Kari Day joins That’s Derm Good! and explains how her psoriasis symptoms began during her pregnancy and worsened after giving birth, leading to multiple fractures in her feet. Listen as Kari explains her family history with skin issues, provides insight into the genetic factors that may have influenced her condition, and how she ultimately found help and empathy.

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.

Kari's journey began with a series of physical symptoms dismissed by multiple dermatologists. Initially, she was told that her skin issues were stress-related and that she needed to relax. This dismissal of her symptoms highlights a common problem faced by many patients: the tendency of healthcare providers to overlook the complexities of chronic conditions. Kari emphasized the importance of knowing your body and recognizing when something is wrong. This self-awareness is the first step in advocating for oneself.

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Effective communication is a vital component of self-advocacy. Kari learned to ask the right questions and seek clarity about her treatment options. For instance, when faced with a significant copay for her medication, she navigated the complexities of insurance by asking specific questions about what was needed for her copay assistance program. This proactive approach alleviated Kari’s financial concerns and empowered her to take control of her healthcare decisions.

This episode is about Kari’s patience while advocating for herself, her skin, and her joints. Finding the proper treatment often requires time and persistence. She learned to trust the process, understanding that while immediate results may not be visible, the journey toward healing is ongoing. This mindset is essential for anyone with chronic conditions, as it helps maintain hope and motivation throughout the treatment journey.

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

Ingrid Mollick, an office manager and biologic coordinator, joins That’s Derm Good! to discuss the evolving landscape of dermatology biologics and specialty medications. When she is not at home chasing her twin boys, Ingrid thrives in dynamic, ever-changing work environments. The episode highlights how teamwork, communication, and loyalty contribute to the overall success of a dermatology practice.

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.

Ingrid celebrates the idea that everyone in medical offices should know how to do every role. Training team members to understand each other's roles and responsibilities minimizes delays and errors in obtaining prior authorizations, managing biologics, and building patient empathy. The biologic coordinator's role is as challenging as the front office tasks but in different ways. Ingrid's approach to training her office staff ensures the team can still support patients even in her absence.

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"You have to be like that with your staff too, depending on how big or small because they're gonna respect that loyalty right back," shares Ingrid Mollick on the That’s Derm Good! Podcast.

Ingrid quickly jumps in and completes incomplete tasks when team members get pulled into different projects. With the collective goal in mind of helping clients get access to specialty medication, Ingrid is not worried about “doing tasks outside of her job” because each task adds up to the collective success of the office. This mindset and ability allow the team to work together and hold each other accountable.

Every biologic coordinator knows that documentation is everything! Ingrid also discussed how a well-communicated workflow ensures seamless patient access to medications. Ingrid emphasizes the importance of effective communication among team members and patients to ensure everyone knows patients' needs and concerns. By fostering a culture of open communication, the team can better support patients throughout their treatment journeys, especially when navigating complex insurance processes.

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

Lisa Anderson, PhD, Senior Director of Research for the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAF) joins That's Derm Good! to discuss her transition into the world of alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease characterized by unpredictable hair loss.

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.

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that affects approximately 2% of the population, equating to about 7 million people in the United States and 160 million worldwide. This condition is characterized by unpredictable hair loss, which can manifest in various forms, ranging from small patches to complete hair loss on the scalp and body, known as alopecia totalis or universalis.

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Dr. Anderson’s journey illustrates the intersection of personal experience, professional expertise, and advocacy in alopecia areata. With a background in neurosciences, Lisa transitioned into patient advocacy, ultimately finding her role at NAF during a pivotal time in the organization’s history.

Through initiatives like the annual patient conference and the Walk for Alopecia, NAF fosters a sense of community among those affected, helping to combat the feelings of isolation that often accompany the disease, which is so beneficial. As Dr. Anderson notes, the only predictable aspect of alopecia areata is its unpredictability. The best way to handle such unpredictability is by connecting to a community; NAF helps foster communication and fight the isolation attached to alopecia areata.

Recognizing the need for support, the NAF has been a pivotal organization advocating for individuals affected by this condition. NAF provides resources, community support, and educational initiatives to raise awareness about alopecia areata.

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