More than Skin Deep: Two Nurse Practitioners Specialize in Dermatology

Tina Snodgrass, ARNP-C prepares to treat her patient's cherry angiomas using the Candela VBeam Pulse Dye Laser.

Sandra Cox, ARNP-C performs a biopsy to determine if the lesion is cancerous.

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Two members decided to focus their careers on something that is more than just skin deep. Tina Snodgrass, ARNP-C and Sandra Cox, ARNP-C specialize in dermatology from both the medical and the aesthetic aspect of the discipline. They work for Owensboro Dermatology Associates in Owensboro, Kentucky.

When asked why she chose to specialize in dermatology, Cox said that she enjoyed being a nurse practitioner in dermatology, because she has the distinct opportunity of being able to work with patients from a medical and a surgical perspective.

Cox said, “Combining diagnostic skills and patient care with the more technical expertise gives me great satisfaction. It gives me a sense of accomplishment to be able to address a spectrum of skin issues from the patient with cosmetic concerns to patients with very serious skin disease such as basal cell and squamous skin cancers and melanomas.”

Snodgrass said, “I was Board Certified in Family Practice and find Dermatology just as fulfilling as I found Family Practice. I love Dermatology, because after ten years of practice my patient population has grown to include entire families. I am honored to see returning patients every year as they come in for their annual skin cancer screenings or mole examinations.”

Snodgrass added that through her specific training and experience treating patients medically and cosmetically with lasers, she has been able to help some patients gain self confidence and feel better emotionally and physically.

Both NPs provide patient care that not only includes diagnosing and treating chronic skin conditions but also educating and counseling the public about dermatology. They perform physical exams, biopsies, excisions, and cosmetic procedures. Both strive to make a positive impact in people’s health and in their quality of life through their daily interactions with patients and customers and by being involved in community projects and education.

Snodgrass said, “There are so many elements that go into healthy skin, and it’s a pleasure to share this experience and information with people. It’s exciting to work one-on-one with patients, finding the unique solutions that work.”

Cox and Snodgrass said that they continue to gain additional education augmenting their medical knowledge and technical skills so that they “can give the best care possible.”

Dermatology Practice Clinches Both the Gold and the Platinum Reader's Choice Awards

In the first annual Messenger-Inquirer's Reader's Choice Awards, two awards were given in the categroy of Dermatology/Cosmetic Services, the Gold and the Platinum. Dr. Artis P. Truett, III won the Gold Award and Owensboro Dermatology won the Platinum Award.

The readers of the newspaper, the Messenger-Inquirer, could vote on their favorite local business in numerous categories. The Messenger-Inquirer is a daily newspaper serving Daviess, Hancock, McLean, Muhlenberg and Ohio counties in western Kentucky. It publishes seven days a week with a circulation of more than 27,000. According to Bob Norris, Publisher of the newspaper, 70,000 votes were cast in the Reader's Choice Awards.

Below is the reprint of the article that appeared in the Greater Owensboro Reader's Choice Awards 2009.

(Platinum Award)
We opened a medical spa, Advanced Aesthetics, in 2002 to offer the latest and most effective procedures to help rejuvenate and beautify the skin as well as address skin conditions that affect people’s quality of life emotionally and socially. Our licensed and medical aestheticians and clinicians offer: laser treatments for rosacea, sun freckles, blemished skin, blood vessels & age spots; hair removal (laser & waxing); Profractional; BBL; SkinTyte; Botox; advanced skin care products and makeup; facials; Juvederm; makeup consultations; Microdermabrasion; chemical peels; Visia Skin Analysis; Arctic MicroLaserPeels; SilkPeel Dermalinfusion; and more.

Our Owensboro and Henderson locations provide advanced and specific training and experience in the detection, treatment, and prevention of virtually any skin problem including skin cancer, moles, psoriasis, eczema, acne, birthmarks, rosacea, and other complex and common skin conditions. Plus, we offer today’s state-of-the-art equipment for prevention and treatment methods to help keep your skin healthy and younger-looking. Our Board Certified Dermatologists have extensive training and 25 years combined experience in MOHS surgery, an advanced skin cancer surgery.

One of our ongoing goals is to deliver exceptional patient care from the moment you decide to entrust us with your dermatologic health. We are appreciative that you voted us as your choice for dermatology and cosmetic care. We hope to continue to meet and even exceed your expectations for many years to come.

(Gold Award)
Dr. Truett, a Board Certified dermatologist, graduated from Duke University School of Medicine in
Durham, North Carolina after completing his Residency in Dermatology from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee. At Vanderbilt University, Dr. Truett was a Research and Clinical Fellow as well as an Adjunct Clinical Instructor. He has published numerous chapters and abstracts in the field of dermatology and developed an allergic dermatitis website. Dr. Truett is a fellow of the American Society for Mohs Surgery and a Fellow of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. Locally, he is the Vice Chairman of the Medicus Society and a board member for the Owensboro Medical Health System Foundation for Health.

He is active in clinical research leading many of the studies that concentrate on enhancing treatment effectiveness and patient care in dermatology. Truett said, “By conducting research and publishing my findings, I can also help other dermatology specialists increase their knowledge to offer the safest and most effective care to their patients.” Dr. Truett provides dermatology care locally through both the Owensboro and Henderson locations.

One of the wonderful aspects of specializing in dermatology is that I can help so many people improve their health. I make it a priority to offer you the kind of care and attention I would want for myself. I am honored that you chose me to provide your dermatology care and especially grateful that you took time and voted for me for this award. Thank you," Truett said.

Owensboro Dermatology Nominated for Small Business of the Year Award

Owensboro Dermatology was nominated for Small Business of the Year by the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. For companies of 11 or more employees, Owensboro Dermatology was one of six to be nominated. Below is a reprint from Chamber Matters, published by the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce.

Owensboro Dermatology Associates

Drs. Michael Crowe and Artis Truett, III are the physicians behind Owensboro Dermatology Associates that has grown to 61 employees at a time when one in five Americans are estimated to develop skin cancer in their lifetime. This year, more than one million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. – more cases than prostate, breast, lung, colon, uterus/ovaries, and pancreas combined. The practice stays ahead by investing in the most effective diagnostic and treatment tools available, including a new treatment, photo Dynamic Therapy, for pre-cancerous skin lesions. They also have offered free skin cancer screenings for more than ten years, including on-site at employers’ facilities. Drs. Crowe and Truett are also proud to be one of the first practices in the area to fully implement electronic medical records—a coming trend in the healthcare industry.

Dermatology Employees Earns Business Degree

Catherine M. Roby of Whitesville graduated with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management along with a Diploma in Organizational Leadership from Owensboro Community and Technical College. Upon graduation Roby, who graduated with a 4.0 grade point average, also received the Business Administration-Management Student Award. Out of 29 graduating business students, Roby was selected to win the award based on her outstanding performance both inside and outside of the classroom. She is a member of the college’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and was a three-time recipient of the college’s Presidential Scholarship. While earning her degree from OCTC, Roby worked as a business intern in the Marketing and Public Relations Department at Owensboro Dermatology and is currently employed by the practice and its affiliated offices, Henderson Dermatology and Advanced Aesthetics. Roby works in the Marketing & Public Relations Department, Medical Records, and Advanced Aesthetics, Owensboro Dermatology’s Medical Spa.

Free Seminar on New Laser Treatment: It Reverses, Revives, and Renews Your Skin

Dr. Michael Crowe, Board Certified Dermatologist, will present a free seminar on reducing the signs of aging highlighting a new, non-surgical laser treatment, the Profractional, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 14 at Owensboro Dermatology Associates, 2821 New Hartford Road. Seating is limited, and reservations are required. Call (270) 852-4788 or toll free 1-888-337-6722 ext. 4788. Refreshments will be available as well as opportunities to a win a Visia Complexion Analysis and Consultation, a Clarisonic Brush system, skin care products, and more.

Based on results from hundreds of Profractional treatments performed at Owensboro Dermatology, Dr. Crowe will detail the procedure showing before and after photos which illustrate the different skin conditions that the treatment improves. Individuals who have had the treatment will be available to discuss their experiences. By stimulating the body’s collagen production, the laser treats thousands of pinpoint areas of the skin improving wrinkles, scars, tone, texture and even acne scars. Dr. Crowe will compare the Profractional to Microdermabrasion and superficial chemical peels and discuss how this new procedure offers greater results in a shorter amount of time with little downtime for healing. To find out more about the benefits of the Profractional, offered exclusively at Owensboro Dermatology, call to reserve a seat for the free presentation.

Free Seminar on Choosing Skin Care Products Right for You

Advanced Aesthetics, Owensboro Dermatology’s medical spa, will host Choosing Skin Care Products Right for You, a free seminar on taking the stress out of looking your best, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 26 at 2821 New Hartford Road. Seating is limited, and reservations are required. Call (270) 852-4788 or toll free 1-888-337-6722 ext. 4788. Every participant can receive an appointment for a free Visia complexion analysis and is eligible for the “Back to School” product special. Refreshments will be available as well as opportunities to a win a free Clarisonic Skin Care Brush, Chemical Peel, skin care products and more.

The skin is the largest organ of the human body, about 20 square feet in an average-sized adult, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. It takes a beating from the environment, lifestyle choices, and the aging process. Keeping it healthy means protecting your body’s armor. The variety of skin care products available on the market today presents an overwhelming dilemma. To find our more about products that will help improve the health of your skin and rejuvenate how you look and feel, call (270) 852-4788 to reserve a seat for the free presentation.

Slow Burn

Related Document: mi_slow_burn.pdf (Slow Burn - Messenger-Inquirer)

(Reprinted with permission from the Messenger-Inquirer)

Tanning, burning now can lead to cancer later.

Before stepping outside or ducking into a tanning bed, it's good to keep in mind that as the sun or the bulbs toast your skin, they're toasting the DNA that keeps your skin healthy.

Whether it be caused by natural or artificial sources, the tan-causing production of melanin in your skin is also a sign that damage is being done to the DNA of the skin cells. When that DNA is damaged, the cells' natural reproduction is disrupted, which can lead to cancer.

"It's a common condition," said Dr. Artis P. Truett III, a dermatologist at Owensboro Dermatology on New Hartford Road. "It causes skin cells to go haywire and start growing uncontrolled."

According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer accounts for more than half of all cancers diagnosed in the United States, making it the most common form of cancer. Of the various skin cancers, there are three main types, with melanoma being the deadliest and most well known. The other two--squamous cell and basal cell--are both common and usually very treatable.

Sun and tanning exposure, Truett said, are the big risk factors. "It makes skin cells more likely to be cancerous, and it's been shown that there's a direct relation between the number of sunburns a person has had and the likelihood that they'll develop cancer," Truett said, adding that freckles and other sun marks are anything but cute. "Freckles are basically scars. They're signs of skin damage."

For Sheila Knepper, the time in the sun finally caught up with her. "Back when I was younger, I don't think the parents stressed it (sun protection), "Knepper said.

Since October 2004, Knepper has had more than 25 basal cell carcinomas removed from her legs, back and face. Every so often she will find another that needs to be removed, the price for her early years in the sun.

"It's a good thing I didn't wait," Knepper said. "If you wait, it can go deep down into the deeper skin and muscle, and it's really dangerous."

Though most of the skin cancers are far less dangerous than other types, that doesn't make them any less serious. Truett said people need to be honest and serious about it. "I think people are somewhat aware of it, but a lot of people are in denial, "Truett said. "They say, 'It's not going to happen to me' or 'It's going to happen to someone else' or 'It's not going to happen to me until I'm old.'"

Along the lines of education is prevention. By stopping skin cancer before it starts, Truett said, simple preparation steps can save hundreds or thousands of lives and dollars. He recommends sunscreen or clothing to cover skin, preferabley clothing , since sunscreen reliably stops only sunburn and not necessarily the sun's damaging effects. Knepper said the important thing to keep in mind is that one doesn't have to sacrifice enjoyable times outdoors. She simply is much more conscientious because of her experience.

Truett said he urges people to not hold back when it comes to being checked for skin cancer. The simple guideline to follow is ABCD. Any skin blemishes, birthmarks or moles that are asymmetrical, have an irregular border, have irregular color and are more than 6 millimeters in diameter need to be checked. It's also important to take good care of skin if you have had sun damage. By staying covered up or using sunscreen products, you allow your body's natural processes to take hold.

"There's evidence that protecting your skin or wearing sunscreen is therapeutic," Truett said. "If you protect your skin, it will (have a chance) to recover."

While education for current generations is important, Truett said, he thinks caregivers and role models need to be focusing on the younger crowd. By teaching children about prevention, Truett said, it's possible to prevent skin cancers.

"Parents, teachers and grandparents need to educate children. We need to make a generational change," Truett said. "I'm hoping the next generation learns a bit more."
Dariush Shafa: Messenger-Inquirer