Faseeha Raza, MMS, PA-C

Medical & Cosmetic Dermatology

Chic Derm & Aesthetics 

Allen, Texas

When service, continuous professional development and leading by example is the goal, passion and enthusiasm will create pathways to achieve your dream. Meet a Dermatology PA, who did just that in merely three years of graduation from PA school. Imagine joining PA school as a non-traditional student while raising four children and a spouse with a demanding full-time physician schedule. It seems arduous, but Faseeha managed it all with her zeal, intelligence and strong work ethic.

Faseeha serves as the CEO of Chic Derm & Aesthetics (CDA), a medical and cosmetic dermatology practice located in Allen, Texas. Recognizing her leadership abilities at CDA, she was offered to lead the recently established Lung and Sleep Health Center, a multispecialty group of intensivists, pulmonologists and sleep specialists in Dallas, Texas. 

Prior to starting her leadership roles, Faseeha earned her MMS in PA studies from Baldwin Wallace University, after which she received training from well-recognized dermatologists and Mohs surgeons at the Cleveland Clinic. She continued to invest time in her training and in learning state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatment techniques used in medical and cosmetic dermatology. She is now an advance injector and an aesthetic trainer. Her true passion lies in educating and treating patients with skin conditions, especially Acne. 

When asked, “What helped you become a successful leader and a CEO?” She said, “My drive to do more and learn more both academically and professionally helped me with where I am today. I am a big advocate of setting personal and professional goals and staying accountable towards achieving them. For me, thinking proactively, anticipating and adapting to challenges, helps me pave my way. I always say, ‘be a pioneer, an innovator and an inspiration for others.’ I am the kind of person who believes in happily taking on new challenges instead of being discouraged by them.” 

Faseeha firmly believes in the principles of mentorship and stewardship. Despite her busy schedule, she takes time to mentor upcoming PA and pre-PA students interested in dermatology and provides opportunities for them to shadow and intern with her. In the past, she actively volunteered as a pre-PA student herself. In 2018, while working for an underserved community at a free clinic, her leadership abilities were soon realized and brought to the fore. The free clinic asked her to serve as the Director of Community Health Education where she helped individuals make better health choices and assisted the local community with promoting health education and screenings. 

Faseeha, an upcoming leader and influencer in the field, was born and raised in Pakistan and currently lives in Dallas with her family. She humbly credits her husband and family who supported her every step of the way, and her mentors who guided her through the process. In her spare time, she enjoys taking part in various sports leagues and participating in local competitions where she has managed to earn several championship trophies. Her other interests include UI/UX design, graphic designing and website development. 

_____________________________

Faseeha, the CEO of Chic Derm & Aesthetics and Lung and Sleep Health Center is a board-certified PA specializing in Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology and Primary Care Medicine. She earned an associate in architectural engineering from Midlands Technical College, bachelor’s in health sciences from Cleveland State University and an MMS from Baldwin Wallace University in Cleveland, Ohio. In addition to her executive roles, she has been successfully serving as the Chair of SDPA’s Distance CME committee and is an active member of the Dermatology PA Foundation and the CME committee at Texas Association of PAs (TAPA). Previously, she was a member of DPAF Board of Trustees, the Vice Chair for SDPA distance CME committee, and the Director of Community Health Education at CISC Free Clinic. 

Department of Dermatology

JDPA Editor in Chief

Who I am professionally?

I am a clinician who has worked for the past decade at an academic medical institution, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas Department of Dermatology, taking care of general adult medical dermatology patients but also cancer patients and other medically complex patients. I have worked for the last five years mostly with immunosuppressed patients, solid organ transplant and bone marrow transplant patients, treating their skin disease and monitoring them for development of skin cancer. I find a lot of fulfillment mentally and personally in what I do, however I see more critically ill and dying patients than one typically does working in dermatology. My patients teach me daily about life; being faced with their mortality and receiving the ultimate gift of another human’s organ gives them wisdom and perspective. 

I also spend time writing. I started doing this to share the interesting cases that I saw working in an academic setting with the wider Derm PA community. That has grown into wanting to equip other PAs who are interested in scholarly writing. I have recently received a grant from the AAPA to do research on Derm PA satisfaction compared to resident and physician satisfaction scores. I am excited to start doing more research and adding to the literature about the work Derm PAs do.

Who How do you feel about your new role as Editor in Chief?

I’m honored to build on the work of JDPA’s distinguished past Editors in Chief.  I feel inadequate in a lot of things: I am not the best writer, but I am a dedicated reader which is what you want in an editor. I want to work with authors to make manuscripts the best they can be. I receive valuable feedback on my work from the peer review process; critiques that help improve my manuscripts. I will pay it forward by giving my attention and effort to each manuscript submitted for publication to the JDPA.

What is upcoming with JDPA?

The JDPA will continue to provide clinically relevant articles, original research and timely features on issues that affect the Derm PA. The JDPA is also working on new initiatives, namely submitting the journal for indexing. The JDPA will embrace and celebrate diversity in published content and with our reviewers and editors.  Another initiative of the JDPA is to foster collaboration and be a resource for our SDPA members who wish to continue their professional development by either publishing in the JDPA or editing the JDPA.

I also want to work with other derm PA researchers to publish data about who derm PAs are (how many, where they are located, how old they are) and what they do (how many patients do they see, what types of diagnosis, how long are they going to work in dermatology) So many questions the field is rich for anyone interested in adding to the literature in this field.

opportunities.

Why publish?

One of my mentors, R.S. Hooker PhD, PA, MBA, says the benefits of PAs writing and publishing in journals like the JDPA are two-fold: First, our work shows the greater medical community the high level of clinical and professional practice of PAs and, second, our journal records what Derm PAs were doing for posterity. For example, the interview "Dermatology physician assistants strong, essential to COVID-19 response coast to coast. Part 1" is a great example of the JDPA documenting history as it happened. This insightful interview of Jang Mi Johnson, PA-C, in the Fall 2020 JDPA issue, discussed her experience at Elmhurst Hospital in New York, and work on the front lines during the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic. I have saved that article to show to my niece and nephew, who were both born during the pandemic, and will one day be curious about this time in history.

Would you like to be featured in an upcoming spotlight? Click here to learn more and see your story featured in a future spotlight.

How long have you been in dermatology and what’s your favorite thing about it?
I've been in dermatology for 37 years and I love the sheer variety of diagnoses, procedures, and connections to almost all other specialties.

Why did you become a dermatology PA?
I became a dermatology PA because, as a primary care provider fresh out of school, I was so terrible at derm that I was embarrassed. So, I bought a derm book and started studying, and the more I learned, the more I saw on my patients, which spurred me on to learn even more derm. Over time, I discovered I had the requisite gifts to be skilled at derm: a near-photographic memory, good with languages (which meant derm terminology was easy), good with trivia, and with better than average fine motor skills with my hands. Coming out of the lab in those days meant one had to have a good sense of staying on time.

What advice would you give to a new Dermatology PA? 
Dive in, live it, drink it, read about it, see the patients, ask questions, attend conferences. I actually tell them this: if you want to become a derm PA, do what derm PAs do. Singers sing players play, derm PAs derm.

What’s your dermatology passion?
Seeing a difficult diagnosis come together. Connecting the dots, watching and hearing the thing come together and go “clunk” when you realize you got it right, all while realizing that these are skills few have.

What’s your favorite thing to do? Or what do you do in your spare time?
I write derm articles – about 8 – 10 a month, based on cases I’ve seen, and send them to publishers along with my photos. I do fresh research on each new case, which keeps me sharp and up to date. I also sing Jazz in a local jazz hall once a week, which requires a bit of time in getting ready.

What’s the best place you’ve traveled to and why?
The department of dermatology in Vienna where the bright lights of 19th-century dermatology practiced (Unna, Kaposi, Von Hebra, et al), seeing their monocular microscopes, tiny offices, moulages, etc. It was breathtaking.

What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?
Rodeo clown (no kidding!)

James J. Worry DHSc, MPAS, PA-C General and surgical dermatology Pittsburgh, PA

How long have you been in dermatology and what’s your favorite thing about it? 
I have practiced dermatology for the nearly a decade. I love dermatology because I am a visual person. I love the attention to detail and recognizing subtle differences in presentation of rashes or lesions. I also love that you have the opportunity to really improve a patient’s quality of life by helping with his or her skin issue. 

What’s your dermatology passion? 
I have a particular interest in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Over the past several years psoriasis treatment has evolved rapidly, however, atopic dermatitis treatments remain somewhat more limited. I enjoy the challenge of finding the right combination of medications, including compounded medications, that can provide the patient with relief.

Please tell us about your Doctorate degree.
The decision to go back to school to obtain my doctorate was influenced by a variety of factors. Most importantly, I wanted to complete the Doctor of Science degree for personal satisfaction. I am the first person in my family to go to college so, education is something that I value quite a lot. I wanted to receive a terminal degree chiefly because of my love of education. Next, I have a love that extends beyond being a student to being a teacher. I am an assistant professor of clinical medicine at the University of Pittsburgh and I felt that it was important for students to learn from a doctorally prepared professor. And lastly, I do believe that our profession will one day make a transition to entry-level doctorates. Our nurse practitioner counterparts have already made this transition. Many other healthcare professionals such as pharmacists and physical therapists are obtaining doctoral degrees. Although, I don’t think it's necessary for a PA to have a doctorate to practice medicine, I felt that with other professions making the transition, it would be best for me to be prepared and remain competitive in the future, if I was educated at the doctoral level.

What do you wish people knew about dermatology? 
I wish more people realized how much the appearance of their hair, skin, and nails reveals to the dermatology provider. I can visually examine a patient’s nails or skin and make a diagnosis of systemic disease. Dermatology is not all popping pimples; we care for very sick patients with complex systemic disease. 

Do you perform your own surgical procedures? 
Yes. Surgery is another huge component of my practice. I enjoy performing excisions of both malignant and benign lesions. I have worked in combined plastic surgery and dermatology clinics for a number of years, this setting has provided me with excellent surgical training. 

On the weekend you can be found... 
I enjoy spending at much time as possible outside with my boxer dogs, Willow and Delphine. If I'm not enjoying time outside, you will find me at the gym lifting weights.

Jacki Kment, PA-C, MPAS, DFAAPA
Medical, Surgical Derm
Integrity Dermatology, Lincoln, Nebraska
Former SDPA Vice President

How long have you been in dermatology? I have been a PA for 25 years and have been in dermatology for the past 22 years. How long have you been involved with the SDPA? I became an SDPA member in 1998 and was honored to serve in leadership with phenomenal leaders for over 10 years.  One of the greatest honors I have received is being awarded lifetime membership in the SDPA. 

What’s your dermatology passion? Although all aspects of dermatology are intriguing to me I find my passion lies in treating psoriasis and acne. Biologics and Isotretinoin are life-transforming medications for our patients.  I’m thrilled that we have these medications available to us to treat moderate to severe psoriasis and acne. 

What’s the most challenging thing about your job? I would have to say that the most challenging part of my job is the “business side” of my practice. As a new business owner of a Direct Pay Dermatology practice the daily tasks of owning a business can be quite challenging. From the management of employees, business marketing, being mindful of financial constraints, as well as keeping abreast of all legal and regulatory related matters. 

What’s the one piece of advice you would give about skin? The one piece of advice I would give about skin…”PROTECT the skin you’re in!” …SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN! Get into the habit of applying sunscreen EVERY morning and then re-apply throughout the day as necessary. Whether it is a stand-alone sunscreen or sunscreen found in your daily moisturizer or make-up….use it daily and PROTECT yourself! With one if five Americans getting skin cancer and one in 38 diagnosed with melanoma it is SO important to protect ourselves and educate our patients on the need for sun protection!

Holly Glover, PA-C, MPAS, MBA

1. How long have you been in dermatology and what's your favorite thing about it?

I have been practicing dermatology for 7 years now. I love that I get to care for patients of all ages...newborn to 102! I love the wide variety of dermatological conditions that we see and how they overlap with internal medicine, rheumatology and other specialties. No day is ever the same as the day before!

2. What's your dermatology passion?

I love treating atopic dermatitis and psoriasis! I love educating my patients on the pathogenesis of these dermatological processes, and then, giving them the education and therapy options to manage these diseases effectively. Improving the quality of life in these patients is so rewarding! 

3. Tell us how you got involved in dermatology.

When I graduated from PA school, I went into pediatric GI, specifically IBD. I loved the close relationships I formed with patients and their parents. The disease is really difficult for kids, and they end up in the office or hospital frequently because of the chronic, relapsing and remitting characteristic of the disease. I thought the disease process was interesting, but the scope was so narrow. So, I made a jump to critical care. I wanted something fast paced and acute. I really enjoyed the procedures and the fast paced day in the ICU, but I missed the ability to form relationships with patients. One day I was talking with a friend who worked in dermatology, and it seemed like dermatology could combine all the things I loved about pediatric GI and critical care: acute and chronic conditions, meaningful relationships with patients, ability to do procedures, and a fast-paced day. I love dermatology! I never see myself leaving for another subset of medicine. It meets all my criteria for my definition of what makes a great work day and career choice!

4. What's your favorite thing to do?

I love to work out. It is my time to decompress and work hard to meet fitness goals.

5. What would you tell your thirteen-year-old self?

I would tell myself two things.

1. Lighten up...stop being so serious all the time and just chill out! Enjoy the day for what it is and stop worrying about tomorrow.
2. Life is about people. Spend your time and effort developing deep and meaningful relationships. Money, fame, prestige, the degree you have, where you work, what you wear, what you own do not matter in the slightest. What matters most is your character, your integrity, your relationships. Be true to yourself. Treat others the way you would want to be treated, be kind and listen well, give more of yourself to others and expect nothing in return, be thoughtful and generous. 

Holly serves as the current Chair of the SDPA Legislative Affairs Committee.  She has been a practicing dermatology physician assistant since 2013, currently serving patients at the Dermatology and Skin Cancer Surgery Center in Waxahachie, TX. She is honored to advocate for SDPA constituents and our profession at the AAPA national level meetings by addressing Derm PA concerns and advancing Derm PA interests. Dermatology physician assistants face many key issues regarding our scope and practice, reimbursement, relationship with dermatologists and public perception of our role in providing care. She believes it is vital for each SDPA member to be informed on the current issues, and equally important that each member has a voice in response to those issues.

Watch Now on Dermcast.tv

Relive the excitement of the SDPA’s 14th Annual Fall Dermatology Conference, held November 2 – 6, 2016 at the exciting Caesar’s Palace in amazing Las Vegas, Nevada!

Watch Now on Dermcast.tv

Watch on Dermcast.tv Now!

Watch on Dermcast.tv Now!

Watch on Dermcast.tv

Watch the Interview on Dermcast.tv

Watch the Interview on Dermcast.tv

Watch on Dermcast.tv

Dermatology PA Foundation (DPAF) Trustees at Large, Vicki Roberts and Matthew Brunner, stopped by the SDPA’s Dermcast studios at the SDPA’s 2016 Annual Summer Dermatology Conference in Austin, Texas, to discuss the new philanthropic arm of the SDPA, new developments and what’s on the horizon. Click below to watch the video on Dermcast.tv and hear all about what we are up to! 

Watch on Dermcast.tv