Valerie Callender, MD: Cosmetic Dermatology During COVID-19

In this month’s episode of Derm Discussion with Brad Glick, DO, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist Valerie Callender, MD, spoke about the challenges of cosmetic dermatology during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Callender discussed her recent experiences in her practice, how the pandemic and ensuing lockdowns have largely affected treatment of her patients, as well as the shift to telemedicine.

In the early days of the pandemic, she noted, “we immediately went into speed drive.”

“We started reaching out to our private practice physicians in the area, the urgent care centers, the pediatric offices, as well as anyone else in the area that referred patients to us,” she continued. “And we started sending out emails and faxes that we started doing tele-dermatology.”

She especially highlighted that her practice had ramped up virtual consultations despite having never implemented such strategies prior to the pandemic.

Furthermore, during the first few months of lockdowns, Callender’s practice had virtually ceased performing cosmetic procedures; and yet, understandably, most patients had expressed little to no interest in that realm of care, she indicated.

“In the heat of the pandemic, we did not do cosmetic consults. It really wasn’t something patients were looking for” she said. “Towards the summer, and when the offices started to open up and we were able to do elected procedures, patients were calling. And we really made it mandatory [to do] consultations.”

Listen to the full podcast episode below.