to shape and positively impact the future of both our organization and the entire dermatology PA profession. I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead, and I humbly appreciate the opportunity to serve as your president. I hope that each of you has a beautiful and enjoyable holiday season, filled with love, laughter, family, and friends. Thank you for your continued support, and let’s make every moment count!