Melissa DelFino believes that creating a culture of education allows staff to ask questions and be part of the patient experience. In this episode of That’s Derm Good!, Melissa discusses why she founded Modern Distinction and how she reframes what operational excellence looks like in dermatology practices.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or health advice. This podcast does not substitute medical treatment. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist regarding medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

Melissa shares her unconventional path from the restaurant industry to dermatology and explains how her academic backgrounds in psychology and sociology shape her thinking on leadership, team dynamics, and communication. What becomes clear very quickly in this interview is that workflows aren’t just about efficiency; they’re about people. Melissa emphasizes that strong collaboration, thoughtful hiring, and clear communication directly impact not only staff morale but also the patient experience.

Throughout the conversation, Janelle and Melissa unpack the realities of running a modern dermatology practice: the difficulty of finding the right team members, the necessity of documentation and structured training, and the ongoing need for education in a fast-moving healthcare environment. Melissa highlights emotional intelligence as a critical, but often overlooked, skill in healthcare settings, advocating for workplaces where staff feel safe expressing concerns, learning from one another, and growing together.

Melissa DelFino speaks candidly about external pressures, from insurance complexities to rising patient expectations, and how intentional systems can help teams navigate these challenges without burning out. This episode serves as a reminder that sustainable success in dermatology doesn’t come from hustle alone, but from building supportive cultures, investing in people, and creating systems that allow both teams and patients to thrive.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for small business owners and creatives.

Dr. Diego Ruiz Disilva, MD, FAAD, joins That’s Derm Good! and shares deeply personal experiences that led him to dermatology and shaped how he cares for patients today. Inspired by his own struggles with acne, Dr. Disilva understands firsthand how skin conditions can extend beyond the surface, affecting confidence, mental health, and how people present themselves in daily life. He shares how acne, often dismissed as a cosmetic issue, can profoundly impact self-esteem and social interactions, especially during formative years. This awareness fuels his strong belief in a patient-centric approach to care; one that listens carefully, treats compassionately, and recognizes the emotional weight many skin conditions carry.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or health advice. This podcast does not substitute medical treatment. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist regarding medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

The conversation explores the importance of early intervention, particularly in cases of severe acne, where timely treatment can help prevent permanent scarring and long-term emotional distress. Dr. Disilva also sheds light on chronic itch, a condition that is frequently underestimated but can be debilitating and life-altering for patients. Through the lens of psychodermatology, he explains the powerful connection between mental health and the skin, emphasizing why effective treatment must address both physical symptoms and psychological well-being.

Dr. Diego Ruiz Disilva, MD, FAAD, emphasizes dermatologists' responsibility to stay informed and to empower patients with knowledge about their conditions and treatment options. He speaks candidly about the need for greater advocacy and awareness for patients with skin of color, noting how dermatologic conditions can present differently and are often underrepresented in research and training.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.

Angela Ursem, co-founder of Food for Skin, joins That's Derm Good! to discuss how a personal search for truly sustainable skincare led to a purpose-driven brand built on trust, transparency, and intention. Angela shares that her frustration with greenwashing and confusing ingredient lists led her into the skincare industry, where she is determined to create products that don’t require consumers to become chemists just to feel confident about what they're putting on their skin.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or health advice. This podcast does not substitute medical treatment. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist regarding medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

At the heart of Food for Skin is a commitment to taking that research burden off the customer by prioritizing safe, thoughtfully sourced ingredients and clear, honest communication. The conversation dives into what sustainability really means in skincare: from responsible packaging choices to sourcing ingredients ethically and creatively, including the use of food-industry byproducts that would otherwise go to waste. Angela explains the brand’s “less is more” philosophy, which favors high-quality, multifunctional products over overcrowded routines, and reflects a belief that skincare should be simple, effective, and respectful of both skin and planet.

Education also plays a central role, as Angela emphasizes empowering consumers to better understand ingredients while still offering products they can trust without overthinking. She discusses the brand’s firm stance against harmful ingredients and microplastics, and how ongoing customer feedback actively shapes product development. Looking ahead, Angela Ursem shares her vision for Food for Skin's future, including expanding the product line and entering new markets, while staying grounded in the values that sparked the journey.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.