Building trust with patients is essential for effective treatment. Dr. Aleta Simmons runs Simmons Skin Center and joins That’s Derm Good! And shares her personal journey from her early love of science and the absence of Black dermatologists in her hometown. That lack of representation fueled her commitment to addressing health disparities in skin care, particularly for Black patients who are often underrepresented in research and underserved in clinical settings.

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.

Dr. Simmons explains how these disparities affect diagnosis, treatment outcomes, and patient trust, and why culturally competent care is essential in dermatology. Education sits at the center of Dr. Simmons’ work. She emphasizes the importance of teaching patients how to understand their skin and make informed decisions, while also preparing future dermatologists to provide equitable, empathetic care.

Dr. Simmons discusses how patients often seek out Black dermatologists not only for medical expertise, but for relatability and trust. To expand access to accurate information, Dr. Simmons created Get the SKIN-E, an educational platform designed to counter misinformation and help patients navigate skincare trends that can sometimes cause more harm than good, especially when advice fails to consider diverse skin types and tones. However, Dr. Simmons emphasizes that dermatologists should understand diverse skin types, but that, depending on whether they trained in a homogeneous region, their education may be limited. This episode emphasizes that self-advocacy is valuable and that you can always ask for a referral if you feel your skin is not being treated properly.

Focused on educating others, Dr. Simmons is passionate about mentorship and the future of dermatology. She highlights the need to support trainees holistically, addressing both their professional development and personal well-being. She also calls for greater diversity in clinical trials, noting that inclusive research is critical to improving outcomes for all patients. Through education, advocacy, and representation, Dr. Simmons continues to push the field of dermatology toward a more informed, inclusive, and patient-centered future.

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

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.

With a background in healthcare investment banking and years of hands-on experience guiding independent physician groups through mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships, Michael Kroin, CEO and Managing Partner of Physician Growth Partners, knows that selling a medical practice isn’t just a financial decision. In this episode of That’s Derm Good!, Michael joins Janelle to unpack what private equity looks like for dermatologists and aesthetic practice owners today.

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.

Michael Kroin offers clear, no-fluff insight into a landscape that’s often confusing or intimidating. He explains why private equity has become a hot topic in dermatology, what physicians should look for in a partner, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Throughout the conversation, Michael emphasizes a founder-first approach; one that protects the identity of the practice, respects the team, and prioritizes long-term sustainability over short-term gains. He also addresses the role of younger physicians in succession planning, the evolution of aesthetics-focused partnerships, and what the current market tells us about timing and opportunity.

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This episode also explores what practice owners can do before they’re ready to sell, whether that means organizing their finances, clarifying long-term goals, or identifying potential gaps in operations or leadership. Michael shares what makes a practice attractive to buyers and how owners can prepare years in advance to keep their options open and their values intact.

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

Recognizing early signs of vein disease can significantly improve long-term outcomes. Dr. Amanda Cooper and her work at Acrobus Vein and Vitality (formerly Polaris Vein Center), where vein treatment, aesthetics, and whole-person wellness come together. Dr. Cooper explains that her background in diagnostic radiology uniquely positions her to identify and treat vein disease, enabling her to look beyond surface symptoms and understand what’s happening beneath the 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.

A key focus of the episode is awareness. Dr. Cooper explains that many patients live with symptoms, such as leg heaviness, swelling, fatigue, or discomfort, without realizing they are connected to vein disease. While spider veins are often considered cosmetic, varicose veins signal a chronic medical condition that can worsen over time if left untreated.

Dr. Amanda Cooper thoroughly explains what patients can expect after treatment, including the importance of compression stockings, follow-up appointments, and ongoing monitoring to support healing and long-term success.

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Beyond treatment, Dr. Cooper highlights the value of preventative care. Lifestyle factors such as movement, nutrition, and understanding one’s family history all play a role in vein health. She also connects vein care to broader wellness, explaining how hormone optimization can help reduce the risk of more serious health issues and support overall vitality.

Nutrition is another cornerstone of the conversation. Throughout the episode, Dr. Cooper reflects on the unexpected lessons she’s learned in her medical career and emphasizes that what we eat directly affects circulation, inflammation, and long-term health, reinforcing that vein care doesn’t exist in isolation.

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

Outcomes improve when practitioners work together, learn from one another, and operate within well-structured medical teams. In this insightful episode, Janelle Ball sits down with Tracey Mancuso, founder of The Derma Room, for a forward-thinking conversation on how aesthetic medicine is evolving and what practitioners and patients need to know to advance the industry safely and ethically, beyond the buttonology of device use.

She underscores the importance of active medical directors who are engaged in daily practice, not just on paper, especially as energy-based devices and advanced technologies become more widely used.

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.

Tracey Mancuso shares how the field of aesthetics has shifted from a narrow focus on beautification to a more holistic, patient-centered emphasis on long-term skin health. Rather than chasing trends or quick fixes, today’s most effective practices prioritize understanding the skin, treating it responsibly, and supporting patients with thoughtful, individualized care.

Education emerges as a cornerstone of safe and effective aesthetic medicine. Tracey advocates for accessible, high-quality education for practitioners and patients. A deeper understanding of energy-based treatments, including lasers, is critical to ensuring safety, managing risk, and achieving optimal results. Misconceptions about laser treatments, particularly the belief that they are “one-size-fits-all,” can lead to poor outcomes when providers lack proper training or fail to account for different skin types.

ADVERTISER: A message from Sun Pharmaceuticals: For patients with locally advanced basal cell carcinoma who are not candidates for further surgery or radiation, hedgehog pathway inhibitors offer a targeted systemic approach. Staying current on these therapies can help you expand options for appropriate patients.

Looking ahead, Tracey shares her perspective on the future of aesthetic medicine, pointing to regenerative practices, continued innovation, and the need for more affordable, accessible education across the industry. Her vision focuses on raising standards, improving safety, and ensuring practitioners and patients are empowered with the knowledge they need.

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

Eczema can affect your sleep, clothing choices, whether you shower or choose to wear eyeglasses one day. As an Ambassador of the National Eczema Association, Chava B. Wald explains how accepting her differences and using every opportunity as a teachable moment have changed her life. In this episode of That’s Derm Good!, Chava invites you to explore what it truly means to live with a chronic skin condition.

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.

Chava opens up about her personal journey with eczema, offering an honest look at the daily realities many people never see. From constant decision-making about clothing, treatments, and social situations to navigating frustration, stigma, and exhaustion, she illustrates how eczema affects far more than just the skin. Her experiences highlight the often overlooked mind & body connection, showing how stress, emotions, and mental health can directly impact physical symptoms.

ADVERTISER: A message from Sun Pharmaceuticals: For patients with locally advanced basal cell carcinoma who are not candidates for further surgery or radiation, hedgehog pathway inhibitors offer a targeted systemic approach. Staying current on these therapies can help you expand options for appropriate patients.

The theme of the episode is storytelling and advocacy. Whether Chava is being memorable by sharing chocolate cupcakes with students or participating in clinical trials, Chava is making an impact on an individual and systemic level. This episode is a reminder that eczema is not just a medical issue—it’s a human experience. And when patients are heard, supported, and empowered, meaningful change becomes possible.

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