Madison Noell is a biologic coordinator at Forefront Dermatology, but her path into derm started with a love for cosmetology and a simple belief: helping people feel good about themselves matters. That passion led her into medical assisting, where she quickly realized dermatology isn’t just about acne, it’s about rashes, cancers, chronic conditions, and real quality-of-life changes. Big impact, every day.

Madison describes biologic coordination as “lots of fun, lots of hard work,” and she means it. Behind every biologic prescription is a whole lot of hustle. This episode of That’s Derm Good!, allows host Janelle Ball to highlight the people working behind the scenes.

Madison started as a medical assistant and is pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant, so she has seen everything about dermatology patient care. The prior authorizations, appeals, and endless phone calls are not glamorous, but they’re essential. What truly fuels her persistence is the patients. Having worked directly on the floor, Madison has seen the flares, the itching, the pain, and the frustration. Those experiences drive her to fight harder because every approval means someone gets relief, confidence, and a better day.

Janelle and Madison also unpack the growing complexity of insurance approvals, from restrictive commercial plans to diagnoses that are flat-out excluded. They discuss patient assistance programs, bridge programs, and the creative problem-solving it takes to navigate a system that often feels stacked against patients.

Through it all, Madison Noell makes one thing clear: she doesn’t stop at “no.” She digs, documents, escalates, and advocates: case by case, person by person.

This episode is a love letter to biologic coordinators everywhere and a reminder that access to care doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because of people like Madison who refuse to give up.

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

In this episode of That’s Derm Good, host Janelle Ball sits down with Frank Grimsley, TV personality and outspoken advocate for people living with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Frank shares his powerful journey from growing up in a small town in Alabama to becoming a breakout star on the reality series The Circle.

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.

Along the way, he opens up about the personal challenges that shaped him, including the loss of his parents and years of living with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic, often misunderstood skin condition that frequently goes undiagnosed.

Frank candidly discusses what it was like to navigate the healthcare system while seeking answers, emphasizing the critical role of self-advocacy in managing chronic illness. He reflects on the frustration of delayed diagnosis, the importance of finding providers who listen, and how the right treatment can be life-changing. Throughout the conversation, Frank Grimsley highlights the emotional and physical toll of HS, while also celebrating resilience, visibility, and the power of telling one’s story.

NOTE: Frank is a Cosentyx patient who has been compensated by Novartis for his time.

The episode also explores the duality of Frank’s life as both a public figure and someone managing a chronic condition. He shares how he uses his platform to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind others they are not alone. As the conversation concludes, Frank looks ahead to future goals, including writing a book and expanding his advocacy work, while encouraging listeners to embrace their unique journeys, speak up for their health, and own their stories with confidence.

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

Building trust with patients is essential for effective treatment. Dr. Aleta Simmons runs Simmons Skin Center and joins That’s Derm Good! And shares her personal journey from her early love of science and the absence of Black dermatologists in her hometown. That lack of representation fueled her commitment to addressing health disparities in skin care, particularly for Black patients who are often underrepresented in research and underserved in clinical settings.

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.

Dr. Simmons explains how these disparities affect diagnosis, treatment outcomes, and patient trust, and why culturally competent care is essential in dermatology. Education sits at the center of Dr. Simmons’ work. She emphasizes the importance of teaching patients how to understand their skin and make informed decisions, while also preparing future dermatologists to provide equitable, empathetic care.

Dr. Simmons discusses how patients often seek out Black dermatologists not only for medical expertise, but for relatability and trust. To expand access to accurate information, Dr. Simmons created Get the SKIN-E, an educational platform designed to counter misinformation and help patients navigate skincare trends that can sometimes cause more harm than good, especially when advice fails to consider diverse skin types and tones. However, Dr. Simmons emphasizes that dermatologists should understand diverse skin types, but that, depending on whether they trained in a homogeneous region, their education may be limited. This episode emphasizes that self-advocacy is valuable and that you can always ask for a referral if you feel your skin is not being treated properly.

Focused on educating others, Dr. Simmons is passionate about mentorship and the future of dermatology. She highlights the need to support trainees holistically, addressing both their professional development and personal well-being. She also calls for greater diversity in clinical trials, noting that inclusive research is critical to improving outcomes for all patients. Through education, advocacy, and representation, Dr. Simmons continues to push the field of dermatology toward a more informed, inclusive, and patient-centered future.

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