The Distinctive Dermatologist

In this episode of  The Distinctive Dermatologist , Scott McKain explores an often-overlooked driver of patient loyalty: understanding what matters most to patients—not just clinically, but personally. Many dermatology practices focus on successful treatment outcomes, yet patients frequently place just as much importance on how they will look after treatment. From cosmetic concerns to confidence a...

For the first time in the almost four-year history of our podcast, we are featuring the non-surgical alternative to Mohs surgery for non-melanoma skin cancer, IG-SRT...image guided superficial radiation therapy. The leading organization behind this revolution in patient care is our long-time sponsor --  GentleCure from SkinCure Oncology. In this episode, we'll hear from a leading dermatologist on...

In this revised/encore edition of The Distinctive Dermatologist , we revisit one of our most popular episodes of the past four years -- our time with Michael Carney.  Michael has experienced multiple treatment approaches, including Mohs surgery and GentleCure. In this candid conversation, he shares what it's really like to navigate those decisions—what builds trust, what creates doubt, and what pa...

What do today's patients really want? Increasingly, the answer is simple: a choice. In this episode of The Distinctive Dermatologist , host Scott McKain explores why patient choice has become one of the defining characteristics of exceptional dermatology practices. Featuring insights from SkinCure Oncology CEO Kerwin Brandt, customer experience expert Joe Calloway, GentleCure Chief Brand Officer,...

Our guest on this week's episode of The Distinctive Dermatologist is Robert Haber, MD. He is a Board Certified Dermatologist as well as a Pediatrician, and is a Clinical Professor in the Departments of Dermatology and Pediatrics at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. In his practice, he treats children and adults, and provides skin care for the entire family. Dr. Haber is considere...

From a very uniquely designed and decorated clinic that is truly one-of-a-kind, to extensive experience in research as well as treating his dermatology patients, Dr. Douglass Forsha can easily be described as a "distinctive dermatologist." In this episode, you'll learn about his journey from student to his successful practice near Salt Lake City. He wil talk about aspects of his diverse interests...

Joshua Swindle has seen the many sides of healthcare. From a radiation therapist treating patients to a C-Suite executive for a ground-breaking skin cancer treatment company, his varied career has been united by a central philosophy: It's first and always about the patient. That's why his views on patient choice, the future of skin cancer treatment, and what's next in the field of dermatological o...

This week on The Distinctive Dermatologist , we explore one of the most important — and often overlooked — aspects of building a distinctive practice: the quality of every patient interaction. Drawing from Scott McKain's Three Levels of Customer Interaction -- and revealling an unlikely business model: the Savannah Bananas -- this episode examines how dermatologists and clinics can move beyond rou...

Radiation therapy offers a significant advantage in treating non-melanoma skin cancers, but it is often overlooked when Mohs surgery is presented to patients as the sole option.   Dedicated superficial treatment equipment, like that used in dermatology offices, provides an alternative and highly effective treatment with a superior patient experience.     This integration not only benefits the pati...

In this special edition of The Distinctive Dermatologist , we've brought together a powerful collection of voices to share the most important ideas from recent conversations. This episode is a curated collage of insights from a skin cancer patient, leadership perspective from the CEO of SkinCure Oncology, the originator of the Skin Cancer Treatment Journal , and business advisor Joe Calloway . Eac...

In dermatology, the conversation around skin cancer treatment is evolving. This episode of "The Distinctive Dermatologist" features an interview with Adam Lefton, Chief Brand Officer of our sponsor, GentleCure from SkinCure Oncology.   Adam introduces The Skin Cancer Treatment Journal, a new initiative on Substack, aims to bridge the gap between what patients are told and the full spectrum of avai...

How do you stand out in a crowded marketplace when everyone claims to be different? This week on The Distinctive Dermatologist , I'm joined by bestselling business author Joe Calloway , whose books include Becoming a Category of One , Be the Best at What Matters Most , and Magnetic . Joe has spent decades helping organizations understand what truly earns loyalty, attracts customers, and creates me...

What makes a dermatology practice truly stand out? In this special video episode of The Distinctive Dermatologist , Scott McKain shares highlights from a keynote presentation based on his bestselling book, ICONIC , applying its principles directly to patient experience, practice growth, and long-term differentiation. Discover how distinction drives patient trust, referrals, team engagement, and su...

For the past three-plus years, The Distinctive Dermatologist has presented many tactics and strategies for making your practice stand out from your competition. We've focused, as well, on the importance of the patient experience. Our sponsor, GentleCure from SkinCure Oncology has consistently been a leader in advocating for patient choice. Abundant research demonstrates that when patients are pres...

This episode marks a first for The Distinctive Dermatologist —our transition to both audio and video. But more importantly, it marks a shift in perspective. Instead of hearing from a physician or industry expert, you'll hear directly from a skin cancer patient. Michael Carney has experienced multiple treatment approaches, including Mohs surgery and GentleCure. In this candid conversation, he share...

Every week for the past three-plus years, "The Distinctive Dermatologist" has brought you information that bestselling author and business advisor Scott McKain has created from his research and experience in working with a vast array of leading organizations in varied industries on how to serve customers more remarkably. This week, we have something different. In the Substack blog, The Skin Cancer...

This episode is about something that happens in almost every dermatology practice — yet it's rarely discussed directly. A patient leaves the appointment with the diagnosis explained, the treatment recommended, and the chart completed. From the clinical perspective, everything went exactly as it should. But from the patient's perspective, something is still missing. One of the most important roles...

This episdode of The Distinctive Dermatologist challenges a mindset that quietly shapes many dermatology practices — often without anyone realizing it. It's the idea that today's appointment is the goal; that the visit itself is the finish line. Many practices unintentionally operate in short-term mode — focused on resolving the issue in front of them instead of strengthening the relationship that...

Patients rarely leave a dermatology practice because something went wrong clinically. More often, they leave because what they experienced didn't match what they expected. In this episode of The Distinctive Dermatologist , we explore the "Expectation Gap"—the quiet space between what patients believe will happen and what actually does. When that gap grows too wide, trust erodes, loyalty fades, and...

This episode is about what may represent the greatest hidden risk to trust, loyalty, and long-term growth in a dermatology practice. They are the invisible patients. They don't want conflict. They don't want to feel confrontational. And they don't want to challenge a medical professional. So instead, they do what feels easiest.  They leave quietly. And when that happens, the practice often assumes...

This episode is a little different. It's about choice . Let's be very clear from the start: this conversation is not about second-guessing clinical judgment. It's not about telling dermatologists what they should recommend. And it's certainly not about criticizing any particular treatment approach. More specifically, it's about the responsibility dermatology practices have to ensure patients under...

This episode of The Distinctive Dermatologist is about a reality that every dermatology practice faces — even the best ones. At some point, something goes wrong. This is not about treatment outcomes or clinical decisions. It's about the patient experience . Here is what you need to know and the steps you must take when miscommunication happens, or the patient is left wondering if your practice tru...

Here is an issue that seems so basic, so obvious, that most leaders don't even think about it as a strategy. But it might be one of the most powerful forces shaping whether your practice keeps patients… and keeps employees. It's this: Keeping your word. I call it The Promise Principle. Because in dermatology — just like in every other business — trust isn't built by what you say. Trust is built by...

Your front desk might be costing you patients—and profit—without you even realizing it! In this encore episode of The Distinctive Dermatologist, Scott McKain reframes your receptionist as the Senior Vice President of First Impressions, and shows how that single role can make or break patient satisfaction, reviews, referrals, and retention.   You'll discover why minimal training and high turnover a...

This episode of The Distinctive Dermatologist focuses on the defining advantage for dermatology practices moving forward. It's not going to be volume. It's not going to be speed. It's not going to be who sees the most patients or runs the tightest schedule. The practices that will thrive in 2026 — and beyond — will be the ones that intentionally deepen relationships, not just expand volume. As you...