That's Derm Good!

Significant health challenges have profoundly shaped Raquelle Akavan's journey, fueling her passion for empowering physician assistants (PAs) and mothers in healthcare and inspiring the creation of PA Moms. From a young age, Raquelle faced severe medical issues, undergoing multiple surgeries related to her ovaries. This early exposure to the healthcare system and her experiences in and out of the...

Janelle Ball interviewed Dr. Kristi Hawley and Alena Chapman at the Patient Access Management Summit (PAMS) in Dallas, Texas in September 2024. This live recording featured a panel discussion about continuing education and how it impacts healthcare and patient access. Dr. Hawley, a dermatologist in Michigan, highlighted the importance of partnering with pharmaceutical representatives to gain insig...

Dr. Nayan Patel's journey into the skincare industry was not a direct path. Initially aspiring to be an engineer, he transitioned to pharmacy due to the limitations he faced as a first-generation immigrant. His passion for physical chemistry led him to explore the intricacies of medicine, ultimately guiding him toward developing the Auro Wellness skincare products. The realization that skin health...

Diane Omdahl is a registered nurse and the founder and president of i65. 65 Incorporated is an organization that educates individuals about Medicare without selling insurance. The organization focuses on helping people understand their options, including whether they need to enroll in Medicare based on their current healthcare coverage. DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only a...

Effective organization and communication are essential for biologic coordinators, especially during high-demand periods like "blizzard season." Racheal Cooley and Janelle Ball discuss the busiest season for dermatology offices, which can overwhelm even the most seasoned professionals. Rachel shares her insights and strategies for navigating this challenging time, emphasizing the importance of orga...

Rachel Strauss, the self-described ‘PBM Princess,’ is also the Vice President of Strategy for EHIM powered by ProCare. Rachel shares her unique journey into pharmacy benefit management (PBM), a field many may not be familiar with. With a love of pink and glitter and a passion for making the PBM world more approachable, Rachel explains the value of PBMs and how she was introduced to this role.  DIS...

Dr. Zehra Murthy, the founder and lead scientist of Belfiore Herbal , is a passionate advocate for using natural, plant-based ingredients in skincare products. Her extensive cellular and molecular biology background has deepened her understanding of how these ingredients can benefit the skin at a cellular level, promoting overall health without the adverse effects of synthetic chemicals. DISCLAIME...

Dr. Ramiz Hamid’s early exposure to medicine because of his brother's health issues inspired him to become a doctor and surgeon. Dr. Hamid shares the intricate process of Mohs surgery, from the initial biopsy to the final reconstruction. Patients who qualify for Mohs surgery undergo a thorough evaluation to determine the best course of treatment based on factors such as tumor location and aggressi...

Growing up in a dermatology office, Brie Hutchings witnessed the impact of patient education and immediately understood its value. Brie's mother, who also works in dermatology, instilled in her the importance of caring for patients and ensuring they receive the necessary support.  DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or health advice. Thi...

Dr. Tiina Meder, a renowned dermatologist and founder of the Meder by Dr. Tiina Meder brand, discusses why she created a skincare line tailored for women in all stages of life: pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, and post-menopause. Dr. Meder's background in cosmetic safety and experience working with pregnant women as a cardiologist inspired her to develop products suitable for every stage of li...

Efficiency is a key factor in the success of any medical practice, and dermatology is no exception. With the rise of new technologies, the need for collaborative and engaged team members is even more important. Join Janelle as she speaks with Jonathan Banta, CEO of The 44 Group, and Joe Atzenbeck, CEO of the Clinic for Dermatology and Wellness. The discussion delves into enhancing efficiencies in...

Passion for dermatology shines through in the story of Lauren Miller, a dermatology PA with a unique journey into the field. From a young age, Lauren knew she wanted to pursue a medical career, inspired by her experiences with a chronic urologic disorder. However, a summer shadowing a dermatologist truly ignited her passion for dermatology and set her on a path she had not initially considered. DI...

This special episode features two guests: Zain Qayyum, co-founder and CEO of Medsender , and Devon Weaver, practice manager for Luna Dermatology. Zain explains how Medsender is revolutionizing healthcare communication using AI to streamline processes like referrals and patient outreach. Devon shares the impact of Medsender in the dermatology office.  Medsender is a healthcare technology company re...

Dr. Angela Casey, a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon, discusses her training as a MOHS expert and how to protect your skin from a young age. Dr. Casey founded Bright Girl , a line of skincare products to teach young people to create a skincare routine at the age of 8.  DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or h...

Kaye Ford, an award-winning photographer in the United Kingdom, joins That's Derm Good! to discuss her advocacy for skin positivity and awareness through her photography. With her company, Fordtography , Kaye focuses on capturing unretouched images that showcase the natural beauty of individuals with various skin conditions, such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo. By embracing the uniquenes...

Paola Gonzalez is a certified physician assistant and president of Physician Associates for Latino Health Organization. She shares her journey as an immigrant from Colombia to the United States, her passion for healthcare, and her work in dermatology and oncology. Paola discusses the impact of minority communities' access to care and the importance of diversity in dermatology. DISCLAIMER: This pod...

Mica Alexander, a nurse practitioner and co-owner of DermaWise Body Med Spa , shares her journey from midwifery to aesthetics. Initially aspiring to become an OBGYN, Mica was drawn to a nursing program. It was during her labor and delivery rotation that she witnessed a midwife-assisted birth and was captivated by the holistic and personalized approach of midwifery care. This experience inspired he...

Building connections by engaging in meaningful conversations with guests is the most rewarding aspect of becoming a podcaster. In two seasons of That's Derm Good!, Janelle Ball discusses everything she has learned about podcasting, connecting with guests, and running a new business.  DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or health advice....

Healthy skin is the ultimate foundation because makeup is skincare. Licensed advanced esthetician Ta’Shona Gibson shared her journey from being a makeup artist to focusing on skincare, emphasizing the importance of understanding and caring for the skin before applying makeup. Ta’Shona believes this statement holds in beauty and cosmetics, where the foundation for a flawless makeup look starts with...

Tommie Major, a biologic coordinator, stresses the value of learning from others and being open to new ideas and processes. She always walks away from interactions with other coordinators having learned something new. This attitude of continuous learning and willingness to collaborate is crucial in biologic coordination, where processes and information constantly evolve.  DISCLAIMER: This podcast...

Biologic coordinator support and education are crucial to ensuring the successful administration of specialty medications for patients. In a podcast interview, Misti Leigh Tompkins, a biologic coordinator and co-founder of the Access Coordinator Bootcamp (ACBC), shared her experiences and insights into dermatology and biologic coordination. DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes on...

Reuben Sam, a model and advocate with vitiligo, has embarked on a remarkable journey of self-acceptance and empowerment, inspiring others to embrace their uniqueness. Throughout the podcast episode, Reuben shared his personal experiences with vitiligo, a condition he has had since he was three years old. Despite facing challenges and struggles with his skin condition, Reuben consciously decided to...

EMR (electronic medical record) system analysis and training are crucial in successfully implementing and utilizing electronic health record systems in healthcare practices. Lia Clarida speaks with host Janelle Ball about the importance of thoroughly analyzing current workflows and processes to identify areas for optimization and improvement. This analysis is a foundation for developing a robust t...

Carrie Wilt, a biologic coordinator and psoriasis patient, became a patient advocate when she started working in a dermatology office. Patients dealing with psoriasis can find relief through effective medications and support. Carrie shares her journey with the condition and the obstacles she encountered. She stressed the importance of patients understanding that they are not alone in their struggl...

Alisa Redmon enjoys the often visible outcomes in dermatology and how dermatology impacts every aspect of a patient’s life. Whether it's a cancer treatment where the cancer is gone before the patient leaves or a biologic treatment where patients experience clear skin or hair regrowth, these tangible results provide a sense of accomplishment and validation for the hard work put in by healthcare pro...