DermWorld Academy Insider: Meet the newest Your Dermatologist Knows correspondents

Dec. 2, 2024

A key aspect of the Academy’s Your Dermatologist Knows consumer positioning strategy are the social media correspondents — media-savvy AAD members who know how to engage the public across various social media platforms. Recently, two new correspondents joined the team: Charlie Dunn, MD, FAAD, and Preetha Kamath, MD, FAAD. There are now four correspondents!

DermWorld Academy Insider gave each new correspondent an opportunity to introduce themselves to their fellow members and explain why they believe they’re a good fit for the role.

Charlie Dunn, MD, FAAD, is board-certified in dermatology and pediatrics. He practices dermatology at Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in Port Orange, Florida.

DermWorld Academy Insider: What made you want to be one of the Academy’s “Your Dermatologist Knows” social media correspondents?

Dr. Dunn: I’ve always been passionate about expanding the reach of medical education; of making concepts accessible and “sticky” so that they are memorable. In my practice, I’ve discovered that the process of taking the time to sit down and teach patients is truly one of the most fulfilling aspects of my day.

This gift of trust provided to us by patients, combined with a knowledge base that has been built on decades of intensive learning, is something I believe needs to be utilized and shared on a macro level, now more than ever.

Through social media, we can impact far more lives by sharing actionable, evidence-based dermatologic advice. I believe that a key part of being a physician today is understanding how to leverage new platforms to reach people where they are, and social media is the tool of the present and future. By participating as a correspondent, I’m hoping to contribute to reducing health disparities and help individuals make informed decisions about their skin health, even (and especially) if they don’t have immediate access to a dermatologist.

DermWorld Academy Insider: Why do you believe the “Your Dermatologist Knows” public strategy is important?

Dr. Dunn: The “Your Dermatologist Knows” strategy is essential because we’re witnessing an explosion of health-related content online, and not all of it is accurate. While the internet has democratized access to information, it’s also allowed myths, misinformation, and unsafe advice to spread. This public strategy is about countering that with knowledge grounded in science. As board-certified dermatologists, we have the responsibility and opportunity to be the voice of truth amidst all the noise, ensuring the public can make informed decisions about skin care, whether it’s related to everyday practices or understanding when to seek professional care.

DermWorld Academy Insider: What social media experience do you have that prepares you to represent your fellow Academy members?

Dr. Dunn: I would say it has actually been my journey through medicine — including roles as a pediatrician, patient, educator, father, mentor, speaker, leader, and now practicing dermatologist — that has best prepared me to represent my fellow Academy members as a correspondent.

As a patient, I’ve experienced the health care system from the other side of the exam table, a process that’s forged empathy and understanding for what patients need when seeking medical advice. As a father, I’ve navigated the complex world of children’s skin conditions, seeking (and often struggling to find) reliable information on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. As an educator and leader, I’ve spent years honing the ability to explain complex topics in a way that resonates with people from all walks of life. Whether it’s teaching residents or patients or presenting in front of large audiences at conferences or to school boards and kindergarten classrooms, my goal is always the same: clarity, empathy, and practical advice.

I believe, these experiences translate to an understanding of how to connect and communicate in a personal and engaging way on social media with a wide audience while staying true to the science.

DermWorld Academy Insider: Why are you confident that you will be a good correspondent for Your Dermatologist Knows?

Dr. Dunn: I’m confident in my role because I bring a balance of passion for dermatology and a commitment to clear communication. I care deeply about correcting misinformation, but I also understand that education needs to be engaging and accessible to resonate with a broad audience. By combining my clinical expertise and a personable approach to social media content, I can make complex dermatologic issues easier to understand while staying relatable. I’m excited to be part of a team that is shaping the public’s understanding of dermatology, and I’m driven by the potential to positively influence skin health on a larger scale.

Preetha Kamath, MD, FAAD, is board-certified in dermatology and Mohs surgery / cutaneous oncology. She practices at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

DermWorld Academy Insider: What made you want to be one of the Academy’s “Your Dermatologist Knows” social media correspondents?

Dr. Kamath: I became interested in serving as an AAD Public Social Media Correspondent because of my passion for education. Dermatology is a fascinating field with lots of valuable information that can significantly improve people's health and well-being. Many people struggle with skin issues, from acne to more complex conditions like eczema or melanoma. Being able to provide expert advice, share tips on skin care, and raise awareness about important dermatologic health issues is deeply rewarding. Being a correspondent allows me to increase access to valuable information by making expert knowledge accessible to a broader audience. I am honored to have been selected for this position which allows me to play a vital role in fostering discussions, building communities, connecting people with dermatologists, and making informed decisions about their health.

DermWorld Academy Insider: Why do you believe the “Your Dermatologist Knows” public strategy is important?

Dr. Kamath: The “Your Dermatologist Knows” public strategy is important for several reasons, particularly because it reinforces the critical role of professional expertise in skin care, educates the public, promotes proactive skin habits, and combats harmful misinformation. It emphasizes the importance of turning to board-certified dermatologists who are the experts in skin, hair, and nails for accurate science-backed advice. In an age when misinformation spreads easily, it’s essential to have trusted sources guiding the public. Many people don’t recognize the significance of certain dermatologic conditions until they become serious. In today’s social media-driven world skin care trends often go viral, many of which are not backed by science but are based on celebrity endorsements or propagated by skinfluencers. This can be harmful, leading to unnecessary skin damage or even exacerbating existing conditions. Skin care should be based on expert knowledge, not trends or unverified information. The “Your Dermatologist Knows” strategy helps empower people to make informed decisions about their skin care routines, products, and treatments. Importantly, it helps people understand when to seek out professional help from a dermatologist, which can not only reduce the risk of preventable skin problems but potentially save lives. What is especially great is we are able to break down barriers to care and make evidence based dermatologic information available to people who might otherwise not have easy access to it, whether due to geographic, economic, or social factors.

DermWorld Academy Insider: What social media experience do you have that prepares you to represent your fellow Academy members?

Dr. Kamath: During my 15-year journey to become a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, I completed a combined medical education fellowship and dermatology research fellowship. During this time, I created engaging, informative, and visually appealing content to explain complex topics in an easy-to-understand way. Furthermore, I started an Instagram account (@dr.pri.derm) years ago where I began to shed light on the world of dermatology and create educational content. I was fortunate to work with the AAD and other major dermatology organizations on this platform. These experiences led me to understand the nuances of content creation, community engagement, and tailoring content to different groups. All of these skills continue to serve me well as an AAD Social Media Correspondent.

DermWorld Academy Insider: Why are you confident that you will be a good correspondent for Your Dermatologist Knows?

Dr. Kamath: I love my job as a Mohs surgeon and care deeply about helping others navigate the complexities of skin cancer. That being said, my role as a social media correspondent is uniquely rewarding because I can have a positive impact on more lives and share the breadth of my specialty. Over the past decade throughout my medical education, dermatology residency, and Mohs fellowship my primary focus was on learning how to be the best possible advocate for my patients, staying up to date on evidence-based medicine, and excelling at my craft. Now that I am out in practice, I have devoted myself to a career in academic medicine where I continue to stay informed about trending topics or emerging conversations in the dermatology community and skin care industry. When it comes to creating content that is being shared with large audiences, I ensure that all information is backed by research and avoid harmful misinformation by carefully monitoring fads that may not be safe or effective. At the end of the day, my goal is to effectively share valuable dermatologic information while building a positive and informed online community.