We recently connected with Moneé Thomas and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Moneé, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.

Starting Glow Dermatology was a significant leap of faith as I had to risk my financial stability by leaving a steady paycheck from another practice. However, the unhappiness and overwhelm I felt, along with the limited patient care time due to a high volume of patients, pushed me to make a change. Thanks to the support of my loyal patient base in Houston, I gained the confidence to forge my own path. My vision was to create a sanctuary where people of color could receive exceptional medical care for their skin, hair, and nails in a luxurious setting. To ensure quality care, I implemented a direct care payment model, allowing for longer visits and eliminating unexpected bills for my patients. Unfortunately, starting Glow Dermatology came with its share of hurdles, with a contractor embezzling the funds allocated for the buildout. Despite the financial strain, my team remained resilient, and today, we continue to thrive, providing outstanding care and nurturing a community that values diverse and personalized healthcare experiences.

Starting your own practice can indeed be a challenging endeavor, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Here are a few pieces of advice for a young professional contemplating such a move:

1. Evaluate your priorities: Take the time to pinpoint what truly matters to you in your career and what you want to achieve through your own practice. Understanding your motivations will help guide your decision-making process.

2. Plan your finances: Starting a practice often requires a significant financial investment. Prioritize creating a solid business plan, including a budget, cost estimates, and potential revenue streams. Seek professional advice if necessary to ensure you’re well-prepared financially.

3. Build a loyal patient base: Having a strong patient base can provide you with the confidence and support needed to establish your practice. Focus on patient satisfaction, maintain open lines of communication, and consider seeking feedback to continuously improve your services.

4. Differentiate yourself: Identify what makes your practice unique and find a niche that aligns with your expertise and passion. This could involve offering specialized services, creating a welcoming environment, or implementing innovative approaches to patient care.

5. Surround yourself with a reliable team: Assemble a team of talented individuals who share your vision and work ethic. Trusted staff members can help navigate the challenges and workload of running a practice, as well as contribute their expertise to enhance patient experiences.

6. Learn from setbacks: Starting your own practice will likely involve some obstacles along the way. Be prepared to face challenges, learn from them, and adapt your strategies accordingly. Stay resilient and maintain a positive attitude, focusing on the long-term vision.

Moneé, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

From a young age, my passion for medicine was undeniable, but I also had a deep desire to uplift and empower individuals. As I discovered the world of dermatology, I realized it was the perfect fusion of my dreams. Being able to help people see their own beauty when they struggle to recognize it brings me tremendous joy. The culture I foster, both within myself and among my patients, is something I truly take pride in. I embarked on this path to create a safe space where people of color could receive the high-quality dermatologic care they deserved but often lacked. Starting my own practice seemed like an improbable idea at first, but the dissatisfaction with the care provided to people of color in the field pushed me to take action. Now, I am most proud of the incredible loyalty and trust my patients have shown me in the Houston area. Looking ahead, my goal is to expand the reach of Glow Dermatology, establishing more locations to render top-notch and ethnically inclusive dermatologic care easily accessible to those who need it. Together, we can create a world where everyone feels confident and beautiful in their own skin.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

I have found that the most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been the power of word-of-mouth. It is incredibly fulfilling to see how my patients’ positive experiences and satisfaction with the care they receive at Glow Dermatology lead them to enthusiastically recommend our services to their friends, family, and colleagues. The trust and confidence they place in us speak volumes, and their recommendations have played a pivotal role in our practice’s growth. This organic form of marketing has proven to be invaluable, as it not only helps us expand our clientele but also reinforces our commitment to providing exceptional, personalized, and culturally sensitive dermatologic care at our practice.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Effective communication is essential for building a strong rapport with your patients. Being able to explain medical conditions, treatment plans, and procedures in a clear and empathetic manner helps patients feel more comfortable and confident in your care.

Also, dermatologic conditions can significantly impact a person’s physical and emotional well-being. Demonstrating compassion and empathy towards your patients helps them feel heard, understood, and supported, fostering a positive patient-provider relationship.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.glowdermhtx.com
• Instagram: @drglowgetter

Image Credits
For pic in pink: Casey Mcmurray