Dr. David loved the idea of providing skin care to people whose physical location or lack of means restricted access. In teledermatology, she found the tool that can make it happen, bringing experts together to treat conditions and improve lives across town or around the world.

In her third year of residency, she witnessed the international scope of telemedicine’s reach. With a grant from the American Academy of Dermatology, she served as a dermatologist in Botswana, where pathology slides are regularly read by a dermatopathologist in an office in Pennsylvania.

“The dermatopathologist’s expertise is invaluable,” Dr. David said. “Without it, many of the patients in Botswana would be left undiagnosed. Teledermatology is groundbreaking on many levels. It allows us to directly or more quickly reach patients who would not otherwise have access to a dermatologist. Teledermatology also allows us to educate primary care physicians on how to treat common skin conditions. This improves care for that primary care physician’s current and future patients. Everyone benefits”

Dr. David passionately urges patients to make solar protection a priority, not only because exposure increases risks of skin cancer but because it exacerbates many other conditions. She also encourages patients to ask questions about their skin problems and treatments.

“I love counseling patients. I get a lot of satisfaction from helping patients understand their conditions and medications,” she said. “Dermatologic conditions are rarely fatal, but because the skin is so visible, they can be stigmatizing. Fortunately, many chronic conditions are very controllable, and our treatments can profoundly impact a patient’s quality of life and how they view themselves.”