Pediatric Dermatology
Med School/Year Graduated: Ben-Gurion University, 2010
Years in Practice: 9
As one of a handful of fully boarded pediatric skin doctors in the Valley, how does your clinical work differ from that of a typical dermatologist?
I also perform adult dermatology, but [in my role] as a pediatric dermatologist, I manage – both medically and surgically – things like chronic autoimmune diseases, vascular birthmarks, skin tumors and genetic skin disease, all from birth to adulthood. These conditions often carry a greater stigma on children and impact more than just the skin, including mental well-being, school performance and other social determinants of health.
Given your pediatric subspecialty, is your clinical work less preoccupied with skin cancer than that of an adult dermatologist?
Actually, the opposite is true. With adults, I’m treating cancers medically and surgically. In pediatric patients, I’m educating in order to prevent the outcomes associated with tanning, tanning beds and excess sun damage – including but not limited to skin cancer.
What is the single most useful fact for adolescents to know about acne?
It’s common. 95 percent of adolescents get acne, so you’re not alone!
Is it OK for patients to extract blackheads and pustules on their own?
That would be fact No. 2: Don’t pop or pick! Also, don’t trust anyone online trying to sell you something.
You like to write in your spare time. If you were to write a book, what would it be about?
I think I’d pay it forward [with my life story] of starting in sheer abject poverty as an immigrant and making it to where I am now, [in the hope it] could inspire someone. I’d also like to write stories for Marvel comics!
What else do you do in your spare time when not practicing medicine?
I enjoy spending time with my children, hitting the gym, hiking and exploring when weather allows, reading and naps.
What are you watching on Netflix these days?
Anything with heroes/villains, dragons or other mythical beasts, magic, adventures, Vikings, pirates and also Yellowstone.
“If I wasn’t a doctor, I would be a……”
A marine biologist, interior designer, Pembroke Welsh Corgi breeder or stay-at-home dad.
