Editorial Advisory Board Members and Editors Share What They’re Thankful For

As the holiday weekend begins, the Editorial Board Advisory members and the editors of Dermatology Times® share what they’re thankful for this year in the industry.

Tina Alster, MD, FAAD, director of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery in Washington, DC

"I am grateful that I am able to practice in a specialty that is not only intellectually stimulating, but also provides many opportunities to contribute to the advancement of the profession and its impact on patient care. In the course of my professional career, the scope of dermatology has grown exponentially- I appreciate the efforts of my colleagues and industry partners who have made that possible. I am honored to have learned so much from my patients and students who inspire me to expand my perspectives. Lastly, I am thankful for my family, friends, and staff who have supported my efforts. I look forward to a new year of exciting discovery and collaborative growth on both a personal and professional front."

Christopher Bunick, MD, PhD, associate professor of dermatology at Yale University in Middlebury, Connecticut

“I am thankful for a return to more normalcy in the clinic and in society post-covid. A return to more normal interactions with people and patients with less fears about the severity of covid illness. Also, the increased ability to travel and meet dermatology colleagues across the country.”

Helen Torok, MD, medical director for the Dermatology & Surgery Center at Trillium Creek in Medina, Ohio

“I am grateful for the plethora of drugs that are available to treat chronic conditions and give hope to our adult and pediatric patients.”

Mark Lebwohl, MD, dean for clinical therapeutics and chair emeritus at the Kimberly and Eric J. Waldman Department of Dermatology at the Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York

“I am grateful for multiple new drug approvals that are allowing us to take better care of our patients including new topical therapies (roflumilast and tapinarof); new oral therapies (deucravacitinib); and new biologics (spesolimab) for psoriasis, not to mention breakthroughs in alopecia areata and atopic dermatitis.”

Renata Block, MMS, PA-C at Advanced Dermatology & Aesthetic Medicine in Chicago, Illinois

“I am truly grateful for the dermatological innovations that give our patients new treatment options and improve their quality of life.”

Will Kirby, DO, FAOCD, chief medical officer at LaserAway

“We are truly blessed to be in such an abundant specialty and there is no higher virtue than sharing our good fortunes with our healthcare colleagues through training, education, and collaboration. As such, this holiday season I’m most grateful for the growth of degree diversity and inclusion we are witnessing in our industry.”

Ranella Hirsch, MD, FAAD, president of Skincare Doctors in Cambridge, Massachusetts

“In the practice of dermatology, it is the distinct privilege and ability to treat conditions that disproportionately impact people’s lives. While not typically life-threatening, people often greatly underestimate just how much cutaneous disease affects people. As a dermatology entrepreneur, it has been incredible to take what I know about skin and skincare and couple with cutting edge technology to try and elevate the space as a whole.”

Zoe Diana Draelos, MD, founder of Dermatology Consulting Services in High Point, North Carolina

“I am grateful to finally beto purchase preserved saline. These medical materials are basics required in dermatology and have been almost impossible to get earlier in the year.”

Corey Hartman, MD, FAAD, founder and medical director of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama

“I’m thankful for the camaraderie and community that exists among dermatologists as we face obstacles and adversaries to our field every day.”

Joel Schlessinger MD, FAAD, president and CEO of LovelySkin in Omaha, Nebraska

“I am thankful for my staff, my family, good health, and the ability to practice in the profession I love. We take so much for granted and find fault with the little things, while forgetting that these bigger things are what matters.”

Lois Levine, Associate Editorial Director

"As an editor on this brand, I am thankful for such an engaged editorial advisory board, and all the various health care practitioners I have met along the way that have educated me on so much in this space! I have learned about the new JAK inhibitors to help ease the burden of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, as well as vitiligo; how genome research is now playing a role in the aesthetic industry; and all the new devices being used for both healing and aesthetic use in dermatologic practice. Such an exciting, progressive brand to be a part of: how lucky am I.”

Carrie Nagorka, Senior Editor

“As a new senior editor on the dermatology brand, I am thankful for the warm welcome I have received; not only from colleagues but from the health care practitioners I have gotten to know in just a few short months. They have been overwhelmingly patient, friendly, and willing to help out with my requests, whether it be an expert comment or opinion, a podcast or video interview, or advice. Having a group of professionals at my fingertips helps us produce high-quality, informative content every week. I have learned so much about the ever-evolving and growing industry and look forward to all the medical breakthroughs, approvals and technology that 2023 will bring to the field of dermatology.”

Kaitlyn Bader, Associate Editor

“I’m thankful for this group of Editorial Advisory Board members and other dermatologic professionals I have met along the way who inspire passion and innovation in every discussion we have. From FDA approvals, new clinical trial results, or conference sessions, everyone I’ve spoken to in this field is working towards the same goal of providing safe and effective treatment options for every disease state. 2022 was an exciting year for approvals such as deucravacitinib and roflumilast cream, I’m excited to see what 2023 holds.”