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Why do trans women still feel forced to choose between authenticity and safety in 2025?
Dr. Anna Chacon welcomes Rajee Narinesingh, a multiracial transgender woman of color who transformed life-threatening trauma into global advocacy. After suffering severe disfigurement from black market cosmetic injections—what she describes as a "rite of passage" many trans women feel pressured into—Rajee emerged as a fierce voice for awareness and healing. Her journey illuminates the devastating intersection of limited healthcare access, societal invisibility, and the pursuit of authenticity. How do we create a world where matching your outer appearance with your inner truth doesn't require risking your life?
This deeply moving conversation explores far more than cosmetic complications. Dr. Chacon and Rajee discuss the systemic barriers that push vulnerable populations toward dangerous decisions, the emotional toll of living visibly trans in an unaccepting world, and the remarkable power of vulnerability. From the psychology of trust in patient-physician relationships to Rajee's decision to forgive rather than press charges, the episode reveals how healing means not just survival, but service. Rajee reminds us that real beauty radiates from within—and that sometimes, the most broken parts of our story give us the power to make the biggest impact.
In This Episode:
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:
Yes Institute (the organization Rajee did outreach work with)
TransSOCIAL (where she currently works as an outreach advocate and is on the board of directors)
Rajee on IG: https://www.instagram.com/rajee_botchedtv/?hl=en
Website: www.drannachacon.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miamiderm
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miamiderm/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miamiderm/
YouTube:https:/www.youtube.com/@miamiderm/podcasts
What if the practice of medicine is actually holding you back from building the healthcare company you envision?
Dr. Anna Chacon welcomes Dr. Haroon Ahmad, MD, founder and CEO of Proton Health, to discuss his remarkable journey from eczema patient to health tech innovator. A trained physician who practiced in the UK, Dr. Ahmad shares how his lifelong struggle with severe eczema—combined with witnessing physician burnout during medical school—inspired him to create Symphony, an AI-powered platform that gives dermatologists complete patient context before appointments even begin. His mission? Bring the human connection back into medicine by eliminating administrative burden and letting clinicians focus on actual patient care.
The conversation explores the intersection of dermatology, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship. Topics include the evolution of clinical workflows, how Symphony automates documentation while preserving the doctor-patient relationship, the role of AI in future dermatology practice, and Dr. Ahmad's personal victory over eczema using his own technology. They also discuss the challenges of building health tech, learning to code as a physician, balancing CEO responsibilities with family life, and the free patient app Skin X that helps individuals track and manage their skin conditions.owerful conversation about autonomy, impact, and designing life on your own terms.
In This Episode:
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. Haroon Ahmad LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-haroon-ahmad/
Proton Health Instagram: @protonhealthapp
Proton Health Twitter/X: @protonhealthapp
Proton Health TikTok: @protonhealthapp
Proton Health LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/proton-health-os
Website: https://www.proton-health.com/
Email: [email protected] (for dermatologists interested in Symphony)
General contact: [email protected]
Website: www.drannachacon.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miamiderm
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miamiderm/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miamiderm/
YouTube:https:/www.youtube.com/@miamiderm/podcasts
What if the future of dermatology depends on doctors taking control of technology—before tech entrepreneurs do it for us?
Dr. Anna Chacon welcomes Dr. Bilal Fawaz, board-certified dermatologist and associate program director at Boston University's Department of Dermatology, who is revolutionizing healthcare technology as the founder of DermHub—a mobile teledermatology app created and run entirely by dermatologists. With extensive experience managing over 7,000 econsult patients at BU since 2019, Dr. Fawaz brings a physician-first perspective to digital healthcare innovation. His core belief? "Physicians should be the ones leading the health tech field, not tech entrepreneurs."
This episode explores the critical intersection of dermatology and entrepreneurship, examining why doctors must take control of health technology before profit-driven companies compromise patient care. What are the hidden costs of building a medical app? How do you navigate HIPAA compliance, state licensing, and insurance reimbursement? Dr. Fawaz shares his journey through app development, from initial sketches to launch, while discussing the future of store-and-forward teledermatology, the limitations of mid-level providers in digital healthcare, and why judgment-based care deserves better compensation.
In This Episode:
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:
Boston University Faculty Page: https://www.bumc.bu.edu/derm/faculty/bilal-fawaz-md/
DermHub Teledermatology App: https://www.dermhub.app/home
Website: www.drannachacon.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miamiderm
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miamiderm/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miamiderm/
YouTube:https:/www.youtube.com/@miamiderm/podcasts
Dr. Anna Chacon welcomes Dr. Carolyn Francavilla, a family physician and obesity medicine specialist who founded Green Mountain Partners for Health nearly a decade ago. What drove her to launch a practice just seven months pregnant, a year out of residency? Dr. Francavilla serves on the board of the Obesity Medicine Association and chairs the AMA's Private Practice Physician section, bringing unique insight into building sustainable, patient-centered care models. Her all-female practice has thrived by maintaining an unwavering mission: never sacrifice time with patients for profit margins.
The conversation explores the explosive growth of GLP-1 medications, the future of obesity treatment beyond semaglutide and tirzepatide, and when bariatric surgery remains the gold standard. How can private practices stay lean yet profitable while accepting insurance? Dr. Francavilla reveals her strategies for hybrid membership models, virtual assistant integration, and the unconventional hiring approaches that built her team. From navigating compounding pharmacy controversies to mentoring pre-med students, this episode delivers actionable wisdom for healthcare professionals seeking clinical autonomy.
In This Episode:
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:
Green Mountain Partners for Health (practice website): https://www.greenmountainpartnersforhealth.com/
Colorado Weight Care (weight loss program): https://www.coloradoweightcare.com/
Help Your Patients Lose Weight (educational platform): https://www.helpyourpatientsloseweight.com/
The Dr. Francavilla Show Podcast: https://www.thedrfrancavillashow.com/
Dr. Francavilla Show on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-francavilla-show/id1654260586
Instagram: @helpyourpatientsloseweight
GLP Strong (fitness program): https://www.glpstrong.com/
Website: www.drannachacon.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miamiderm
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miamiderm/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miamiderm/
YouTube:https:/www.youtube.com/@miamiderm/podcasts
What if the practice of medicine is actually holding you back from building the healthcare company you envision?
Dr. Anna Chacon welcomes Dr. Laura Purdy, MD MBA, a family medicine physician turned healthcare entrepreneur and CEO who has become one of the most visible voices in telemedicine. From her roots in rural southern Kentucky to building a fast-growth digital health startup while raising five children, Dr. Purdy shares her unconventional journey from Army hospitalist to business leader. Why did she choose telemedicine over traditional practice? What drives someone to publicly challenge state medical boards and call out archaic regulatory systems? Dr. Purdy reveals how she transformed frustration with broken healthcare systems into a thriving nationwide virtual business—and why she believes the practice of medicine is holding her back from her true calling as a founder and CEO.
This episode explores the realities of physician entrepreneurship, the complexities of managing 30+ state medical licenses, and the strategic decision-making required to build a scalable healthcare business. Dr. Purdy discusses the importance of delegation and letting go—from in-person practice to luxury status symbols—while maintaining clarity about her ultimate vision. She offers candid insights on dating as a physician (she's engaged to a pediatric neurosurgeon), the value of an MBA for doctors interested in healthcare business, and why she plans to retire from clinical practice within five years. What's the difference between being educated in business versus actually running one? How do you protect yourself in a regulatory environment that "does not care about you"? Dr. Purdy holds nothing back in this powerful conversation about autonomy, impact, and designing life on your own terms.
In This Episode:
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:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurapurdymd
Website: www.drannachacon.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miamiderm
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miamiderm/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miamiderm/
YouTube:https:/www.youtube.com/@miamiderm/podcasts
If your career is your oxygen, how do you balance international manufacturing, teenage kids, and the tears that flow behind the Instagram-perfect moments?
Join Dr. Anna Chacon, board-certified dermatologist and host of Skin Deep, as she welcomes Ximena Kavalekas, the Ecuadorian-born fashion designer and creative force behind her eponymous luxury handbag brand. Known for blending Italian artistry with Miami sophistication, Kavalekas has built a successful fashion label specializing in exotic python and crocodile accessories crafted in Florence's most exclusive factories. But what does it really cost to breathe life into a dream? "This business is my oxygen," Kavalekas confesses. "I wouldn't be able to be without what I do." From studying at Polimoda in Florence to becoming the only Latin American designer with a flagship store in Miami's prestigious Design District—surrounded by Hermès, Dior, and billion-dollar brands—she shares the unfiltered reality behind the runway glamour.
This conversation goes beneath the surface of Instagram-perfect moments to reveal the tears, resilience, and courage required in fashion entrepreneurship. Kavalekas opens up about her failed first business during the 2011 recession, navigating complex customs regulations for exotic skins, and the dream every designer harbors: to one day sell to a major corporation like LVMH. How do you survive as a small luxury brand among corporate giants? What does it take to work with Italian factories that are "easier to get into Harvard than to get into"? From collaborating with Margherita Missoni to custom-designing crocodile doctor bags with 16 hand-matched skins, Kavalekas embodies the passion, mentorship, and hard-earned experience that defines lasting success in fashion.
In This Episode:
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://ximenakavalekas.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ximenakavalekas
Miami Design District Store: 252 NW 29th St, Suite 958, Miami FL 33127
Website: www.drannachacon.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miamiderm
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miamiderm/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miamiderm/
YouTube:https:/www.youtube.com/@miamiderm/podcasts
What's the one mindset shift that separates successful entrepreneurs from everyone else?
Dr. Anna Chacon hosts young entrepreneur Sean Frimpong on Skin Deep, exploring his remarkable journey from Baltimore struggles to millionaire status by age 19. Frimpong, a Ghanaian-Lebanese immigrant who became a father at 17, transformed financial hardship into success through e-commerce mastery and strategic thinking. His core philosophy centers on entrepreneurial mindset over traditional employment: "I wanna make money on my own terms when I want to, how I want to." As author of bestselling books "The Million Dollar Mindset" and "10 Keys to Financial Freedom," Frimpong advocates that financial freedom is accessible to anyone willing to adopt wealthy thinking patterns.
The conversation delves into Frimpong's evolution from vending machine broker to seven-figure e-commerce entrepreneur, revealing practical strategies for online business success. How do traditional retail's declining revenues compare to e-commerce's exponential growth potential? Frimpong shares compelling statistics: his online stores attract 30 million visitors monthly—what would take brick-and-mortar stores five decades to achieve. The discussion covers sophisticated wealth preservation techniques, tax optimization strategies, and the psychological barriers preventing most people from financial success. "Majority of people can't see it all the way through. They give up too soon," Frimpong observes, emphasizing persistence as entrepreneurship's cornerstone.
In This Episode:
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:
Instagram: @ayehxncho
TikTok: @seanfrimpong
Facebook: @ayehxncho
"The Million Dollar Mindset: The Life Changing Power Of A Wealthy Mind" - Available on Amazon: https://amazon.com/Million-Dollar-Mindset-Changing-Wealthy/dp/B08TZ3HYTC
"10 Keys To Financial Freedom: School Never Taught You This" - Available on Amazon: https://amazon.com/10-Keys-Financial-Freedom-School/dp/B0971CV78D
Link: https://a.co/d/jefcrQ1
Website: www.drannachacon.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miamiderm
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miamiderm/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miamiderm/
YouTube:https:/www.youtube.com/@miamiderm/podcasts
"You can get help even if you don't have insurance. There's help and resources." - Patient Janet Viera
Dr. Anna Chacon, MD FAAD, hosts a powerful conversation with Janet Viera, a patient courageously sharing her three-year battle with hidradenitis suppurativa. Janet's journey began in 2021 when severe, draining nodules forced her to quit her job and seek specialized care. After finding Dr. Chacon through Sesame Care, Janet discovered effective treatment combining Accutane, Humira, and targeted steroid injections. Her story demonstrates the importance of finding the right dermatologist and maintaining hope. What makes this episode particularly compelling is Janet's experience with the rare follicular tetrad syndrome.
This episode explores the comprehensive treatment approach for moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa, including the challenges of accessing expensive biologics like Humira through patient assistance programs. How does family support impact recovery? What role do workplace accommodations play in managing chronic conditions? Dr. Chacon discusses the follicular occlusion tetrad, injection techniques for acute flares, and the intersection of multiple related conditions. Janet shares practical insights about managing daily life, relationships, and the emotional toll while emphasizing the critical importance of seeking proper medical care.
In This Episode:
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:
Sesame Care Platform
Dr. Anna Chacon's Practice
Humira Patient Assistance Programs
Alternative Biosimilar Options Mentioned
Support Resources
Website: www.drannachacon.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miamiderm
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miamiderm/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miamiderm/
YouTube:https:/www.youtube.com/@miamiderm/podcasts
How did a car accident lead to a successful HR partnership?
Dr. Anna Chacon interviews Elizabeth Garcia and Vanessa Garcia, of Specialty HR Consulting, a three-year-old firm specializing in customizable HR services for small to medium-sized businesses. Elizabeth, with over 15 years of HR experience, and Vanessa, director of operations with 8 years in HR, emphasize their unique approach: "We don't just put the human in HR, we put the heart in human." Their professional partnership began unexpectedly after a 2019 car accident, leading them to grow their previous employer from 50 to 300 employees before launching their own successful consultancy.
The discussion covers critical HR challenges including worst-case hiring scenarios, the importance of legal counsel in employment decisions, and navigating complex contract negotiations. What makes an ideal employee versus an effective leader? How can businesses avoid costly lawsuits from disgruntled workers? The Garcia sisters share insights on non-compete agreements, COVID furloughs, employee buyouts, and documentation strategies. Their empathetic approach to human resources has helped them avoid employer-employee conflicts throughout their careers while building successful teams.
In This Episode:
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: www.specialtyhrconsulting.com
Phone/Text: (305) 792-8009
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/specialtyhrconsulting
Facebook: facebook.com/specialtyhrconsulting
Instagram: @specialtyhrconsulting
TikTok: @specialtyhrconsulting
Website: www.drannachacon.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miamiderm
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miamiderm/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miamiderm/
YouTube:https:/www.youtube.com/@miamiderm/podcasts
Why did an orthopedic surgeon choose Google Workspace over a $1M Epic EMR system?
Dr. Anna Chacon hosts orthopedic surgeon Dr. Daniel Paull, founder of Easy Orthopedics, who transformed his career after quitting fellowship to create an innovative mobile, insurance-free practice. Inspired by his own recovery from a devastating skiing accident at 14, Dr. Paull advocates for sustainable healthcare models that prioritize patient relationships over insurance bureaucracy. His practice operates with minimal overhead, using Google Workspace instead of expensive EMRs, proving that ethical, accessible care doesn't require wealthy patients. How can physicians escape the insurance trap while maintaining quality care?
The conversation explores critical challenges facing independent physicians: closed insurance panels forcing cash-pay models, the surprising legitimacy that one-star reviews can provide, and the dangerous Medicare fraud schemes targeting vulnerable doctors. Dr. Paull shares near-misses with telehealth scams and wound care schemes, while Dr. Chacon discusses her 53 medical licenses and the reality of practicing in saturated markets like South Florida. "I'd rather sit home and do nothing than let someone bill on my behalf," Dr. Paull declares, emphasizing the importance of maintaining control over one's medical license.
In This Episode:
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:
Easy Orthopedics easyorthopedics.com
Website: www.drannachacon.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miamiderm
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miamiderm/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miamiderm/
YouTube:https:/www.youtube.com/@miamiderm/podcasts
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