With a background in healthcare investment banking and years of hands-on experience guiding independent physician groups through mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships, Michael Kroin, CEO and Managing Partner of Physician Growth Partners, knows that selling a medical practice isn’t just a financial decision. In this episode of That’s Derm Good!, Michael joins Janelle to unpack what private equity looks like for dermatologists and aesthetic practice owners today.

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.

Michael Kroin offers clear, no-fluff insight into a landscape that’s often confusing or intimidating. He explains why private equity has become a hot topic in dermatology, what physicians should look for in a partner, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Throughout the conversation, Michael emphasizes a founder-first approach; one that protects the identity of the practice, respects the team, and prioritizes long-term sustainability over short-term gains. He also addresses the role of younger physicians in succession planning, the evolution of aesthetics-focused partnerships, and what the current market tells us about timing and opportunity.

SPONSOR: Sanofi and Regeneron invite you to learn more about DUPIXENT (dupilumab) at www.DupixentHCP.com. No Wonder it’s Possible.

This episode also explores what practice owners can do before they’re ready to sell, whether that means organizing their finances, clarifying long-term goals, or identifying potential gaps in operations or leadership. Michael shares what makes a practice attractive to buyers and how owners can prepare years in advance to keep their options open and their values intact.

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

Recognizing early signs of vein disease can significantly improve long-term outcomes. Dr. Amanda Cooper and her work at Acrobus Vein and Vitality (formerly Polaris Vein Center), where vein treatment, aesthetics, and whole-person wellness come together. Dr. Cooper explains that her background in diagnostic radiology uniquely positions her to identify and treat vein disease, enabling her to look beyond surface symptoms and understand what’s happening beneath the skin.

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.

A key focus of the episode is awareness. Dr. Cooper explains that many patients live with symptoms, such as leg heaviness, swelling, fatigue, or discomfort, without realizing they are connected to vein disease. While spider veins are often considered cosmetic, varicose veins signal a chronic medical condition that can worsen over time if left untreated. 

Dr. Amanda Cooper thoroughly explains what patients can expect after treatment, including the importance of compression stockings, follow-up appointments, and ongoing monitoring to support healing and long-term success.

ADVERTISER: A message from Sun Pharmaceuticals: For patients with locally advanced basal cell carcinoma who are not candidates for further surgery or radiation, hedgehog pathway inhibitors offer a targeted systemic approach. Staying current on these therapies can help you expand options for appropriate patients.

Beyond treatment, Dr. Cooper highlights the value of preventative care. Lifestyle factors such as movement, nutrition, and understanding one’s family history all play a role in vein health. She also connects vein care to broader wellness, explaining how hormone optimization can help reduce the risk of more serious health issues and support overall vitality.

Nutrition is another cornerstone of the conversation. Throughout the episode, Dr. Cooper reflects on the unexpected lessons she’s learned in her medical career and emphasizes that what we eat directly affects circulation, inflammation, and long-term health, reinforcing that vein care doesn’t exist in isolation.

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

Outcomes improve when practitioners work together, learn from one another, and operate within well-structured medical teams. In this insightful episode, Janelle Ball sits down with Tracey Mancuso, founder of The Derma Room, for a forward-thinking conversation on how aesthetic medicine is evolving and what practitioners and patients need to know to advance the industry safely and ethically, beyond the buttonology of device use.

She underscores the importance of active medical directors who are engaged in daily practice, not just on paper, especially as energy-based devices and advanced technologies become more widely used.

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.

Tracey Mancuso shares how the field of aesthetics has shifted from a narrow focus on beautification to a more holistic, patient-centered emphasis on long-term skin health. Rather than chasing trends or quick fixes, today’s most effective practices prioritize understanding the skin, treating it responsibly, and supporting patients with thoughtful, individualized care.

Education emerges as a cornerstone of safe and effective aesthetic medicine. Tracey advocates for accessible, high-quality education for practitioners and patients. A deeper understanding of energy-based treatments, including lasers, is critical to ensuring safety, managing risk, and achieving optimal results. Misconceptions about laser treatments, particularly the belief that they are “one-size-fits-all,” can lead to poor outcomes when providers lack proper training or fail to account for different skin types.

ADVERTISER: A message from Sun Pharmaceuticals: For patients with locally advanced basal cell carcinoma who are not candidates for further surgery or radiation, hedgehog pathway inhibitors offer a targeted systemic approach. Staying current on these therapies can help you expand options for appropriate patients.

Looking ahead, Tracey shares her perspective on the future of aesthetic medicine, pointing to regenerative practices, continued innovation, and the need for more affordable, accessible education across the industry. Her vision focuses on raising standards, improving safety, and ensuring practitioners and patients are empowered with the knowledge they need.

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

Eczema can affect your sleep, clothing choices, whether you shower or choose to wear eyeglasses one day. As an Ambassador of the National Eczema Association, Chava B. Wald explains how accepting her differences and using every opportunity as a teachable moment have changed her life. In this episode of That’s Derm Good!, Chava invites you to explore what it truly means to live with a chronic skin condition.

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.

Chava opens up about her personal journey with eczema, offering an honest look at the daily realities many people never see. From constant decision-making about clothing, treatments, and social situations to navigating frustration, stigma, and exhaustion, she illustrates how eczema affects far more than just the skin. Her experiences highlight the often overlooked mind & body connection, showing how stress, emotions, and mental health can directly impact physical symptoms.

ADVERTISER: A message from Sun Pharmaceuticals: For patients with locally advanced basal cell carcinoma who are not candidates for further surgery or radiation, hedgehog pathway inhibitors offer a targeted systemic approach. Staying current on these therapies can help you expand options for appropriate patients.

The theme of the episode is storytelling and advocacy. Whether Chava is being memorable by sharing chocolate cupcakes with students or participating in clinical trials, Chava is making an impact on an individual and systemic level. This episode is a reminder that eczema is not just a medical issue—it’s a human experience. And when patients are heard, supported, and empowered, meaningful change becomes possible.

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

Dr. Naiem Issa, a board-certified dermatologist and the Medical Director of Research & Academics at Forefront Dermatology, joins Janelle on That’s Derm Good! to explore a major breakthrough in CSU (chronic spontaneous urticaria) care. The FDA’s approval of Rhapsido® (remibrutinib) introduces a targeted BTK inhibitor that offers rapid, meaningful relief for patients who have long struggled with limited treatment options.

Dr. Issa’s path into dermatology is anything but traditional. With both an MD and a PhD from Georgetown University, he conducted early work in computational drug discovery that led to the identification of new uses for existing medications. This breakthrough shaped his scientific career. After completing residency and fellowship training, he combined academic research with clinical dermatology, now seeing complex immunology and CSU patients across multiple states while leading clinical trials for new therapies.

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.

In this episode, Dr. Naiem Issa explains why CSU is so often misunderstood, including why allergy panels are usually negative, why patients bounce between specialists, and why many mistakenly think their condition is triggered by food or environmental exposures. More importantly, he explains how BTK inhibitors target the mast cell “control center,” helping stop hives, swelling, and itch, regardless of whether the patient has an autoimmune or autoallergic variant of CSU.

ADVERTISER: A message from Sun Pharmaceuticals: For patients with locally advanced basal cell carcinoma who are not candidates for further surgery or radiation, hedgehog pathway inhibitors offer a targeted systemic approach. Staying current on these therapies can help you expand options for appropriate patients.

This conversation blends science, compassion, and practical insight, offering clarity to clinicians, coordinators, and patients navigating a condition that has long lacked effective options.

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

Briana Shephard has a gift for helping people feel confident in their own skin. As a licensed esthetician and the owner of Breeze Spawt, she brings a refreshing blend of education, empathy, and real-world experience to every client she serves. In this episode of That’s Derm Good!, Briana joins Janelle to talk about her journey into aesthetics, why she created a safe and supportive spa environment, and how she’s helping people truly understand their skin.

Briana shares how her early skin struggles, including battling chickenpox twice and navigating breakouts during puberty, sparked her desire to learn more about skin health. She explains how DIY remedies, curiosity, and trial-and-error eventually led her to pursue esthetics professionally, and why education remains the core of her approach today. She also opens up about what it’s like to run a solo spa, balancing the roles of provider, receptionist, accountant, marketer, and more, and how staying teachable and seeking mentorship have helped her manage the growing pains.

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

Briana Shephard also explores the rise of men investing in skincare, how she creates a judgment-free environment for male clients, and why self-care is for everyone. Finally, Briana discusses the development of her membership packages, how she’s refining them, and her dream of offering Brazilian waxing classes to help new estheticians gain hands-on experience that many beauty programs lack.

ADVERTISER: A message from Sun Pharmaceuticals: For patients with locally advanced basal cell carcinoma who are not candidates for further surgery or radiation, hedgehog pathway inhibitors offer a targeted systemic approach. Staying current on these therapies can help you expand options for appropriate patients.

Listeners will walk away with approachable skincare knowledge, a deeper appreciation for the work estheticians do, and a reminder that confidence starts with understanding and caring for your skin.

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

Dr. Erica Ramos, dermatology PA, CEO of Raven Innovations, and founder of Restore Scalp, joins Janelle on That’s Derm Good! to share the story behind the first and only medicated dry shampoo of its kind.

Dr. Ramos’s journey into dermatology began in combat boots. After serving as a medic in the military, she went on to complete PA training through the Guard and Reserve before working across family practice, emergency medicine, and rheumatology. Her move into dermatology was a long time coming, and once she arrived, she quickly saw a recurring problem: countless patients struggling with scalp concerns while relying on dry shampoos that often made things worse.

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

Over time, Dr. Erica Ramos noticed herself repeating the same message; many over-the-counter products could help with conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis, but only if patients used them correctly. She realized there was a gap in the market for a product that was easy to use, rooted in science, and safe for everyday scalp health. This sparked the idea for Restore Scalp, a medicated powder dry shampoo formulated with salicylic acid and designed to exfoliate, clarify, and support the scalp without fragrance, aerosols, or heavy residues.

In this episode, Dr. Ramos walks listeners through the years-long process of researching ingredients, navigating FDA monograph requirements, finding trusted chemists and consultants, and developing a formula gentle enough for sensitive skin but powerful enough to address real scalp issues. She also talks about the unexpected hurdles – self-doubt, confidentiality fears, manufacturing challenges – and the supportive network that helped bring the product to life.

ADVERTISER: A message from Sun Pharmaceuticals: For patients with locally advanced basal cell carcinoma who are not candidates for further surgery or radiation, hedgehog pathway inhibitors offer a targeted systemic approach. Staying current on these therapies can help you expand options for appropriate patients.

It’s an inspiring episode for innovators, clinicians, and anyone curious about what truly goes into developing a product that earns dermatology’s trust.

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

Dr. Nicole Rochester, board-certified pediatrician, TEDx speaker, and CEO of Your GPS Doc, LLC, joins Janelle on this episode of That’s Derm Good! for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation about what happens when a physician becomes the caregiver, and how that experience can redefine an entire career.

After nearly 20 years in pediatrics, Dr. Rochester found herself navigating the healthcare system on behalf of her late father, who lived with multiple chronic conditions. What she witnessed – poor communication, lack of coordination, and glaring disparities in care – opened her eyes to just how hard the system can be to navigate, even for a doctor. That journey led her to create Your GPS Doc, an advocacy and consulting company dedicated to helping patients and families find their way through the healthcare maze.

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

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Rochester and Janelle discuss how her work bridges the gap between patients, caregivers, and clinicians; what true health advocacy looks like in action; and how bias and inequity still show up in patient care. Dr. Rochester shares her G-P-S framework: Gather information, Position yourself as the expert, and Speak up – a simple but powerful tool for anyone seeking to take ownership of their healthcare journey.

They also touch on her transition from medicine to entrepreneurship, her growing work as a coach for physicians exploring new career paths, and the faith and gratitude practices that keep her grounded while balancing multiple roles.

ADVERTISER: A message from Sun Pharmaceuticals: For patients with locally advanced basal cell carcinoma who are not candidates for further surgery or radiation, hedgehog pathway inhibitors offer a targeted systemic approach. Staying current on these therapies can help you expand options for appropriate patients.

This conversation is both practical and heartfelt and is a reminder that advocacy isn’t just a profession; it’s a calling to ensure every patient receives the dignity, understanding, and care they deserve.

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

Dr. Reid Waldman, board-certified dermatologist and Founder & CEO of Veradermics, joins Janelle on That’s Derm Good! to talk about one of the most universal, and emotionally charged, topics in dermatology: hair loss.

Dr. Waldman founded Veradermics after seeing countless patients devastated by hair thinning and frustrated with the lack of effective options. For decades, treatment for pattern hair loss has barely advanced, leaving millions feeling hopeless or misled by quick-fix products that rarely deliver visible results. In this episode, Dr. Waldman explains how his company is changing that narrative with a groundbreaking new treatment currently in late-stage clinical trials.

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

The conversation dives into Veradermics’ extended-release oral minoxidil tablet, designed to provide consistent hair growth results while minimizing the side effects often associated with traditional medications. Dr. Reid Waldman breaks down why this formulation could be the first major innovation in hair loss care in more than 30 years, and why it has the potential to become the first FDA-approved oral treatment for female pattern hair loss.

Listeners will also hear insights on how clinical trials are conducted, what makes this research so challenging, and why education and early intervention are crucial. Dr. Waldman discusses the emotional side of hair loss, the need for honest patient conversations, and his hopes for setting new standards of care rooted in trust and evidence.

ADVERTISER: A message from Sun Pharmaceuticals: For patients with locally advanced basal cell carcinoma who are not candidates for further surgery or radiation, hedgehog pathway inhibitors offer a targeted systemic approach. Staying current on these therapies can help you expand options for appropriate patients.

With more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and an “Excellence in Patient Care” award from the American Academy of Dermatology, Dr. Reid Waldman combines scientific rigor with empathy. His work reminds us that innovation isn’t just about technology; it’s about giving patients hope, confidence, and results they can see.

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

Dr. Lee Wheless, Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, joins Janelle for a fascinating conversation about how data science, research, and clinical care intersect to improve skin cancer prevention and treatment.

A board-certified dermatologist, epidemiologist, and data scientist, Dr. Wheless has spent years studying skin cancer in high-risk populations, particularly among organ transplant recipients. His research uses massive datasets to uncover why some people develop recurring cancers while others do not, and how early intervention could make all the difference.

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

In this episode of That’s Derm Good, Dr. Lee Wheless breaks down the science behind nicotinamide (also known as niacinamide), a form of Vitamin B3 that’s showing promising results in reducing the risk of new skin cancers in patients with a prior history of them. He explains how this simple, over-the-counter supplement can support DNA repair and potentially slow down the process of sun damage that leads to cancer formation.

But Dr. Wheless is also quick to point out that supplements aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Listeners will learn why timing matters, how starting nicotinamide earlier after diagnosis yields stronger benefits, and why proper consultation with a dermatologist is key before starting any new regimen. He also offers insights into his work with transplant patients, whose weakened immune systems make them particularly vulnerable to aggressive skin cancers, and how preventive care, sunscreen use, and regular follow-ups can dramatically improve outcomes.

AD: A message from Sun Pharmaceuticals: For patients with locally advanced basal cell carcinoma who are not candidates for further surgery or radiation, hedgehog pathway inhibitors offer a targeted systemic approach. Staying current on these therapies can help you expand options for appropriate patients.

The conversation goes deeper into precision medicine, discussing how future clinical trials could help determine which patients benefit most from preventive supplements, and how technology like skin imaging may soon play a role in personalized treatment strategies. It’s a thoughtful, evidence-based episode that reminds us how research and real-world care work hand in hand to protect the skin we’re in.

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