“Try to find a mentor who inspires you, who can guide you and perhaps help you do some research.”
We are delighted to recognise Dr Jonathan Ho as a touchDERMATOLOGY Future Leader 2025. Based in Kingston, Jamaica, Dr Ho is a Lecturer and Consultant Dermatologist and Dermatopathologist at the University Hospital of the West Indies. His clinical and academic interests include complex medical dermatology, autoimmune blistering diseases and cutaneous malignancies.
Dr Ho is actively involved in research on disease patterns within Jamaica’s predominantly Afro-Caribbean population and has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals spanning both clinical dermatology and dermatopathology. A dedicated educator, he plays a key role in academic training and mentorship, helping to shape the next generation of dermatologists.
In this Q&A, Dr Ho reflects on the unexpected path that led him to dermatology, the mentors and passions that shaped his subspecialty focus, and his ongoing efforts to balance clinical care, academic work and personal growth.
My entrance to dermatology was accidental. I had requested to work in dermatology at The University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica for 6 months after my internship and before heading to nephrology. I had always loved visual recognition challenges but had no idea it was useful and those 6 months opened my eyes. When I began my postgraduate training through the International Training Program at Boston University in Boston, MA, I found myself loving every aspect of dermatology. But of all its branches, dermatopathology is the one that I love most.
When I was a child I collected shells, each unique shape and pattern was so exciting to me. Dermatopathology is my adult version of shell collecting. I am forever grateful to Dr Jag Bhawan (Boston University School of Medicine), who gave me the opportunity to pursue fellowship training in dermatopathology.
I am still learning the balance. Initially, I said yes to many projects to find what interested me and to cultivate meaningful collaborations. Now, I am trying to say no when I have too much on my plate. That’s particularly hard for me because so much of dermatology fascinates me, but no one benefits from over-promising without the ability to complete. If I can pass on an opportunity to someone else who would be better suited or more interested, I do. I consciously carve out time to spend with my family. This has to be non-negotiable, because it’s easier to say no to loved ones than to work. I haven’t perfected the balance, but I’m working on it.
Do it if you can! It is a truly unique specialty with so many facets.
Try to find a mentor who inspires you, who can guide you and perhaps help you do some research. Dermatology residencies are competitive no matter which region of the world you live in, and it helps to have been involved in research.
If you can, spend some time in dermatology clinics to make sure you love the specialty, not just the idea of it. For those who have recently embarked on dermatology training, you are so privileged to have the opportunity, make the most of it and learn everything you can. There is no better specialty.
Disclosures: This short article was prepared by touchDERMATOLOGY in collaboration with Dr Ho. No fees or funding were associated with its publication.
touchDERMATOLOGY is celebrating the brightest rising stars in the dermatology community, who are set to shape the future of the field.
Read more about the touchDERMATOLOGY Future Leaders 2025 here.
Register now to receive the touchDERMATOLOGY newsletter!
Don’t miss out on hearing about our latest articles, expert opinions, conference news, podcasts and more.
