Derm Insights with Dr. Kent: A Special Q&A

💭 Expert Q&A: David E. Kent, M.D. 

About Dr. David E. Kent and Derm for Primary Care

Meet Dr. David E. Kent, the founder of Derm for Primary Care and a board-certified dermatologist with a true passion for teaching. Over the years, he’s been part of the teaching faculty at the Medical College of Georgia - Georgia Regents University and Mercer University Medical School, sharing his expertise with aspiring healthcare professionals.

With over 33,000 Mohs surgery cases under his belt, Dr. Kent is among a select group of program directors in the U.S. overseeing ACGME-accredited Procedural Dermatology fellowships. These programs are dedicated to training the next generation in Mohs surgery and reconstruction.

Dr. Kent’s dedication to clinical dermatology and dermatologic surgery goes hand in hand with his love for teaching. For over 20 years, he’s been mentoring residents, medical students, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners.

Want to hear more about his career journey and his advice for those starting out in dermatology? Keep reading!

Q: What drew you to dermatology as a career? Was there a specific moment that made you choose this specialty over others?
Dr. Kent: I first explored dermatology during a fourth-year medical school elective. I’d always been interested in surgical fields since I enjoy working with my hands. Skin cancer, in particular, fascinated me because of its potentially devastating effects. As an intern, I was introduced to Mohs surgery, and after witnessing it in action, I knew this was the path I wanted to follow. I also loved the idea of treating patients across all age groups—from neonates to individuals in their 90s. And when people have skin problems, they’re often miserable, so it’s incredibly gratifying to help solve those issues.

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Q: What’s one common misconception about dermatology that you wish more healthcare professionals understood?
Dr. Kent: Many people think dermatology is all about acne and warts. In reality, it covers an incredible variety of issues, from disfiguring skin cancers to medical conditions like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, which can involve over 50% of the body’s surface. And that’s just the beginning of the list.

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Q: For someone just starting in dermatology, what’s the most important skill or trait to focus on? How can Derm for Primary Care help them develop it?
Dr. Kent: A crucial skill to develop early on is the ability to perform a detailed and accurate physical exam. This includes identifying primary and secondary lesions, recognizing disease patterns, and understanding the timeline of how skin diseases present. Derm for Primary Care is designed to help providers refine these skills, enabling them to accurately diagnose and treat the vast majority of skin diseases they encounter.

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Q: What technical and interpersonal skills do you think set the best dermatology professionals apart?
Dr. Kent: Listening skills are essential. Attention to detail is also critical, especially during a thorough skin exam. Patients often assume their skin problem is limited to one area, but it’s not uncommon for the issue to extend to other parts of the body.

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Q: What advice would you give to someone transitioning into dermatology from another healthcare specialty?
Dr. Kent: Education is key. Transitioning requires putting in the time to develop the necessary skills, which are entirely attainable with dedication. Distance learning can also be a fantastic way to build and refine these abilities.

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Q: How can dermatology professionals advance their careers, whether through certifications, specializations, or leadership roles?
Dr. Kent: Career advancement often starts with strengthening your educational foundation—enhancing diagnostic skills and deepening your understanding of skin disease physiology. Some steps include regular reading of dermatology journals, exploring digital content, attending national meetings, and volunteering at indigent clinics or community skin cancer screenings. And, of course, maintaining a passion for excellent patient care is paramount.

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Q: For those interested in specializing in areas like pediatric dermatology or dermatologic surgery, what steps can they take to position themselves for success?
Dr. Kent: Focused education is crucial. For dermatologic surgery, for instance, workshops and shadowing experienced surgeons can provide invaluable hands-on learning.

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Q: What’s the best way for dermatology professionals to stay updated on rapidly evolving treatments and technologies?
Dr. Kent: Staying current requires regular engagement with dermatology literature—whether through journals, digital media, or attending trade shows that showcase new technologies. It’s all about maintaining a proactive approach to learning.