05/21/2026
There are certain patient relationships that stay with you long after the visit ends. This is one of them.
A young patient came to me at just 12 years old, struggling with severe acne. But what stood out even more than her skin was her spirit, and the courage it took for her and her family to walk through my door. I never take lightly what it means when a parent entrusts me with their child, their heart, their confidence, and their vulnerability. That kind of trust is sacred.
From the very beginning, this has been a truly collaborative journey. Her parents showed up with openness and commitment, and together we built a plan rooted in communication, education, and consistency. They listened, asked questions, advocated, and most importantly, supported their daughter every step of the way. I am so proud of them for that. And I am endlessly proud of her.
Because despite what she was going through, despite the frustration, the self-consciousness, and even the unkindness she experienced from peers, she never lost who she is at her core.
She is light.
She is warmth.
She is laughter in the middle of something hard.
She carries a grace that most adults are still learning, and a sense of humor that finds its way through even the most difficult days. Her resilience is remarkable, but that does not mean the journey has not been painful. As a mother, this part hits differently. Knowing she faced bullying because of something she could not control is something that stays with me.
So if you are a parent reading this, please talk to your children.
Teach them kindness.
Teach them that the words they say and the way they treat others matter more than they may ever realize. There are kids sitting next to them in school who are quietly carrying so much.
This experience has been a reminder that what we do is so much more than treating skin. It is about caring for the whole person and, in this case, helping protect and nurture a young girl’s confidence as she grows into who she is meant to be.
To my patient and her family, thank you for trusting me. It is an honor I will never take for granted.
**Photos shared with written consent from both the patient and parent.
