SKIN DEEP

Did you know that $1,400 laser treatment actually costs the owner half a million dollars in equipment? 
 
Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist and host of Skin Deep, sits down with Angela Baldasare, an experienced entrepreneur who successfully built and sold her med spa practice twice over 25 years. Baldasare brings unique insights from her journey starting with holistic medicine and organically expanding into aesthetics in central Florida. Her expertise in navigating two private equity exits provides invaluable perspective on the financial realities and business complexities of med spa ownership. What makes her story particularly compelling is her honest assessment that aspiring med spa owners should prioritize business passion over aesthetic passion. 
 

This episode explores the harsh financial realities of med spa ownership, including the staggering $2-2.5 million startup costs and ongoing operational complexities. How do you know if you're ready for such a massive investment? Baldasare breaks down everything from laser equipment costs to employee management challenges, the competitive landscape changes, and the intricate sale process. She shares essential advice about maintaining meticulous financial records, understanding EBITDA valuations, and preparing for lengthy sale timelines. The conversation reveals why many aesthetic professionals should consider working for established practices rather than opening their own. 

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:  
 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-baldasare-1013466/ 
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 does this doctor think physicians are "born entrepreneurs" with natural grit?  
 
Dr. Anna Chacon hosts emergency medicine physician and serial entrepreneur Dr. John Shufeldt, who has built an extraordinary career spanning clinical practice, business ventures, and education. Board-certified in emergency medicine with an MBA and JD, Dr. Shufeldt founded NextCare (expanding to 60 locations across seven states), established MeMD (a telemedicine company sold to Walmart in 2021), and currently leads Tribal Health, staffing over 50 Native American facilities. He also manages Xcellerant Ventures and partners with VivaMed Biopharma. His philosophy? Physicians are "born entrepreneurs." 

The conversation explores Dr. Shufeldt's journey from starting NextCare with three mortgages on his house to scaling across seven states. Topics include navigating medical board complaints, the evolving role of advanced practice providers, and strategic urgent care location selection. What drives someone to pursue law school while practicing emergency medicine? How did early telemedicine pioneers convince skeptical patients and insurers? Dr. Shufeldt shares hard-won insights about failure, resilience, and finding your entrepreneurial "and." 

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:  
Xcellerant Ventures: https://www.xcellerantventures.com 
Tribal Health: https://tribalhealth.com 
Dr. John Shufeldt's email: [email protected] 
Dr. John Shufeldt LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-shufeldt/ 
Dr. John Shufeldt Instagram: @johnshufeldtmd 
Book: "Entrepreneur Rx: The Physician's Guide to Starting a Business" 

Website: www.drannachacon.com  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miamiderm  
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miamiderm/  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miamiderm/ 

"Opening up our own private practice together has been such an incredible experience. It's so meaningful that we're able to help so many people and make a difference in so many lives." - Marly Gaitan 

Dr. Anna Chacon interviews Dr. Sergio Gaitan and his wife Marly, the dynamic duo behind Certified Cosmetics, a Miami-based cosmetic dermatology practice. Dr. Gaitan brings a unique engineering background to dermatology, focusing on data-driven treatment selection and cutting-edge laser technology. Their innovative self-pay, patient-centric model emphasizes efficiency and minimal downtime treatments while building a nationwide clientele through robust social media marketing strategies. With advanced laser technology and streamlined appointment booking systems, they've revolutionized the traditional dermatology experience in West Kendall. 

The interview explores their biggest challenges: educating patients about the self-pay model and maintaining work-life balance as a couple running a business together. Their successes include positive patient feedback, strong reputation building, and attracting clients nationwide through platforms like YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and Google My Business. They discuss measuring patient satisfaction through direct feedback and before-and-after photos, which serve as crucial screening tools. Future goals include service expansion, continued community engagement including Nicaraguan community outreach, and maintaining personalized care with transparent pricing. 

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://www.certifiedcosmeticsmiami.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/certifiedcosmeticsmiami 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@miamiderm/podcasts%5D(https:/www.youtube.com/@miamiderm/podcasts) 
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@certifiedcosmeticsmiami 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CertifiedCosmeticsandSkinCare 

Website: www.drannachacon.com  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miamiderm  
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miamiderm/  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miamiderm/ 

Could one injection treat your rare skin condition, severe asthma, AND eczema all at once? 

Dr. Anna Chacon, board-certified dermatologist and host of Skin Deep, welcomes Jacob Edwards, a 35-year-old patient from the West Coast who has been courageously battling Kimura's disease for over a decade. Jacob was among the first Caucasians diagnosed with this rare condition in the United States, making his journey particularly unique in the dermatological landscape. His experience with innovative off-label Dupixent treatment offers hope for others facing this challenging diagnosis. 

The discussion explores Jacob's decade-long journey from misdiagnosis to finding effective treatment through Dupixent. How did a patient-driven research approach lead to breakthrough results? The conversation covers the intense itching that accompanies Kimura's disease, the psychological impact of visible facial lesions, and the remarkable improvement achieved through biologic therapy. Jacob shares candid insights about living with a rare condition that affects quality of life, relationships, and self-esteem in ways most people never consider. 

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:  
 
Dupixent Information: 

Kimura's Disease Research: 

Support Communities: 

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%5D(https:/www.youtube.com/@miamiderm/podcasts) 

Why do successful dermatologists say owning real estate is more important than patient volume? 

Dr. Anna Chacon hosts Dr. Kristin Haushaulter, a board-certified dermatologist and entrepreneur who has built successful practices across multiple states before establishing her current partnership in Miami. Dr. Haushaulter brings unique insights into private practice management, having navigated the challenges of frequent relocations while maintaining work-life balance as a mother. How does she maintain a four-day work week while running multiple businesses? Her expertise extends beyond clinical dermatology into fashion entrepreneurship with her sun-protective clothing line, BelaSol, and clinical research partnerships. 

The conversation explores critical business strategies for dermatologists in South Florida's challenging market. They discuss the advantages of MSOs versus independent practice, the importance of owning real estate, and effective delegation strategies. Dr. Haushaulter shares candid insights about insurance network challenges, particularly with Medicare Advantage plans, and offers practical advice for managing overhead while maintaining quality patient care. The episode also covers her entrepreneurial journey creating sun-protective fashion and sustainable sunscreen products. 

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. H LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-haushalter-m-d-66089121b/ 
BelaSol Clothing: https://www.belasolclothing.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%5D(https:/www.youtube.com/@miamiderm/podcasts) 

How does someone turn personal struggles into a mission of cultural preservation and community support? 

Dr. Anna Chacon, MD FAAD, welcomes world-renowned Alaskan Native ivory carver Leon Misuk Kinneeveauk from Point Hope, Alaska. Leon runs the Alaska Art Alliance nonprofit, providing space and resources for Alaskan Native artists facing challenges like homelessness and reentry from incarceration. Learning walrus ivory carving at age seven from his uncle, Leon comes from a distinguished family of carvers and has won numerous accolades at international art festivals. 

This fascinating interview explores the complex world of Alaskan Native carving communities, from federal regulations that protect walrus ivory carving rights exclusively for Alaska Natives to the economic challenges threatening traditional arts. Leon discusses the declining youth participation in carving, unique regional styles across different Alaskan Native communities, and his own journey through incarceration to sobriety and community leadership. From the spiritual significance of hunting amulets to the upcoming Kivgiq festival in Barrow, Leon reveals how traditional art serves as both cultural expression and economic survival in modern Alaska. 

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:  
Alaska Art Alliance: https://www.facebook.com/p/Alaska-art-alliance-100068050321346/  
Misuk Inupiaq Art: https://www.facebook.com/p/Misak-inupiaq-art-100077567029373/ 
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%5D(https:/www.youtube.com/@miamiderm/podcasts) 

"What happens when healthcare stops rewarding volume and starts rewarding value?"

Dr. Anna Chacon, board-certified dermatologist and host of Skin Deep, welcomes Jonathan Gruner, CEO of Salud Healthcare. With over 15 years of healthcare experience, Gruner leads a premier Managed Service Organization supporting independent primary care physicians transitioning from fee-for-service to value-based care. This father of four married at 21 and built a 75-person company while staying true to his Orthodox Jewish values. "We are all created in God's image," Gruner explains.

Gruner breaks down fee-for-service medicine's problems and presents compelling alternatives. The conversation explores Medicare Advantage mechanics, capitation rates, and risk-sharing arrangements. How can independent physicians survive the mandated 2030 transition to value-based care? Gruner offers practical solutions, explaining how his company serves as "the backbone for primary care practices." As he puts it: "The future of healthcare must be within a value-based care setting."

Jonathan Gruner is CEO of Salud Healthcare, revolutionizing how independent primary care physicians transition to value-based care. Originally from Far Rockaway, New York, this Orthodox Jewish entrepreneur leads a 75-person team while raising four children in Miami. His leadership philosophy centers on treating all people equally, bringing both innovation and values-driven leadership to healthcare transformation.

In This Episode:

About Skin Deep: A podcast for dermatology professionals. Host Dr. Anna Chacon shares insights on dermatology's future, telemedicine, and serving underserved communities.

About Dr. Chacon: Board-certified dermatologist, founder of Indigenous Dermatology, specializing in remote/rural communities. First dermatologist serving Alaska's Bush region, licensed in all 50 states.

Resources:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gruner
Salud Healthcare: saludhealthcare.com
Dr. Chacon: drannachacon.com
Social: @miamiderm (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok)

How did a young man from a Cuban immigrant family in Miami navigate his way to becoming a successful medical entrepreneur in the Florida Keys?

Welcome to another episode of Skin Deep with Dr. Anna Chacon. Today we’re joined by Dr. Miguel Diaz, M.D. a Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician. Today’s discussion is focused on medical practice management. Dr. Diaz shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings as a Cuban-American in Miami to becoming a successful multi-practice owner and family medicine residency program director. His path was anything but conventional – starting as a 16-year-old orderly in the ER, serving in the Navy, completing nursing school, and eventually attending medical school in the Dominican Republic where he met his wife. Dr. Diaz's story emphasizes the importance of having backup plans and being willing to take calculated risks, illustrated by his transition from ER medicine to private practice ownership in the Florida Keys.

You’ll hear valuable insights into the business aspects of medical practice, particularly regarding SBA loans, practice acquisition, and scaling operations. Dr. Diaz details how he grew from a small 1,000-square-foot office to managing four clinics, emphasizing the importance of keeping overhead low and reinvesting in the business. He shares candid advice about the advantages of private practice ownership over hospital employment, including greater autonomy, better work-life balance, and more financial opportunities through real estate and business expansion. The episode concludes with his perspectives on exit strategies and the importance of balancing business success with family time, offering practical wisdom for physicians considering private practice ownership.

Dr. Miguel Diaz, M.D., is a board-certified Family Medicine physician with over 11 years of experience and a passion for both healthcare and practice management. Born in Miami to Cuban parents, his early exposure to the mechanics of business and structure shaped his career. Dr. Diaz's journey into medicine began at 16, and after serving in the Navy and completing nursing school, he earned his medical degree in 2011. As an entrepreneur, he grew his practice in the Florida Keys from one to four clinics. Dr. Diaz is also the Director of the Larkin Residence Program and a strong advocate for physician-owned practices.

In This Episode: 

About the show: 

Welcome to Skin Deep, a podcast and community 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 the growing importance of telemedicine and teledermatology in reaching underserved communities. Dr. Chacon also provides actionable recommendations for dermatology practices, emphasizing compassion, patient education, and staying current with the latest advancements in the field. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with one of America’s most trusted dermatologists!

About the host: Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Indigenous Dermatology specializes in treating patients in remote and rural communities. Following in the footsteps of her father, a pioneering critical care physician in South Florida, she pursued medicine with the same compassion she witnessed in his practice. 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 across Florida, Alaska, and California.

Resources:

Website:  www.drannachacon.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miamiderm

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miamiderm/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miamiderm/

Twitter/X: https://x.com/DrMiamiDerm

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@miamiderm/podcasts%5D(https:/www.youtube.com/@miamiderm/podcasts) 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@miamiderm

Great skin doesn’t stop at the face—your scalp and hair deserve just as much attention. In this episode of Skin Deep, Dr. Anna Chacón sits down with Todd Da Silva, an elite L6 stylist and the Senior Technical Trainer for Bellus Academy in San Diego, CA, to talk all things scalp health, haircare science, and how dermatology and hairstyling go hand in hand. From preventing scalp conditions to maintaining luscious, healthy locks, Todd shares expert insights on the connection between skincare and haircare, the biggest myths in the industry, and pro tips for keeping your scalp and strands at their best.

Skincare isn’t just for adults—building healthy habits starts young! In this episode of Skin Deep, Dr. Anna Chacón sits down with Courtney Hyman to discuss everyday skincare essentials and how to teach kids the importance of skin health from an early age. From simple routines to age-appropriate products, Courtney shares expert insights on protecting young skin, avoiding common mistakes, and making skincare fun and approachable for the whole family.