We were lucky to catch up with Navid Ezra recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Navid, so excited to have you with us today and we are really interested in hearing your thoughts about how folks can develop their empathy? In our experience, most folks want to be empathic towards others, but in a world where we are often only surrounded by people who are very similar to us, it can sometimes be a challenge to develop empathy for others who might not be as similar to us. Any thoughts or advice?
My parents instilled empathy and compassion in my siblings and me growing up. I have felt drawn to the practice of medicine as my father is a physician who has provided medical care to immigrants for several years. This is why I chose to become a doctor. While in residency, I witnessed a vast array of severe Mohs surgery cases at the county hospital in Indiana. Seeing such patients battle not just the physical effects of skin cancer but also the emotional toll, ignited a passion in me to bridge the gap in access to quality dermatologic care. This empathy has become the driving force in creating California Dermatology Institute, which is centered on ensuring everyone has the opportunity for comprehensive and personalized dermatologic care.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
We have come to associate dermatology with A-listers who are getting filler injections. However, there is so much more to dermatology than anti-aging treatments. Providing access to dermatologic care in underserved areas has become increasingly important, which is why California Dermatology Institute has continued to grow across Southern California. We believe everyone deserves to feel confident in their skin, regardless of one’s background.
Skin conditions can be deeply personal, impacting physical health, self-esteem, and confidence. California Dermatology Institute has prioritized each patient’s unique perspective and concerns. Our providers have developed treatment plans addressing specific needs and goals. This collaborative approach has created trust and has empowered patients to make informed decisions about their skincare journey.
We have experienced rapid growth since opening our first clinic in Thousand Oaks in Spring 2017. We recently opened a new clinic in Santa Barbara, adding to the number of established clinics in Ventura County, Los Angeles County, and Orange County. Patient-centered care and improving access to care have remained our top priorities as we expand across California.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Empathy has shaped my career and continues to guide me in life. Being a dermatologist has been about listening to patients’ concerns and finding treatments that best suit them. Empathy, along with expertise, has been key.
Networking and building connections with the right people have helped me grow tremendously. Learning from the people I trust has allowed me to open more clinics, offer more treatments, and see more patients. Building strong connections has benefited me both personally and professionally.
It is essential to never stop learning. Being open-minded to discoveries in dermatology and the latest technology has helped me provide the utmost care to my patients.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
We have seen incredible growth by expanding our services to underserved communities. This expansion has involved opening new clinics and scaling up the clinical trials that our company offers. This focus on underserved communities has been incredibly rewarding, allowing us to reach more people and provide the essential skin treatments they deserve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.calderminstitute.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calderminstitute/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealcalderminstitute
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/california-dermatology-institute-thousand-oaks
