We were lucky to catch up with Sarah Neumann recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sarah , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you share a story with us from back when you were an intern or apprentice? Maybe it’s a story that illustrates an important lesson you learned or maybe it’s a just a story that makes you laugh (or cry)?

As a practicing Physician Assistant in Dermatology, I’ve had many experiences which have touched my heart, but my personal and professional journey really began, strangely enough, in Central America.

I grew up in a small town in Wisconsin and, like many of us as teenagers, struggled with the embarrassment of acne. Back then I didn’t even know what a dermatologist was, but once I was finally treated, I was able to regain my confidence.

I then had a life changing experience when I was accepted as an exchange student in Belize in my undergraduate years.

Being a girl from the Midwest, it was quite the eye opener. For the first time I saw infectious disease. I saw parasitic infections. I saw stingray bites. I saw cellulitis due to Third World living conditions. I also felt the incredible gratitude of the people I treated in this remote part of the world.

This was when my love for dermatology, and patient care, exploded. It became crystal clear to me that being able to help people by treating diseases of the skin was where my passions lie, and that’s what I focused on when I came back to the states. I immediately went to PA school and decided that dermatology was my life course.

Looking back, this experience solidified the basic foundations for how I live my life today. Family, community, religion, the things I learned during this adventure, are what I’ve built my patient care and practices on.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

Thank you so much for this opportunity. I’ve been a Physician Assistant (PA) for over 22 years and am the founder of two medical and cosmetic dermatology practices in Phoenix, Arizona: Ahwatukee Skin & Laser and Sun City Dermatology. We specialize in treating all disorders of the hair, skin, and nails, including very complex cases.

After graduating from medical school, I first worked for large practices where, like in much of healthcare today, I saw patients being treated like a number. That’s when I decided to create a medical environment that put patients and their needs first.

In a leap of faith, and an unusual move for a PA, I decided to open my first practice in 2010 with a mission to offer individuals and families heartfelt care provided by some of the most knowledgeable providers in the industry.

Both of my practices offer general medical and cosmetic dermatology and employ surgeons, physician assistants and aestheticians. We treat acne, psoriasis, eczema, and a wide variety of conditions, as well as providing skin cancer surveillance and anti-aging regimens.

Since it was launched, Ahwatukee Skin & Laser has been ranked year after year as “Best in Skincare” and “Best Medical Specialist” in local polls. I am honored to say I have been recognized as “Best Physician Assistant” for the past six years.

In 2018, I opened Sun City Dermatology, our second location, to bring our care model to underserved communities in the West Valley of Phoenix.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

That’s such a great question. What initially helped build our relationship within the community is our commitment to providing exceptional patient care.

Instead of being whisked through an exam, we took the time to listen to their skin concerns. We wanted every patient who walked through the doors to feel “heard.” Before we knew it, this personalized approach immediately fueled great word of mouth and positive reviews on social media.

We quickly became a hit with local individuals and families. In addition, we also advocated on our patients’ behalf with insurance companies (and still do). If a treatment or prescription isn’t covered, we do our best to find an economic option, be it a generic version of a medication or another solution. We go to bat for all our patients to make sure they get the best care possible.

This approach also extends to our staff. My biggest goal, as a provider and practice founder, is to make sure that everyone who works with us is treated with warmth, respect, and as family. From day one, we also supported other local businesses and schools in the community whenever we can.

More than 10 years later, we’ve been recognized in local polls, in the media, and with referrals from patients and other practices. In some ways, it was all very simple. We put patients first.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

I honestly can’t imagine working in another field. My love of dermatology and my patients and staff are so important to me. This has been an incredible ride.

Contact Info:

• Website: ahwatukeeskincare.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahwatukeeskincare/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AhwatukeeSkinCare
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-neumann-a2729214/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/AhwatukeeSkin
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6B4aSJhoKjWn7amBLZ0Ww
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ahwatukee-skin-and-laser-phoenix

Image Credits
Ahwatukee Skin & Laser