Coach K: Dermatologists must adapt, communicate to get better

CHICAGO — Dermatologists gathered at the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery annual meeting should converse with each other and adapt to industry changes, basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski told an audience during the opening keynote lecture.

Krzyzewski, known as Coach K, is head coach of the Duke University Blue Devils and has coached the 2008 and 2012 men’s USA Olympic basketball teams to gold medals. He told the assembled clinicians they should find novel ways to gain “street cred.” Although he’s 48 years older than his freshman players, he said coaching the USA men’s team, comprised of NBA players, has given him street credibility.

Krzyzewski shared a story of his relationship with NBA superstar LeBron James, who received Sports Illustrated’s 2012 Sportsman of the Year award. He asked Krzyzewski to present the award to him in New York. While there, the coach met performers Jay-Z and Beyoncé.

“During the next few days you’re going to want to say something but you won’t, and that will be a mistake,” Krzyzewski said, relating his hesitancy to speak with Beyoncé. “There will be times where you’re not going to want to say something … but during this time together [at ASDS], get some street cred. You’re all the best at what you do. It’s a time for you to get better, it’s a time for you to adapt.

“All of you have big egos, I hope you do. If you’re working on me, I want you to have the biggest ego in the world. I also want you to have the best practices.”

Krzyzewski used the example of the players on the 2008 and 2012 Olympic teams, noting that they were “something bigger than [their egos].”

“You get a chance to get current [at the ASDS meeting],” he told the crowd. “It’s the sharing of best practices; it’s not just about finding some discovery. The key thing for you is to develop relationships where people can trust you.”

Just like James learned from other players on the US team, Krzyzewski said, “you go to a conference like this, and all of a sudden, you’re with excellence. So how do you interact? You need to talk and listen, you need to converse.

“Take time to celebrate the culture that you’ve created, adapt to the changes that you are experiencing right now,” he said. “Competition is good. Competition is great when you have the best players. You are the best players. You should win, and you should win better than you won a year ago … because when you get better, the patients that you treat will benefit.”