SKIN Angels Podcast

In this episode of the SKIN Angels Podcast, I sit down with Susan Conover, co-founder and CEO of Piction Health, to explore one of the most pressing challenges in dermatology today: access to timely, expert care.Susan shares the personal story that sparked her journey into healthcare innovation. After being diagnosed with stage II melanoma at age 22 and facing a three-month wait to see a dermatologist, she set out to build a system that could help patients get the right care at the right time. That mission ultimately led to the creation of Piction Health, a company focused on using technology to expand dermatology access while supporting clinicians in delivering high-quality care.

In this episode, I speak with David Lortscher, MD, founder of Curology, about the path from clinical practice to building and selling a successful healthcare startup.We discuss the mindset, skills, and decisions that help physicians succeed in entrepreneurship, and key lessons from his book, Why Doctors Win. This is a practical conversation for clinicians who are curious about innovation, startups, and making a broader impact. Get the book here: https://www.whydoctorswin.com/

In this episode of the SKIN Angels Podcast, I’m joined by Drs. Buu Duong and Ross Lane Pearlman of Stratum Biosciences, a company working to build the scientific and technological foundations for the next era of skin health.We discuss how deep knowledge of skin biology, pathology, and formulation science can be paired with artificial intelligence to translate biological insights into practical solutions. Using their SkinSync™ platform, Stratum aims to move beyond trial-and-error development toward more predictive, data-driven approaches to creating new ingredients and therapies. More at: https://stratumbio.com/

Needle phobia affects over 60% of people and keeps millions from getting the care they need. Dr. Manju Dawkins, dermatologist and founder of Thimble, decided to do something about it. She joins us to share the personal moment that launched her company, what she learned the hard way, and the practical advice she wishes she had on day one. More at https://thimblehealth.com/

A brief introduction to the Strategic Knowledge and Investment Network (SKIN) Angels and a review of the DERMS Scale: **D — Differentiation** How does this company or vision rise above existing solutions, competitors, or well-known ideas in the market?**E — Evidence** What data, science, or real-world validation supports the concept and reduces reliance on speculation?**R — Relevance** Does this meaningfully matter to dermatology—clinically, commercially, or experientially—for patients and providers?**M — Management** Who is building this, and do they have the expertise, integrity, and execution ability to succeed?**S — Scalability**Can this realistically grow—technically, commercially, and operationally—into a meaningful and durable business?