What (or Who) inspired you to become a Doctor?
My parents. I’m a product of my father’s lifelong interest in science, and my mother’s compassion. I wanted to play Doctor even as a child. I wanted to discover ways to cure people, to make them happy again if they were sick.It’s become my obsession and my odyssey in life, my passion for medicine and healing.
Why did you choose Dermatology?
It was a deeply personal choice but in a sense it chose me. During my general practice, I saw so many patients with skin issues that profoundly troubled them on the inside. I decided after that to do my specialty training in dermatology.
What was the catalyst that shifted your career in to a higher gear, from local dermatologist to internationally known dermatologist?
I would say that there were two major events that took place. Both required equal parts skill and good fortune, being at the right place, at the right time, with the right tools.The first, I was in practice at what I like to call, “the dawn of cosmetic dermatology,” when laser technology reached a tipping point, along with fillers and toxins, to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing look.The second was being asked to be the dermatologist for Extreme Makeover. The show still runs in Asia and Eastern Europe, so viewers approach me on at least three continents. My producers tell me they love me in Latvia!
How did Extreme Makeover change your approach to treatment?
Overnight transformations.I learned how to get results in an accelerated time frame using what I call“multi-modal treatment.” I also learned how to describe what I did it in terms that the TV viewership could understand, and that translated into better patient care throughout my practice.
How competitive is the field of dermatology?How do you set yourself and your practice apart?
Dermatology is very competitive. I believe that we set ourselves apart by providing outstanding medical care with the most cutting edge technology and the most advanced approach to the use of fillers and toxins–all in a healing, five star service atmosphere. We set the standard for medical and cosmetic dermatology. I won’t settle for less.
How do you contribute to the overall growth of your business?
I talk constantly! At medical meetings and conferences, both nationally and internationally, on the news, on daytime TV shows such as The Doctors, to magazines, to the public, and most of all to my patients. I found my mission and my passion in life, and I share it with everyone.
Why was it important to you to launch a skin care line? What was missing in the market that your line provides?
I developed a skin care line during my time as the dermatologist on Extreme Makeover. I received so many requests from people for recommendations about what they could use on their skin to get real results, fast. So, I designed a 2-week skin care kit with a high-powered combination of active ingredients to give results in a short time frame.
What’s the most stressful part about your job?
Managing my time. There just aren’t enough hours in the day!
What’s the most rewarding part about your job?
My patients. Seeing my patients light up when they look in the mirror, or hearing how they got a “wow, you look great” reaction from their husband, wife, lover, you name it.
You frequently appear on TV shows to share your knowledge and give advice. Do you think this is essential to “make it” in the beauty biz these days?
No. Most of my patients come from patient-to-patient referrals and doctor referrals. Media is a vehicle for me to help all the people that I haven’t met, or will never meet, to have a positive impact on their lives.
What qualities do you think are essential in beauty industry execs?
The ability to see into the future and reinvent the “oldies but goodies.” Beauty is timeless, and so are the best solutions for achieving it.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your life and how did you get through it?
Sometimes, life throws you a curve: For me, it was the challenge of raising three sons, for the most part as a single mom, while taking care of my patients and my staff. To do that, I had to rethink what “doing it all” really meant in my life. I’m proud to say I don’t compromise as a parent or a physician.
If you had to do it all over, would you still become a dermatologist? Why?
Absolutely. 150%. I pinch myself sometimes to remind myself this is not all a dream.
What new beauty technologies–either in skin care or in-office treatments–are you most excited about and why?
I’m thrilled by theongoing development of more effective skin care treatments, along with at-home technology that really delivers for my patients.
What are the biggest mistakes women make when it comes to their skin?
Women make two mistakes in my opinion: The first is thinking that sunscreen will completely protect their skin. It won’t. The second is being inconsistent about skincare. Would you leave the house without brushing your hair? Then why would you go to bed at night without applying skin cream?
What does your skin care routine consist of?What treatments have you done on yourself that you think make the biggest improvement in your skin?
I use a little of this and a little of that, but I do it consistently, every single day–rain, shine, tired, awake, traveling or not. It’s a little hard to say which treatment has had the greatest benefit on my skin. I always try out every treatment before using it with a patient, so I’ve tried every laser, treatment and procedure we have in the office. Sometimes, though, it’s the old school stuff that makes a difference: I always wear a hat outside!
What’s next for you and your practice? Any exciting news to share?
The most exciting thing for me right now is the publication of my book “Heal Your Skin,” from Wiley Publications. I cover topics ranging from adult acne, pregnancyand menopause to skin issues around chemotherapy, all in an easy-to-apply problem/solution format. I also include a general skin care chapter and chapters on nutrition, fitness, and my personal favorite–at-home skin care recipes. People really suffer from skin issues and hopefully they will find the freedom and confidence of clear beautiful skin in this book!