Our Blog

Staff Spotlight: Q&A session with Kathryn J. Russell, MD

Posted on November 12, 2015

Q. What inspired you to pursue a career as a physician?
My sister had major medical problems as a child so we were around doctors and medical facilities a lot. I realized a wanted to be a physician at a young age but wasn’t sure of what type. Growing up in Florida and being fair, we went to the dermatologist often for regular ‘mole checks’ and I enjoyed these visits. In high school, I was a part of a work-study opportunity and chose to spend my afternoons shadowing a dermatologist in my hometown. I loved it and from then on, I knew I wanted to be a dermatologist.

Q. What are your specialties?
Mohs Surgery, Cosmetic and Procedural Dermatology

Q. What are some of the highlights of your career?
Joining the Woodruff Institute! and serving as chief resident during my residency in New York.

Q. What are three things a patient can do to maintain healthy skin?
Sunscreen everyday! Moisturize everyday! Healthy lifestyle habits- sleep hygiene, drinking plenty of water, relaxation techniques (all easier said than done).

Q: Do you have advice for preventing the signs of aging without spending a fortune?
A daily moisturizer with SPF 15 or more (30 is ideal) and a daily antioxidant serum.

Q. What do you include in your own skin care regimen?
EltaMD UV Clear Daily Sunscreen and SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF (see photo)

Q. What are the most common procedures you perform? What are the ones you most commonly recommend?
Mohs surgery for skin cancers. Laser procedures for brown spots and blood vessels. Non-invasive cosmetic procedures like neurotoxin injections, fillers and vein treatments.
I recommend a full-body skin check once a year!

Q. What do you like to do for fun?
Traveling and boating. I’d love to eventually visit every continent.

Q. What do you like most about working at TWI?
The wonderful people and camaraderie.

PHOTOS:

Bathroom counter with all the products I use on a daily basis

Mission trip to Kenya

My husband, Matt, and I in Vietnam