Medical Dermatology and Meaningful Medicine: Dr. Tim Ioannides — Gazette Day
Though treating the skin with chemicals dates back as far as the ancient Egyptian practices of using dermal arsenic to cure cancer, the modern practice of dermatology can be dated back to the early 1800’s, to Paris’ Hospital Saint-Louis, and focused primarily on the treatment of cutaneous disease. Though crude in its’ earliest forms, dermatological professionals, including surgeons, yearned to understand various skin related conditions, and to propel the field forward. In the early 1900’s, dermatology focused on innovations related to the treatment of syphilis, and venereal diseases with skin related manifestations. Throughout time, various advancements within the fields of medicine, and technology, have parlayed into milestone achievements within the niche of medical dermatology. Exciting breakthroughs in the treatment of skin cancers, lesions, growths, and other medical conditions have benefitted millions of individuals globally, and have cemented medical dermatology as one of the fastest growing specialties within the medical arena.
Within the field of modern medical dermatology, the swiftly growing cosmetic industry has also created a buzz, with various anti-aging, beautifying, and cosmetically altering substances available on the market. While some dermatologists delve into cosmetic practices, or even specialize in cosmetic plastic surgery, many dermatologists participate within cosmetic procedures as a means to maintain their practices, which are, at the end of the day, businesses that require vast operational funds to keep their doors open. For some medical dermatologists, whose desires lay in the medical side of dermatology, there is a struggle to operate successful practices that do not participate within cosmetically driven procedures.
For Dr. Tim Ioannides, founder and CEO of successful multi-location practice Treasure Coast Dermatology, the road to practicing only medical dermatology is an all too familiar one. With five successfully operating medical offices within Florida’s Martin, Port St. Lucie, and Indian River Counties, Dr. Tim Ioannides’ medical dermatology outposts provide medical attention for various skin conditions, including skin cancers, eczema, psoriasis, and various other conditions. As Treasure Coast Dermatology, the focus remains on the medical treatment of life-altering conditions, and often involves state-of-the-art surgery, correction, and medical intervention.
Through medical intervention, a patient-first approach, and the utilization of cutting-edge technology to offer breakthrough treatments, Treasure Coast Dermatology’s mission statement focuses on the medical treatment of various skin related conditions, and the successful development of long-term patient relationships, patient education, and individual empowerment. For Ioannides, the thriving practice allows him to fully devote his professional existence to the niche area of medicine that he finds most meaningful, rewarding, and life changing for patients. He is proud of the work that he conducts on a daily basis, is often involved in groundbreaking medical studies, and he measures success by the number of patients who live skin cancer free, or finally find long-lasting results from treatment performed at Treasure Coast Dermatology. Through the success of his business, Ioannides can practice medical dermatology. However, that wasn’t always the case, and he had to make conscious choices that would ultimately lead him to practice medicine in a personally meaningful manner.
Tim Ioannides received his medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine. Post-matriculation, he succeeded within an all-engrossing medical internship at the University of Florida School of Medicine Health Science Center. He completed a successful residency at the University of Miami School of Medicine in the Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at Jackson Memorial Hospital. After completion of his studies, practicums, and residency, Ioannides officially become Board Certified in dermatology by the American Board of Dermatology. Impressively, he also became a fellow member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the American Society for Mohs Surgery, the American Medical Association, and the Florida Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery. Early within his career, Dr. Tim Ioannides also began to shape the minds of future generations of dermatologists via his serving as a Voluntary Associate Professor at his alma mater, the University of Miami School of Medicine.
Ioannides’ initial foray into the private sector of dermatology began shortly thereafter, when he began employment under an already-established dermatology practice. Helmed by another dermatologist, this practice relied heavily on cosmetic enhancements, cosmetic procedures, and aesthetically based surgery. While this opportunity allowed the budding doctor to garner real-world experience, he often found himself performing vast amounts of cosmetic procedures. Throughout this time, Ioannides began to recognize the notion that his passion, determination, and professional calling led him to the medical side of dermatology, which was often not considered a priority within his employer’s practice, and many other practices within the area. Ioannides admittedly struggled at times with the growing desire to exclusively focus on medical dermatology, understanding the need for many dermatological practices to supplement operational costs with cosmetic procedures.
With the desire to help patients facing various frightening situations, disheartening diagnoses, and potentially serious medical conditions, Ioannides began to consider ways in which he could successfully parlay his experiences into a more meaningful career path. Already possessing the innate characteristics needed to operate a small business, Ioannides eventually decided to head out independently, and open his own practice. He developed, and opened Treasure Coast Dermatology, with the goal of eventually practicing only medical dermatology, and focusing his practice on the medical treatment of various skin related conditions, and to promote overall skin health.
In the beginning stages of owning his own practice, Dr. Ioannides had to develop a steady stream of patients, a positive and trustworthy reputation amongst the general public, and a financially stable business that could be self-sufficient, and eventually grow. Thus, in the initial stages of the business, Ioannides recognized the financial benefits of offering cosmetic procedures within his fledgling practice, though he maintained the end goal of eliminating cosmetic procedures from his practice. With this goal in mind, Ioannides utilized his business savvy, passion toward medical dermatology, and patient-first approach to medicine in order to organically grow his following, develop long-term relationships with patients, and create a thriving business. Before long, Ioannides was able to completely eliminate cosmetic procedures from his practice, and focus solely on medical treatment of various skin conditions.
At Treasure Coast Dermatology, Dr. Ioannides and staff, work diligently to develop long-term relationships with patients throughout multiple decades, educating patients regarding proactive skin care routines, caring for a multitude of skin related conditions, and serving as a trusted source of comfort throughout some of life’s most important medical decisions. Ioannides recognizes the serious nature of his profession, and thus, personally sees each patient throughout their visit, a practice somewhat uncommon throughout the specialty of medical dermatology. Within this patient-first approach, Dr. Ioannides spends ample time with each patient conversing about their skin care needs, allowing the patient to share their concerns, noticeable changes, and providing the patient with the control and autonomy needed to successfully relay their concerns.
As a result of this desire to empower patients, the staff at Treasure Coast Dermatology also take great leaps to avoid interruptions throughout patient appointments. For this reason, medical staff avoids the utilization of iPads, computers, and electronic devices throughout patient appointments. This deliberate practice provides more valuable face-to-face interaction with each patient, and allows patients to feel heard, understood, and prioritized throughout the duration of their appointment. In what feels like a groundbreaking approach throughout the modern medical industry, this technology-free method aides in the development of meaningful patient-physician relationships, and has undoubtedly spearheaded the continued success for Treasure Coast Dermatology. While this method also may initially appear counterintuitive in terms of productivity, Dr. Tim Ioannides relies on transcription apps via his in-office iPad to create extensive notes, and utilizing streamlined practices for charting.
In the spirit of medical dermatology taking the lead throughout the practice, Treasure Coast Dermatology focuses on providing a vast array of services, from simple rashes, to complicated skin cancer treatments.
Eczema, or dermatitis, is another often experienced skin condition that Ioannides specializes within. While there are many differing types of inflamed skin conditions, which vary from individual to individual, Ioannides’ expertise lies in not only providing medical treatment, but also providing expert advice related to ways in which patients can minimize inflammation. As a fairly common disease, dermatitis can be very manageable for most patients, and Dr. Ioannides aims to provide the best medical treatment, and lifestyle changes, in order to maintain the highest level of manageability possible.
Actinic keratosis, often considered the first stages of skin cancer, is an area of expertise for the professionals at Treasure Coast Dermatology. Common growth on the epidermis, actinic keratosis may house sun damage dating as far back as childhood. Though most actinic keratoses occur after the age of 40, they are more common in younger individuals who reside in areas of high annual sunlight, such as Florida. In fact, roughly 50% of all older adults who live in sunnier climates have Actinic Keratosis. Through continued sun exposure, skin cells change in appearance, shape, and the manner in which they are organized. Over time, this can result in the formation of small bumps, discolorations, and growths known as Actinic Keratoses. Continued changes of cells can then, eventually, turn these into squamous cell carcinoma. Specializing in various medical treatment options for skin cancers, AKs, and other factors that can lead to skin cancer, Dr. Tim Ioannides not only provides medical intervention for already existing conditions, but also provides educational programming to encourage sun safe behaviors.
Within the realm of medical dermatology, skin cancers remain at the forefront in terms of severity, and possible mortality. Malignant melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma are the three most common types of skin cancer, and affect hundreds of thousands of individuals annually. As most melanoma cases are treatable when they are thin and not yet well-developed, early detection, aggressive treatment, education, and prevention are extremely important aspects of remaining free from skin cancers. As the size of melanomas increases, the mortality rate increases in tandem. Thus, self-awareness through education is key in allowing individuals to take a proactive approach within their own wellness. With that notion in mind, the team at Treasure Coast Dermatology recognizes the need to educate patients regarding risks for skin cancers, ways in which to perform self-checks, and when to immediately seek dermatological care.
As a leader in specialized Mohs Micrographic Surgery, Tim provides the most precise, and advanced method of removal of skin cancer. Developed in Wisconsin in the 1930’s, the advanced procedure is now performed by specialists throughout the world, including Ioannides. Specifically, this procedure yields favorable results over other procedures, as it allows for the most precise removal, and immediate examination, of skin cancer. Through the precise procedure, specialists can engage in a comprehensive microscopic examination of the freshly removed tissue, removing the “roots” and extensions of the cancer.
As many skin cancers can be larger than initially visualized, having the ability to remove the “root” of the cancer beneath the skin’s first layers is crucial toward minimizing recurring skin cancer regrowth. Completed in three to four stages, the entire procedure often lasts less than four hours, and yields the most comprehensive results available within modern skin cancer care. In addition to success rates, Mohs surgery also provides the smallest amount of scarring, or surgical defects.
This highly-renowned procedure requires further extensive training, and is considered a specialization within the niche field of medical dermatology. In addition to training and experience, the performing surgeon must have the required surgical, and laboratory facilities, and must have a Mohs qualified nursing on his technological staff to assist with procedures. Highly advanced, this procedure brings Ioannides pride in his work, and is often a means of saving the lives of his patients.
Dr. Tim Ioannides remains actively involved within the niche field of medical dermatology, and continuous technological advancements that propel the field forward. Recently involved in the research responsible for bringing forth a new skin cancer vaccine, which Ioannides cites as being one of the most remarkable dermatological breakthroughs of modern times. Driven by his passion for the medical treatment of skin cancer, Ioannides’ love of the field was parlayed within his studies, and the subsequent release of this innovative skin cancer vaccine. Unlike previous thinking, the innovative thought process behind this vaccine considers skin cancer to act like an infectious disease, warranting treatment appropriate for infectious disease. As skin cancer continues to be an international epidemic, the promise showcased by this vaccine via decreasing cases of skin cancer can impact the world in a tremendous way.
Through the thoughtful, deliberate, and patient-first approach that makes up the mission statement at Treasure Coast Dermatology, staff remains focused on the medical care of various skin related conditions, disorders, and cancers. Dr. Tim Ioannides, at the helm of his successful multi-unit practice, remains thoroughly committed to providing the highest level of compassionate care for countless patients. By providing education, support, and medical intervention for patients, he creates long-lasting relationships with patients, often caring for individuals throughout extended periods of time.
After embarking on his entrepreneurial journey, Dr. Tim Ioannides has successfully grown a fruitful practice, saved the lives of countless patients, improved the lives of countless others, and has provided comprehensive medical services within the field of dermatology. In doing so, he has manifested his passions into a feasible career, one that not only helps others, but remains rewarding, meaningful, and exhilarating for Ioannides. Early in his professional medical career, Dr. Tim Ioannides became driven to devote his entire professional career to medical dermatology. Not only has he done just that, but he has continuously thrived in the process of following his professional dreams. With no plans to slow down on the horizon, the future is limitless for Treasure Coast Dermatology, and the niche field of medical dermatology.
Follow Tim on Twitter and Medium to stay up to date on all things dermatology.
Originally published at https://gazetteday.com on May 22, 2019.
