What made you interested in dermatology ?
I loved the fast pace and the variety that dermatology offered. I love seeing different people and different problems every day. Dermatology also offers a great blend of pathology (microscope work), surgery, and clinic, which keeps things interesting. When I rotated as a medical student at MCG, I loved the dermatology department there and had wonderful mentors among the faculty and residents. They encouraged me that dermatology would be a great career, and it is!
What is your number one recommendation for patients to protect their skin?
“Try not to tan.” A tan is your skin calling out for help because it is getting DNA damage from the sun. This is easier said than done. Some recommendations for avoiding tanning are:
Avoid outdoor activities between 10 am and 4 pm during summer months.
Use moisturizer with sunscreen on your face and hands daily.
Wear a hat and sleeves/pants when you are out.
Seek the shade under trees, tents, umbrellas.
What is one fun fact about you?
My nickname growing up was Big Al. This is funny because I am all of 5’1″.
What is your favorite cosmetic product?
It’s not really “cosmetic” but I love the Isdin Eryfotona Actinica sunscreen that we sell for a daily sunscreen. It goes on weightlessly and looks great under makeup if you wear it. Even my husband wears this as his daily sunscreen because it is so invisible.
What is your favorite over-the-counter product for skin?
The Neutrogena Hydroboost line, specifically, their HydroBoost City Shield is a great daily moisturizer with sunscreen.
