SKIN DEEP

Skin Deep
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  • Self-Improvement

Welcome to Skin Deep—the podcast where Dr. Anna Chacón, Miami’s dermatologist and beauty guru, dives into all things skin, beauty, and wellness! From the science behind serums to trending beauty hacks, Dr. Chacón delivers expert insights to elevate your skincare routine. Each episode features cheeky fun, serious education, and special guests from the beauty, medical, and wellness industries. And of course, her co-host, Gnocchi—the social media sensation and rescued parrot—adds extra charm and laughs. Ready to care for your skin and yourself? Subscribe now and join the Skin Deep community.

  1. 12h ago

    Fighting the System: Dr. Muhamad Aly Rifai’s Telehealth Legal Triumph

    “Even when the system seems unbeatable, persistence, evidence, and truth can prevail.” - Dr. Rifai Dr. Anna Chacon, board-certified dermatologist and host of Skin Deep, welcomes Dr. Muhamad Aly Rifai — triple-board-certified in internal medicine, psychiatry, and addiction medicine. A genuine telehealth pioneer since 2006, Dr. Rifai helped build the nation's first emergency telehealth system and co-authored the field's early clinical guidelines. What does it cost to be ahead of your time? He knows firsthand. His book, Doctor Not Guilty, hit number one on Amazon in mental health and health law. His core message: impeccable documentation isn't just best practice — when the government comes knocking, it becomes your entire defense. The episode covers every stage of Dr. Rifai's seven-year ordeal: a Medicare audit in 2017, a federal indictment in 2022, and a five-day trial in May 2024 that ended with a "not guilty on all charges" verdict in just two hours. Can one physician really beat the Department of Justice? Dr. Rifai walks through the investigation tactics physicians rarely see coming — secret bank access, four consecutive IRS audits, staff intimidation. He also spotlights landmark physician cases, including one now petitioned to the U.S. Supreme Court, and resources for doctors who need support today. Dr. Muhamad Aly Rifai is board-certified in internal medicine, psychiatry, and addiction medicine, with over 15 years in private practice. A telehealth pioneer since 2006, he helped establish the nation's first emergency telehealth system and authored foundational guidelines for the field. In May 2024, he was acquitted on all counts of federal healthcare fraud following a landmark five-day trial. His memoir, Doctor Not Guilty — a number one Amazon bestseller in mental health and health law — chronicles that journey. He now advocates for physicians facing legal challenges through www.shield.expert. In This Episode: (00:00) Dr. Rifai shares his telehealth career and the book that came from his legal fight (06:36) Inside the investigation: how a 2017 Medicare audit became a federal indictment (12:54) Other physicians who fought back — and the case now before the Supreme Court (17:00) How Dr. Rifai protected 20,000 patients' trust and fought back through the media Share with a dermatology pro you know, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes! About the show: Welcome to Skin Deep, a podcast designed for dermatology professionals. Host Dr. Anna Chacon, a distinguished dermatologist and author, shares her unique experiences and offers valuable insights on the future of dermatology, including telemedicine and teledermatology in reaching underserved communities. Dr. Chacon provides actionable recommendations for dermatology practices, emphasizing compassion, patient education, and staying current with advancements in the field. About the host: Dr. Anna Chacon, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Indigenous Dermatology, specializes in treating patients in remote and rural communities. As the first dermatologist serving Alaska's Bush region, she travels by bush plane to reach isolated communities. Dr. Chacon holds medical licenses in all 50 states, DC, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, providing both in-person and teledermatology services. Resources: Dr. Muhamad Aly Rifai: Website: www.alyrifai.com Practice (Blue Mountain Psychiatry): www.bluepsychiatry.org LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alyrifai SHIELD — Support and Help in Ethical Legal Defense: Chapters (00:00:00) - Dr. Muhammad Ali Refai on Trial for Healthcare Fraud(00:06:55) - Ex-Telehealth Employee Accused of Fraud(00:11:34) - Viraj Gupta on the IRS Audit(00:14:57) - The COVID Pandemic physician case(00:17:28) - Physicians facing criminal prosecutions

    24 min
  2. From Scalpel to Strategy: Dr. Samuel Sarmiento on Building Juniper Life Sciences Beyond Clinical Medicine

    May 21

    From Scalpel to Strategy: Dr. Samuel Sarmiento on Building Juniper Life Sciences Beyond Clinical Medicine

    What drives a surgeon to leave the operating room? Dr. Anna Chacon welcomes Dr. Samuel Sarmiento, a physician-turned-strategy consultant who transformed his medical career into entrepreneurial success. Dr. Sarmiento, founder and CEO of Juniper Life Sciences, brings a unique blend of surgical training from Mayo Clinic and dual graduate degrees from Johns Hopkins University in public health and business administration. His boutique consulting firm specializes in health, wellness, and digital health companies, from supplement brands to biotechnology startups. Dr. Sarmiento's journey reveals the importance of aligning professional choices with personal values and recognizing burnout before it takes hold. This conversation explores the critical decision points facing physicians considering non-traditional career paths. Topics include the practical value of MPH and MBA degrees for healthcare professionals, strategies for physicians experiencing burnout, and the role of self-reflection in career transitions. Dr. Sarmiento shares his passion for language learning—he speaks seven languages—and discusses how it enhances cultural competence and business relationships. The episode also addresses emerging trends in healthcare, particularly artificial intelligence's potential to reduce administrative burden and improve patient care, while maintaining the irreplaceable human element of medicine. Dr. Samuel Sarmiento is a physician-turned-strategy consultant specializing in health, wellness, and digital health sectors. Originally from Ecuador, he completed his surgical internship at Mayo Clinic before earning dual graduate degrees in Public Health and Business Administration from Johns Hopkins University. He founded Juniper Life Sciences, a boutique consulting firm helping companies innovate through strategic consulting and clinical research. A polyglot speaking seven languages, Dr. Sarmiento is exploring AI's role in reducing physician burnout and envisions creating a holistic healing center in Ecuador integrating physical, mental, and spiritual wellness. In This Episode: (00:00) Dr. Samuel Sarmiento shares his path from Ecuador to Mayo Clinic and discovering consulting wasn't the right fit (03:14) Family influence and maintaining cultural identity while building a career in the United States (05:52) The real value of public health and business degrees for physicians considering entrepreneurial paths (10:36) Language learning as a tool for cultural competence and enhanced business relationships (15:42) Essential advice for physicians considering entrepreneurship or experiencing clinical burnout Share with a dermatology pro you know, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes! About the show: Welcome to Skin Deep, a podcast designed for dermatology professionals. Host Dr. Anna Chacon, a distinguished dermatologist and author, shares her unique experiences and offers valuable insights on the future of dermatology, including telemedicine and teledermatology in reaching underserved communities. Dr. Chacon provides actionable recommendations for dermatology practices, emphasizing compassion, patient education, and staying current with advancements in the field. About the host: Dr. Anna Chacon, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Indigenous Dermatology, specializes in treating patients in remote and rural communities. As the first dermatologist serving Alaska's Bush region, she travels by bush plane to reach isolated communities. Dr. Chacon holds medical licenses in all 50 states, DC, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, providing both in-person and teledermatology services. Resources: Website: jun... Chapters (00:00:00) - Top 10 non-clinical professionals in the life sciences(00:02:07) - What was it that made you think that you didn't want that(00:03:22) - Dr. Junipero Serra on His Family and Juniper(00:06:00) - Post-Post-Bacc MS in Business and Public Health(00:08:26) - What are some of the biggest challenges facing your practice?(00:09:49) - Teaching Yourself Five Languages As an Adult(00:14:14) - Are You More Productive As an Entrepreneur?(00:15:51) - What advice would you give to physicians considering a transition into entrepreneurship,(00:18:02) - In the Elevator With Dr. Remarkable

    20 min

  3. May 7

    Building a Virtual Practice: Dr. Joshua Engle on Telemedicine, Patient Acquisition, and Healthcare Innovation

    What if your smartphone camera could capture your complete vital signs during a virtual doctor visit—no wearable required? Dr. Anna Chacon welcomes Dr. Joshua Engle, founder of With You MD, a virtual-first medical practice specializing in primary care and chronic care management for Medicare and Medicaid populations. Dr. Engle completed his training at USC and Harvard's Beth Israel, where he developed a passion for medical technology through programs pairing medical students with engineering students. His background includes working on pediatric seizure monitoring devices and neuroradiology research. Today, Dr. Engle champions telemedicine as a powerful tool to serve historically underserved populations through CCM and RPM billing codes. How did COVID-19 accelerate the acceptance of virtual care in healthcare? The conversation explores Dr. Engle's entrepreneurial journey from academic medicine to launching With You MD, his strategies for patient acquisition through social media and networking, and the challenges of staffing a virtual practice. Dr. Engle shares insights from his podcast "Your First 100," discusses practical advice on EMR selection and hiring philosophy, and reveals his excitement about remote photoplethysmography (RPPG)—emerging technology that could revolutionize telehealth by capturing full vital signs through a smartphone camera. Dr. Joshua Engle is a graduate of USC Keck School of Medicine who completed his internship at Loyola MacNeal Hospital and post-doctoral research at Harvard's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. As founder of With You MD, he combines medical technology with wellness to serve Medicare and Medicaid populations. Before medical school, Dr. Engle launched a nonprofit providing over 3,000 free blood pressure screenings in underserved communities. Selected for USC's prestigious Health, Technology, and Engineering program, he pioneered work in neuroimaging for early disease detection. At With You MD, Dr. Engle ensures all medical technology undergoes rigorous clinical validation. In This Episode: (00:00) From USC to healthcare entrepreneurship: Dr. Engle's medical technology journey (04:40) Choosing entrepreneurship over traditional hospital practice (09:24) Patient acquisition strategies: social media, networking, and organic growth (15:48) Building a virtual practice: platforms, technology, and With You MD's approach (19:35) The staffing challenge: hiring philosophy and setting expectations for success (27:52) The future of virtual care: remote photoplethysmography and emerging health tech Share with a dermatology pro you know, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes! About the show: Welcome to Skin Deep, a podcast designed for dermatology professionals. Host Dr. Anna Chacon, a distinguished dermatologist and author, shares her unique experiences and offers valuable insights on the future of dermatology, including telemedicine and teledermatology in reaching underserved communities. Dr. Chacon provides actionable recommendations for dermatology practices, emphasizing compassion, patient education, and staying current with advancements in the field. About the host: Dr. Anna Chacon, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Indigenous Dermatology, specializes in treating patients in remote and rural communities. As the first dermatologist serving Alaska's Bush region, she travels by bush plane to reach isolated communities. Dr. Chacon holds medical licenses in all 50 states, DC, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, providing both in-person and teledermatology services. Resources: Dr. Joshua Engle / With Yo... Chapters (00:00:00) - Dr. Joshua Engel on Virtual First Medical Practice(00:02:18) - How I got into telemedicine: My story(00:04:53) - Post-Post-Residency Care: How did you structure your(00:08:12) - Do you have any in-person care?(00:09:34) - How Do You Usually Get Patients to Attend Your Practice?(00:17:34) - EMRs for Virtual Clinics, which one do you use(00:19:22) - How to Train and Manage a Medical Practice Staff(00:23:12) - How to Get the Best Out of Your Staff(00:24:00) - Inspiring physicians: Suzy Baldwin(00:25:04) - Do you do any angel investing in healthcare startups?(00:26:41) - Startups in healthcare: How to get started(00:28:10) - What's next for Virtual Healthcare?

    31 min

  4. Apr 23

    Navigating Compliance and Entrepreneurship in Digital Health: Insights from Phoebe Gutierrez

    Are you unknowingly violating Medicaid rules that could trigger a license investigation? Dr. Anna Chacon welcomes Phoebe Gutierrez, a compliance and operations expert with over 12 years of experience as a California state regulator overseeing Medicaid programs. Phoebe is the founder of Camino Strategy, a boutique consulting firm specializing in digital health compliance, and co-hosts a weekly podcast on digital health innovation. Her unique background bridges government regulation and entrepreneurship, positioning her as a vital resource for physicians navigating the complex landscape of telehealth, medical directorships, and multi-state licensure. What drives her work? A fierce commitment to protecting clinicians from inadvertent compliance violations that could jeopardize their licenses. This conversation explores the hidden compliance pitfalls physicians face in digital health, from balance billing violations in Medicaid to state-specific medical director requirements. How can doctors protect their licenses when working with telehealth startups? Phoebe reveals the critical differences between IMLC and traditional licensure, discusses which states have the strictest enforcement, and explains why Maryland's delegation rules catch so many practitioners off guard. The episode also examines regulatory changes on the horizon, including prescribing restrictions and FTC investigations into subscription-based telehealth models. Will the future of healthcare be purely virtual, or are we heading toward a hybrid model? Phoebe shares her insights on balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood while building a thriving consulting practice. Phoebe Gutierrez is a healthcare compliance and operations expert with over 12 years of experience as a California state regulator overseeing Medicaid programs. She investigated fraud, developed policy, and collaborated with the Medical Board of California. Now founder of Camino Strategy, a boutique consulting firm, Phoebe helps digital health startups build compliant operational structures. Based in Sacramento with four children, she comes from a family of entrepreneurs and co-hosts a weekly podcast on digital health innovation. Her mission: protecting physicians from inadvertent compliance violations in the rapidly evolving telehealth landscape. In This Episode: (00:00) Phoebe Gutierrez - background in compliance and protecting physicians from inadvertent violations (05:10) Understanding balance billing violations and how compliance investigations begin (10:47) The risks physicians face when working with digital health startups (16:17) Resources and networks for strengthening compliance knowledge in healthcare (20:32) Entrepreneurship, family business legacy, and building Camino Strategy (25:18) State-specific regulations that catch medical directors off guard (30:12) The future of telehealth and why hybrid models will dominate (35:19) Upcoming regulatory changes in prescribing rules and FTC oversight Share with a dermatology pro you know, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes! About the show: Welcome to Skin Deep, a podcast designed for dermatology professionals. Host Dr. Anna Chacon, a distinguished dermatologist and author, shares her unique experiences and offers valuable insights on the future of dermatology, including telemedicine and teledermatology in reaching underserved communities. Dr. Chacon provides actionable recommendations for dermatology practices, emphasizing compassion, patient education, and staying current with advancements in the field. About the host: Dr. Anna Chacon, boa... Chapters (00:00:00) - Skin Group: Digital Health Compliance(00:01:24) - Obamacare compliance advocate on Medicaid fraud(00:08:13) - Transition from Medicaid to telehealth(00:09:19) - Do I Need IMLC Status for Telehealth?(00:15:01) - Between the Consulting and Working With Startups(00:16:40) - Where to Gain Remote Healthcare Compliance Knowledge?(00:20:55) - Single AIM and the Camino Consulting that you run(00:23:18) - Are the rules for telehealth in states strict?(00:27:39) - Do you have certain law firms that are specialized in this area?(00:29:14) - Do You Need a Virtual Office?(00:33:05) - How Did I Meet My Podcast Host Leo on Skype(00:35:18) - What Regulatory Changes Should Telehealth Be Aware of?(00:38:13) - HMS CEO on Federal regulations for prescription drugs

    40 min
  5. Redefining Success: Dr. Rami Wehbi on Career Pivots and the Match Day Fellowship

    Apr 9

    Redefining Success: Dr. Rami Wehbi on Career Pivots and the Match Day Fellowship

    What happens when physicians realize their $300,000 debt has created golden handcuffs they can never escape? Dr. Anna Chacon welcomes Dr. Rami Wehbi, a former family physician who transformed burnout into entrepreneurship. As Founder and CEO of Match Day Health and host of The Dream Job Podcast, Rami guides healthcare professionals through strategic career transitions beyond clinical practice. His journey began during COVID when he dropped out of residency, struggled with an identity crisis, and eventually became VP of Clinical Operations for an AI startup. After raising over $1 million in funding, he built Match Day—a six-month paid fellowship offering personalized coaching, job placement support, and access to a curated network of 600 healthcare leaders. This conversation tackles the harsh realities behind medical training's golden handcuffs. Why do residents tolerate systemic abuse with $300,000+ debt hanging over them? How can healthcare professionals leverage existing skills in non-clinical roles when the system forces them to "basically go to jail" for three to five years? Rami dispels myths about easy career pivots, emphasizing that transitions require thick skin, strategic planning, and facing inevitable rejection. From the broken residency hierarchy to Match Day's structured fellowship model, they explore what it takes to bet on yourself and build a purpose-driven career beyond the bedside. Dr. Rami Wehbi is a physician-turned-entrepreneur who transformed burnout during residency into Match Day Health—a six-month fellowship helping healthcare professionals transition into non-clinical roles. After raising over $1 million in funding, Rami and his team provide personalized coaching, job placement support, and access to a curated network of 600+ healthcare leaders and hiring managers. He also hosts The Dream Job Podcast (formerly Beyond Medicine), sharing stories of career transformation across the healthcare landscape. In This Episode: (00:00) Dr. Rami Wehbi's journey from burned-out resident to health tech founder (06:31) The hidden costs of medical training and inevitable career rejection (11:30) Why residency needs reform: "basically go to jail" for your future (17:20) Building Match Day from a top 15 podcast to million-dollar fellowship (22:10) Golden handcuffs: why physician transitions are harder than other clinicians Share with a dermatology pro you know, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes! About the show: Welcome to Skin Deep, a podcast designed for dermatology professionals. Host Dr. Anna Chacon, a distinguished dermatologist and author, shares her unique experiences and offers valuable insights on the future of dermatology, including telemedicine and teledermatology in reaching underserved communities. Dr. Chacon provides actionable recommendations for dermatology practices, emphasizing compassion, patient education, and staying current with advancements in the field. About the host: Dr. Anna Chacon, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Indigenous Dermatology, specializes in treating patients in remote and rural communities. As the first dermatologist serving Alaska's Bush region, she travels by bush plane to reach isolated communities. Dr. Chacon holds medical licenses in all 50 states, DC, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, providing both in-person and teledermatology services. Resources: Match Day Health - https://www.matchday.health/bmg-matchday-health LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramiwehbi/ The... Chapters (00:00:04) - Meet Dr. Ana Chacon(00:01:00) - Obamacare compliance officer: Fraud and corruption(00:07:49) - Transition from Medicaid to telehealth(00:08:56) - Do you Need IMLC Status for Telehealth?(00:13:41) - How Did You Do This and Have Four Kids at the Same Time(00:14:38) - Mixing Consulting and Startup Work(00:16:17) - What resources or networks do healthcare professionals need to strengthen compliance knowledge?(00:20:32) - Are Single Aim and Camino Consulting 100% Your Business?(00:22:55) - Are the state rules for telehealth in general?(00:27:15) - When to hire a lawyer in healthcare?(00:28:50) - Do You Need a Virtual Office to See Your Patients?(00:32:41) - How Did I Meet My Doctor on-Air?(00:34:55) - What Regulatory Changes Should Telehealth Be Aware of?(00:37:50) - HMS CEO on the Federal Paying Rules

    40 min
  6. Medicine on Trial: Navigating Legal Risk, Patient Care & Physician Survival - Gita Pensa, MD

    Mar 26

    Medicine on Trial: Navigating Legal Risk, Patient Care & Physician Survival - Gita Pensa, MD

    If you were served legal papers at work tomorrow, would you know who to call and what your rights are? Dr. Anna Chacon welcomes Dr. Gita Pensa, an emergency physician who survived a devastating 12-year malpractice case that fundamentally changed how she practices and teaches medicine. What began as a seemingly routine patient encounter in 2006 evolved into two jury trials, an appellate reversal, and an exhausting journey through a system few physicians truly understand. How do you maintain clinical excellence when every decision feels like it might define your career? Dr. Pensa's transformation from isolated defendant to informed advocate offers critical lessons for physicians navigating today's complex medico-legal landscape. The conversation explores essential realities physicians face: understanding liability in follow-up care, recognizing the difference between adverse outcomes and malpractice, navigating insurance company decisions, and managing the emotional toll of litigation. Dr. Pensa shares hard-won insights about state-specific legal climates, medical board investigations, the true timeline of legal proceedings, and why understanding the system you're operating in matters more than expecting fairness. This episode provides practical guidance on protecting your practice, your mental health, and your ability to provide excellent patient care when the stakes are highest. Dr. Gita Pensa is an emergency physician and Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Brown University's Warren Alpert School of Medicine, where she has practiced since 2001. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (1997), Dr. Pensa survived a 12-year malpractice case that transformed her into a physician defendant well-being coach and consultant. She formerly hosted AEM Early Access podcast and regularly contributes to Emergency Medicine Reviews and Perspectives (EM:RAP), co-hosting its UC Max program. Dr. Pensa's honors include the 2018 National Faculty Mentor of the Year award and RI ACEP's Special Service Recognition Award for courageous advocacy. In This Episode: (0:22) The patient encounter that sparked a 12-year legal battle (5:07) Liability concerns around patient follow-up and system limitations (10:46) Understanding your malpractice insurance and coverage gaps (14:46) Why settlements don't mean what you think they mean (17:01) Surviving two trials and learning to navigate the legal system (20:19) Medical board investigations and credential disclosure requirements Share with a dermatology pro you know, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes! About the show: Welcome to Skin Deep, a podcast designed for dermatology professionals. Host Dr. Anna Chacon, a distinguished dermatologist and author, shares her unique experiences and offers valuable insights on the future of dermatology, including telemedicine and teledermatology in reaching underserved communities. Dr. Chacon provides actionable recommendations for dermatology practices, emphasizing compassion, patient education, and staying current with advancements in the field. About the host: Dr. Anna Chacon, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Indigenous Dermatology, specializes in treating patients in remote and rural communities. As the first dermatologist serving Alaska's Bush region, she travels by bush plane to reach isolated communities. Dr. Chacon holds medical licenses in all 50 states, DC, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, providing both in-person and teledermatology services. Resources: Website: Chapters (00:00:00) - Ana Chacon on Medical malpractice litigation(00:03:53) - The doctor in the ER case(00:07:17) - Dr. Got ghosted by his patient(00:09:55) - Malpractice Insurance: What Does It Cover?(00:12:43) - The Importance of Going to Trial(00:17:04) - How to Win a Medical malpractice Case(00:22:13) - Insurance company sues for fraud

    24 min
  7. Breaking Free: Rewriting the Rules of Medicine, Mindset, and Self-Worth - Brittany Busse, MD

    Mar 12

    Breaking Free: Rewriting the Rules of Medicine, Mindset, and Self-Worth - Brittany Busse, MD

    How does a physician turn personal struggle into professional purpose? Dr. Anna Chacon welcomes Dr. Brittany Busse, a physician and healthcare disruptor who has transformed systemic challenges into powerful solutions for independent practitioners. Specializing in addiction, trauma, and mental health, Dr. Busse left surgical residency at UC Davis after experiencing discrimination and sexual harassment. Rather than let adversity define her, she founded the ViTel Health Physician Services Cooperative and now champions alternative revenue streams through remote patient monitoring and chronic care management. Dr. Busse shares her path from burnout to building a movement that empowers doctors to reclaim autonomy. This conversation explores the hidden discrimination in medical training, the courage required to walk away from traditional pathways, and the victim-to-visionary mindset shift that changes everything. Can physicians truly thrive outside insurance-based models? Dr. Busse discusses overcoming fear and shame when starting private practices, finding your first 100 patients through authentic passion, and why the overachiever's trap keeps doctors from taking risks. The episode reveals how precision medicine, concierge care, and physician cooperatives are reshaping healthcare delivery while addressing the systemic abuse that drives physician burnout and threatens the future of independent practice. In This Episode: (00:00) Dr. Brittany Busse - from telehealth startup pioneer to founding a physician cooperative that helps doctors find alternative revenue streams (05:35) Surviving systemic abuse in medical training and why most residents stay silent about discrimination and harassment they experience (14:21) The real cost of healthcare consolidation and why employed physicians are losing autonomy while corporate systems prioritize profit over care (31:47) Why the victim mindset keeps physicians trapped and how reclaiming your narrative changes everything about your practice (37:09) Conquering the overachiever's trap and marketing fears that prevent physicians from launching successful independent practices (40:59) Finding your first 100 patients through authentic passion and why you don't need a million followers to thrive Share with a dermatology pro you know, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes! About the show: Welcome to Skin Deep, a podcast designed for dermatology professionals. Host Dr. Anna Chacon, a distinguished dermatologist and author, shares her unique experiences and offers valuable insights on the future of dermatology, including telemedicine and teledermatology in reaching underserved communities. Dr. Chacon provides actionable recommendations for dermatology practices, emphasizing compassion, patient education, and staying current with advancements in the field. About the host: Dr. Anna Chacon, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Indigenous Dermatology, specializes in treating patients in remote and rural communities. As the first dermatologist serving Alaska's Bush region, she travels by bush plane to reach isolated communities. Dr. Chacon holds medical licenses in all 50 states, DC, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, providing both in-person and teledermatology services. Resources: Website: https://www.physician-cooperative.com Main Platform: https://www.vitelhealth.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanybussemd/ Podcast: Your First 100 for Medical Practices &am... Chapters (00:00:00) - How to Get Out of the Trap(00:00:31) - How to Change Healthcare Through Remote Medical Care(00:08:32) - One Residency Doctor's Fight for Personal Rights(00:12:07) - Patients speak out about their residency experiences(00:20:41) - Bradley on the Retinal Injury(00:28:10) - On the culture of surgical residency(00:31:43) - How to survive a Medical Services Organization relationship(00:37:12) - How do you get paired with telehealth companies?(00:39:45) - Start your own practice with White Glove

    44 min
  8. Rooted in Nature, Driven by Purpose: Building Skin Resilience in a Modern World - Dr Marianna Blyumin-Karasik, MD FAAD

    Feb 26

    Rooted in Nature, Driven by Purpose: Building Skin Resilience in a Modern World - Dr Marianna Blyumin-Karasik, MD FAAD

    What are adaptogens, and why did one dermatologist believe they were the answer to COVID-era skin pathology? Dr. Anna Chacon welcomes board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marianna Blyumin-Karasik, MD FAAD, co-founder of Precision Skin and Body Institute and creator of Stamina Cosmetics. Dr. Blyumin-Karasik shares her remarkable journey from childhood in the Soviet Union—where summers by the lake and forest therapy shaped her worldview—to establishing a thriving holistic dermatology practice in South Florida. Her approach centers on patient education, comprehensive algorithmic care, and the belief that true skin health requires addressing internal wellness, immune balance, and lifestyle factors alongside clinical treatment. What inspired her unique philosophy? How does connecting with nature inform modern dermatological practice? The conversation explores the intersection of traditional dermatology and integrative wellness, examining how stress manifests in skin conditions and why adaptogenic ingredients matter for skin resilience. Dr. Blyumin-Karasik discusses building Precision Skin and Body Institute with her co-founder Dr. Leslie Clark—including opening the practice just weeks after giving birth to twins. She reveals the inspiration behind Stamina Cosmetics, developed during the COVID-19 pandemic when patients' stress-induced skin pathology reached crisis levels. The episode concludes with essential advice for emerging dermatologists: stay true to scientific integrity, resist trendy procedures lacking evidence, and build patient trust through education and credibility rather than chasing social media trends. In This Episode: (00:00) From Soviet Estonia to becoming a dermatologist: How nature, immigration, and family values shaped a holistic practice philosophy (06:30) The serendipitous discovery: When one mysterious hospital rash revealed dermatology as a window to internal medicine (13:00) Building Precision Skin Institute: Opening a comprehensive practice weeks after giving birth to twins (19:00) Creating Stamina Cosmetics: Responding to COVID-era stress with adaptogenic ingredients and wellness rituals (24:00) The entrepreneurship journey: Self-funding skincare, banking support, and the power of knowing your "why" (28:09) Advice for emerging dermatologists: Stay true to scientific integrity over social media trends Share with a dermatology pro you know, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes! About the show: Welcome to Skin Deep, a podcast designed for dermatology professionals. Host Dr. Anna Chacon, a distinguished dermatologist and author, shares her unique experiences and offers valuable insights on the future of dermatology, including telemedicine and teledermatology in reaching underserved communities. Dr. Chacon provides actionable recommendations for dermatology practices, emphasizing compassion, patient education, and staying current with advancements in the field. About the host: Dr. Anna Chacon, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Indigenous Dermatology, specializes in treating patients in remote and rural communities. As the first dermatologist serving Alaska's Bush region, she travels by bush plane to reach isolated communities. Dr. Chacon holds medical licenses in all 50 states, DC, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, providing both in-person and teledermatology services. Resources: Precision Skin and Body Institute: https://www.precisionskininstitute.com/ Dr. Blyumin-Karasik's LinkedIn: https://www.l... Chapters (00:00:00) - How COVID is affecting skin?(00:00:35) - Meet Anna Chacon(00:13:54) - Dermatology Specialist opens her practice in Davie(00:19:51) - Stamina Cosmetics(00:24:14) - Start-up and Business Development(00:28:15) - Dr. Mariana's message for new dermatologists in their first

    31 min
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Ratings & Reviews

About

Welcome to Skin Deep—the podcast where Dr. Anna Chacón, Miami’s dermatologist and beauty guru, dives into all things skin, beauty, and wellness! From the science behind serums to trending beauty hacks, Dr. Chacón delivers expert insights to elevate your skincare routine. Each episode features cheeky fun, serious education, and special guests from the beauty, medical, and wellness industries. And of course, her co-host, Gnocchi—the social media sensation and rescued parrot—adds extra charm and laughs. Ready to care for your skin and yourself? Subscribe now and join the Skin Deep community.

Information

  • Creator
    Skin Deep
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Skin Deep
  • Show Website
    SKIN DEEP