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:

• (00:00) From childhood eczema patient to physician: how severe skin disease shaped an entrepreneurial journey
• (05:45) Proton Health's mission: bringing humanism back into medicine through Symphony's pre-visit AI platform
• (11:45) Why physicians should learn to code and how AI tools like Cursor are reducing barriers to entry
• (13:55) Solving his own severe eczema using Symphony's tracking and data analysis after 27 years of struggle
• (17:16) Getting involved with Proton Health and downloading the free Skin X patient management app
• Share with a dermatology pro you know, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes!

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 Linked...

• (00:00:00) - Scratching Your Own Eczema
• (00:00:43) - How did you get into health tech and dermatology?
• (00:02:41) - How to Get Invited to Techstars
• (00:03:50) - How to transition from clinical practice to startup life
• (00:06:10) - Proton Health's Symphony platform for dermatologists
• (00:08:49) - dermatology expert talks AI and the future of the field
• (00:11:06) - Dermatology App Available in UK, US
• (00:11:44) - How to Build a Health Tech App by Yourself
• (00:14:09) - Immunity for eczema
• (00:15:40) - What Kind of Criteria Do Techstars Have for Companies?
• (00:17:44) - How can people get involved with Proton Health's Skincare

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:

• (00:00) Dr. Bilal Fawaz introduces DermHub and the mission to put dermatologists in charge of teledermatology
• (05:01) Breaking down the costs: initial investment versus recurring expenses for healthcare apps
• (11:00) Why physicians should lead health tech instead of being discarded as advisors
• (15:18) Store-and-forward technology: the scalable future of dermatology access to care
• (19:11) The harsh reality of telehealth compensation and physician liability in digital medicine
• (23:51) Managing 50 state licenses and the hidden bureaucratic costs of nationwide practice
• (30:02) Final thoughts: why dermatologists must collaborate and support each other in health tech
• Share with a dermatology pro you know, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes!

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:

• (00:00:00) - Dermhub: The Future of Tech in Health Care
• (00:00:28) - Dr. Bilal Fawaz on DermHub
• (00:02:17) - How to Build a telehealth app in the US
• (00:05:26) - How Much Does It Cost to Develop an App?
• (00:06:48) - Dr. Rodolani on her venture and Durham's support
• (00:08:21) - The Toothpick App for Dentists
• (00:15:59) - How to get your Derm Hub, your own LLC registered in
• (00:19:13) - The Complicated Issues of Telehealth
• (00:26:35) - How to prescribe via the Internet
• (00:30:19) - Dr. Chacon on Health Tech

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:

• (00:00) From family medicine to obesity medicine: Dr. Francavilla's unconventional career path
• (01:46) Starting a practice seven months pregnant and one year out of residency
• (03:44) The GLP-1 revolution: how semaglutide and tirzepatide transformed obesity treatment
• (06:55) When bariatric surgery is still the most powerful tool for weight loss
• (08:42) Navigating private practice challenges while maintaining your mission
• Share with a dermatology pro you know, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes!

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...

• (00:00:00) - Private Practice Owners' Guide
• (00:00:19) - Anatomy 101: Obesity Medicine Specialist Guest
• (00:01:55) - Primary care physician's focus on obesity and diabetes
• (00:03:54) - GLP1s and bariatric surgery
• (00:08:33) - Private Practice in Colorado
• (00:13:53) - How big is your practice? Virtual Assistants, in-person
• (00:14:56) - Private Practice Physician on Hiring

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:

• (00:00) From rural Kentucky to telemedicine CEO: Dr. Purdy's unconventional journey
• (08:17) Balancing relationships, family, and entrepreneurship without guilt
• (14:08) Anti-role models and building toward your future vision
• (22:16) The truth about multi-state licensing and regulatory risk
• (26:30) Retiring from clinical practice to build legacy and impact
• Share with a dermatology pro you know, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes!

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.

• (00:00:00) - Dr. Laura Purdy on Becoming More Public in Telehealth
• (00:06:52) - How to Prioritize Your Life
• (00:07:32) - How to Marry a Fellow Physician
• (00:13:35) - Role models in the workplace
• (00:17:56) - The Secret Life of Luxury Cars
• (00:21:34) - How to Get Out of Trouble With Your Medical Board
• (00:25:55) - When will a dermatologist retire?
• (00:26:31) - Why You Should Retire From Practice of Medicine

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:

• (00:00) Kavalekas reveals what it really takes to survive in luxury fashion

• (04:45) Failed business, economic recession, and the courage to start over in 2015

• (09:27) Navigating exotic skin customs regulations and Fish and Wildlife compliance

• (12:32) Getting into Italy's exclusive factories: "easier to study at Harvard"

• (18:37) Balancing international business, teenage kids, and family sacrifices

• Share with a dermatology pro you know, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes!

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:...

• (00:00:00) - It takes a lot of courage to start a business
• (00:00:16) - Meet Jimena Cavalecas
• (00:03:16) - Ximena Cavalecas on Starting a Fashion Business
• (00:09:10) - Exotics handbags: customs regulations in Italy
• (00:11:09) - The Secret to Starting a Luxury Factory
• (00:13:28) - The Dr. Crocodile Bag
• (00:18:18) - How Do You Balance Your Business and Family?
• (00:20:01) - Miami doctor and Missoni collaborator

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:

• (00:00) Sean reveals why traditional retail is dying and e-commerce dominates

• (01:38) From Baltimore struggles to becoming a teen father at 17

• (02:46) Building wealth through vending machines and car flipping strategies

• (04:31) How he made his first million by age 19 through e-commerce

• (06:11) The entrepreneurial mindset that separates winners from quitters

• (10:22) Why brick-and-mortar stores can't compete with online platforms

• (14:21) Advanced tax strategies and wealth preservation techniques

• (19:52) Defining true financial freedom as generational wealth

• (21:38) Why Miami became the perfect base for young entrepreneurs

• Share with a dermatology pro you know, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes!

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:
Inst...

• (00:00:00) - Skin Brief
• (00:00:36) - Phimpang on How He Resell Cars To Provide For His
• (00:04:58) - On The Million-Dollar Mindset
• (00:08:28) - "My Dad's an Immigrant"
• (00:09:23) - How My Brother's Business Is Involved With My Own
• (00:10:03) - Mixed Thoughts on E-Commerce and Traditional Retail
• (00:14:10) - How to Protect Your Wealth From Taxes
• (00:19:44) - What is Financial Freedom?
• (00:22:16) - A Taste of Sean's

"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:

• (00:00) Janet shares the life-changing moment she found relief within 24 hours

• (05:06) The devastating moment when hidradenitis forced Janet to leave her job

• (12:35) Dr. Chacon explains why Accutane works for draining types of hidradenitis

• (16:39) Breaking down the rare follicular tetrad syndrome affecting multiple body systems

• (19:39) Getting Humira for free through patient assistance programs despite $7,300 monthly cost

• (34:26) Why patients shouldn't give up hope finding the right dermatologist

• Share with a dermatology pro you know, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes!

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

• Website: https://sesamecare.com

• Dr. Anna Chacon's profile: https://sesamecare.com/doctor/an...

• (00:00:00) - How to manage a chronic backache without surgery
• (00:00:39) - Janet Vera on her dermatologist
• (00:02:05) - Acne for Women: How debilitating is it?
• (00:06:20) - The Best Couple's Stories
• (00:06:49) - Diabetes patient's journey to a dermatologist
• (00:08:49) - "I didn't like my doctor"
• (00:09:54) - Symptoms of Hydradinitis after one month on Accut
• (00:12:04) - Accutane
• (00:16:49) - Hydradinitis patient on Humira, injections
• (00:18:01) - High cost of dermatology medications
• (00:19:05) - Helping with hydranitis with injections
• (00:22:46) - Has hydradinitis affected your personal life?
• (00:24:15) - Hydranitis patient on social media
• (00:28:24) - One Survivor's message about her chronic throat disease
• (00:33:18) - Tamara on speaking out about her cancer
• (00:38:41) - Don't Give Up on Crohn's!

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:

• (00:00) Founders share how a car accident led to their HR partnership

• (05:06) Worst hiring experience - candidate relocating only to have offer rescinded

• (08:36) Working with employment attorneys to avoid costly HR mistakes

• (09:22) Treating employees humanely - the key to avoiding workplace conflicts

• (12:02) Qualities that make ideal employees versus effective leaders

• (14:42) Non-compete agreements and why they're often unfair to professionals

• (18:16) COVID furloughs and navigating restrictive employment contracts

• (22:08) Dealing with malicious employees and protecting against lawsuits

• Share with a dermatology pro you know, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes!

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: support@specialtyhr1.com
LinkedIn:

• (00:00:00) - Skin Deep: Specialty HR Consulting
• (00:03:59) - "We Met Working at Behavioral Family Solutions"
• (00:04:31) - The Worst Things In HR
• (00:05:36) - Dermatologist on Employee Conflict
• (00:08:24) - What Feedback Would You Give to Starting a Business?
• (00:11:05) - Independent Contractor vs. Employer
• (00:18:14) - Covid HR: Furlough and Liability
• (00:22:26) - Employees given severance or buyout