Gratitude in Action: Giving Back This Thanksgiving

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by Dr. Marianna Blyumin-Karasik, WDS News You Can Use Committee

As we gather in gratitude this November, we reflect on the profound impact that service to others can have on both patients and physicians. Thanksgiving reminds us not only of the blessings we count in our own lives, but also of the responsibility and privilege we carry to give back to our communities. Our patients face many health challenges throughout their lives, and as dermatologists we can help them meet these challenges with compassion and dignity.

Dermatology is not only about treating the skin’s health and aesthetics—it is also about nurturing our patients’ spirits. When we give back, we transform medicine into something more meaningful: an expression of gratitude for the privilege of practicing the art and science of skincare.

As dermatologists, we have many opportunities to volunteer, including teaching, mentorship, participating in local skin cancer screenings, sponsoring events for skin cancer education and others.

At Precision Skin & Body Institute, we are proud to extend this spirit of gratitude through our Survivors & Healing Scars Initiative. For over 10 years, this program has provided complimentary treatments to help cancer survivors heal both physically and emotionally. While the medical journey of cancer hopefully ends with remission, many patients are left with visible reminders—surgical scars, radiation tattoos, or painful keloids—that continue to affect their quality of life long after treatment.

An Evolving Mission

Since launching the initiative, we have expanded our care in several ways:

●       Origin & inspiration: The program began with a focus on pro bono scar treatments for breast cancer survivors. Experiencing firsthand the heavy physical and psychological burden of breast cancer on our family, friends, and patients, my business partner Dr. Lesley Clark-Loeser and I committed to easing this burden by treating scars left behind by surgery and radiation.

●       Community collaboration: We partnered with local oncologists, breast surgeons, and awareness organizations such as BRCAStrong, raising awareness and connecting patients with care.

●       Expanding patient groups: Over time, we extended our complimentary scar services beyond survivors to pre-vivors and surgical thrivers, offering support to those at risk, in active treatment, or recovering from complex surgeries.

●       Broader treatments & tools: What began with lasers like Vbeam and fractional CO₂ has now grown into a comprehensive scar-treatment toolbox. With the expansion of our provider team and incorporating more novel scar treatment technologies: Pico tattoo removal laser, fractional erbium, RF microneedling, injectable therapies, IPL, LED photomodulation, and advanced skincare — we were able to improve scar care, reduce symptoms and downtime, and achieve precise outcomes for our diverse South Florida patients.

●       Logistically, we accommodate the patients who are part of the initiative into our general schedule on a rotating or request of specific provider basis. Both consultation and treatment visits are efficient and effective, and they take about 10-20 minutes.

Why It Matters

These interventions are not simply cosmetic. They are acts of restoration— diminishing the physical and psychosocial load survivors carry and offering a renewed sense of closure. By reducing the visible scars of cancer, we also help to heal the invisible ones, which often have the greatest impact on their well-being.

Patients often share their joy at being able to wear a bathing suit without self-consciousness, or relief at no longer experiencing painful tightness after keloid treatment. Their gratitude—whether through heartfelt stories, sighs of relief, or thankful hugs—reminds us that even small interventions can change lives.

And while we donate our time and expertise, we too are enriched. These experiences deepen our knowledge of scar management—from atrophic to hypertrophic to dyspigmentation —while strengthening our empathy and connection to patients. These patients often become the authentic community ambassadors, referring their loved ones to our practice for dermatologic care.

Gratitude is not only felt; it is expressed through action. By helping erase scars—both physical and emotional—we honor the resilience of our patients and reaffirm the healing mission of our profession.

The Deeper Meaning of Giving Back

Caring for cancer survivors is profoundly rewarding. Hearing their stories of resilience and hope, witnessing their transformation from scarred to restored, and celebrating their renewed freedom is humbling. These moments remind us why we chose this profession: to heal, to empower, and to bring light during times of vulnerability.

Philanthropic endeavors like this initiative elevate our work beyond clinical care. They become offerings of gratitude, compassion, and solidarity with those who have endured tremendous hardships.

A Call to Our Colleagues

As members of the Women’s Dermatologic Society, we know the collective power of our profession. When we give back—through pro bono care, community service, education, or mentorship—we magnify the reach of dermatology’s impact far beyond our clinics.

This Thanksgiving, may we each find a way to use our hands, skills, and hearts in service of others. Whether through large initiatives or small acts of kindness, our contributions ripple outward, strengthening the communities we are privileged to serve.

Closing Reflection

From all of us at Precision Skin & Body Institute and WDS, we wish you a season filled with gratitude, connection, and purpose.



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