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An Interview With Athalia Monae | Original article: Medium
Each day, millions strive to unlock the secrets of blemish-free, luminous skin, yet many find this goal frustratingly out of reach. In a market saturated with quick fixes and fad trends, it’s vital to cut through the noise and understand what truly works. Our skin is our largest organ and the shield between our bodies and the outside world; it deserves more than just a superficial approach. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Camila Antia MD.
Dr. Antia is the co-founder of The Skin People, a boutique dermatology practice in Bellaire TX. Born in Medellin, Colombia, Dr. Antia embarked on her journey in medicine in the United States. Earning her medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine, she completed her dermatology training in Chicago. Fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, she brings a multicultural perspective to her practice. Dr. Antia’s dedication to dermatology has led her to pursue various fellowships in the field including a complex medical dermatology and cosmetic fellowship.
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I chose dermatology because our skin, the body’s largest organ, serves as a revealing window into multiple medical conditions. The intricate connection between external and internal health fascinates me. Dermatology is also very dynamic and no two days are the same. I get to treat everyone from children to seniors. One moment I may be performing surgery to remove a skin cancer and the next I may be building a personalized skin care routine. Who knew skin could be this intriguing?
What I find most fulfilling about specializing in dermatology is the daily opportunity to positively impact my patients’ lives. This sentiment extends beyond my role as a dermatologist. It’s a core aspect of my passion.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
Opening The Skin People, our dermatology practice, has been an exhilarating journey — one that allows us to take control of the medical care we provide to our patients, free from external constraints. Joining forces with one of my closest friends has added an extra layer of excitement and camaraderie to this adventure.
Every day at the office is filled with surprises and challenges, but that’s what keeps things interesting! From diagnosing rare skin conditions to implementing innovative treatments, there’s never a dull moment. We’re constantly pushing boundaries and striving to create an amazing place where patients feel welcomed, cared for, and empowered.
For us, being entrepreneurs isn’t just about building a successful business; it’s about making a meaningful impact on people’s lives. Through Skin People, we’re able to provide personalized and compassionate care, helping our patients feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. And that, to us, is the most rewarding part of it all.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
Resilience: You know, resilience is all about embracing mistakes as chances to grow. It’s about rolling with the punches, adapting to whatever curveballs life throws at you, and coming up with creative solutions to the challenges that come your way. When things get tough, resilience helps me manage stress and push past self-doubt, so I can stay focused on my big-picture goals for my business.
Self-awareness: Is truly about acknowledging both our strengths and weaknesses. It empowers me to lead with authenticity, fostering a culture of trust, transparency, and accountability within my dermatology clinic. By embracing self-awareness, I’m able to recognize where I excel and where I can improve, allowing me to guide my team with clarity and integrity.
Empathetic: Being empathetic is a powerful asset for any entrepreneur, as it allows me to better connect with and understand my patients, employees, and peers on a deeper level. By putting myself in others’ shoes and recognizing their perspectives, emotions, and needs, I can tailor my products, services, and interactions to better meet their expectations and address their concerns. Empathy fosters trust, loyalty, and positive relationships, which are essential for building a successful business.
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