Interview Series
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Interview Series *
The Closer Look Project Interview Series is a project that we began to ask questions and understand the nuances of early detection in skin cancer. In the series, I interview Dermatologists, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Aestheticians, Hairdressers, Boutique personnel, Massage therapists, and tattoo artists.
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Join me in welcoming Dr. Karan Lal, DO FAAD. Dr. Lal is the one and only celebrity dermatologist, board certified in pediatric dermatology and cosmetic dermatology. In this exclusive interview series, we discuss many things. Originally from New York City, he grew up in Queens and attended Hunter Science High School in Manhattan. He graduated summa cum laude from the New York Institute of Technology, where he completed a rigorous seven-year accelerated combined medical program. He was selected to be an academic medical scholar, during which he received a Master of Science in neuroscience and a scholarship for three years of medical school and graduate training. He was elected to the Sigma Sigma Phi and Psi Sigma Alpha medical honor societies.
He completed his internal medicine internship at the University of Connecticut Medical Center where he was elected intern of the year. He completed a three-year dermatology residency at the University of Massachusetts, where he was elected chief resident. He continued at the University of Massachusetts to complete a pediatric dermatology fellowship, where he gained an interest in vascular anomalies, pediatric laser, and dermatologic surgery of pediatric patients. Dr. Lal specializes in pediatric and adult dermatology, laser surgery, soft tissue filler augmentation, body sculpting, melanocyte keratinocyte transplant surgery for vitiligo and hypopigmentation, pigmentary abnormalities of the skin and enjoys treating patients from birth onwards. He is an expert in atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, melasma, psoriasis, and hidradenitis and has worked in specialty clinics among experts. He is the only board-certified pediatric and fellowship-trained cosmetic dermatologist in the country.
Dr. Lal is often featured in the media and has been quoted in ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Huffington Post, Romper, NBC news, and Marie Claire. He is currently a member of the DEI work group for the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery and has a passion for treating the medical and cosmetic needs of patients from all different backgrounds.
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Please join me in welcoming Andi Sparr to The Closer Look Project's Interview series, episode 2. Andrea began her career at Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology, where she spent 13 years as a Certified Surgical Technologist, assisting both in and outside the operating room and playing a vital role in surgical care alongside board-certified plastic surgeons. Her time in the OR sharpened her attention to detail and deepened her commitment to patient outcomes — a foundation that continues to guide her clinical practice today.
Two years ago, Andrea transitioned into her current role as a Dermatology PA at the same practice. She holds a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies from the Yale School of Medicine and is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Medical Science, further underscoring her dedication to lifelong learning and leadership in the field.
In addition to her clinical work, Andrea is the co-host of the Rejuvaness podcast — a platform dedicated to accessible, science-based skincare education. Through the podcast, she brings real-talk conversations and expert insights to listeners nationwide, bridging the gap between medical knowledge and everyday skin concerns
Whether she’s treating patients, mentoring peers, or speaking to the next generation of PAs, Andrea brings passion, integrity, and a deep understanding of both the medical and aesthetic sides of dermatology.
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Makayla Justice is a licensed cosmetologist & aesthetician, and a dedicated instructor whose passion for the beauty industry began long before her formal career. Growing up, she was immersed in the salon environment, working at the counter of her mother's various businesses. This early experience ignited a desire to not only pursue the profession but also to empower others within it.
After completing cosmetology and aesthetics school, Makayla began her professional journey. However, her natural talent for mentorship soon led her to a new calling: teaching. She began this journey in 2024 where she found a passion for guiding like-minded students, and her teaching style stands out for its unique ability to connect with students and incorporate real-life experience, providing a truly valuable education.
With a specialty in advanced skincare, including Customized Facials, Microdermabrasion, Dermaplaning, and Waxing, Makayla is known for her hands-on expertise. Her approach is rooted in honesty and integrity, driven by a true passion for making clients feel beautiful and confident in their own skin. Makayla's commitment to her craft and her students makes her a trusted and inspiring voice in the world of aesthetics.
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Hope is a Dermatology Nurse Practitioner with an MBA, bringing a unique blend of clinical expertise and business acumen to her practice. With 10 years of combined experience in dermatology, complex wounds, and aesthetics, Hope has developed a deep understanding of skin health and patient needs.
Throughout her career, Hope noticed a common complaint among patients: a lack of sufficient time and personalized attention from their dermatologists. This observation, coupled with her passion for providing high-quality, patient-centered care, inspired Hope to open her own concierge dermatology practice.
By establishing this practice, Hope aims to revolutionize the patient experience. She is committed to offering flexible scheduling and extended appointment times, ensuring that each patient receives the thorough evaluation and considerate treatment they deserve. Hope’s concierge approach allows her to focus on building meaningful relationships with her patients, providing them with the time and attention that is often lacking in the traditional healthcare system.
Hope’s dedication to excellence and patient satisfaction is the driving force behind her practice, making her a trusted and valued provider in the field of dermatology.
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Stephanie Laynes is the CEO and founder of the Stephanie Laynes Institute, Smooth Skin Supply, and the Se-Brazil wax brand. A licensed esthetician with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, she educates estheticians and formulates beauty products for the salon and spa industry. The institute offers online courses, business coaching, and Brazilian wax training, with a focus on helping estheticians build their businesses and improve their techniques.
Stephanie has a passion for helping those in her field bridge passion with success. Through her own journey, she shares tips on how to become business minded and to create income and successful businesses. Please welcome Stephanie Laynes to The Closer Look Project Interview Series.
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Leah Alexis Adams received her Bachelor’s of Science from Ohio University in Child and Family Studies with a minor in Psychology. She then received her dual Master’s degree in Social Science Administration and Nonprofit Management from Case Western Reserve University. Leah is the Program Director for the National Kidney Foundation’s Northern Ohio office. She has been with the organization for almost 7 years. In her role, Leah manages the planning and implementation of all NKF programs in the Northern OH territory to support kidney patients, caregivers and raise awareness in her community, and educate healthcare professionals. Some personal things to note about Leah is that she is an avid runner who has ran 3 full marathons, she loves to hike in her local Ohio Metroparks and state parks and she loves to travel whenever she has the opportunity. When she is off the clock you can find her advocating about skin cancer, sun safety and sharing her (stage IA) and her father’s (stage IV metastatic) story of melanoma to anyone who is willing to listen and learn. Through sharing her story with melanoma on social media/online, she has had the privilege and opportunity to work with multiple brands in the sun safety space, has been featured on local news stations, magazines and has been a guest on a variety of podcasts.
In addition to Leah’s many contributions to the world of Melanoma Awareness, she has recently joined The S.U.N. Collective where she will serve as a mentor to patients and family members who are dealing with a recent diagnosis of skin cancer. Please join me in welcoming her to the team!
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Meet our partners at Coalfield Health in Logan, West Virginia. Rural Health Access Corporation (RHAC) dba Coalfield Health is a rural, non-profit organization that provides primary, preventative, pediatric, and mental health services to Chapmanville, West Virginia and the surrounding area. Coalfield Health officially began operations in July 2009. As a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike, services are available to all residents of the area regardless of their income level, insurance status. Coalfield Health is committed to providing healthcare services to all individuals with dignity and respect within a caring environment.
Coalfield Health works to provide rural health rotations for medical students, interns, and residents. We also participate in numerous research opportunities. We collaborate with medical training programs across the state to serve as a hub for rural medical education rotations.
Coalfield Health received the 2020 WVRHA Excellence in Rural Health Award and the 2021 Outstanding Rural Health Organization Award from the National Rural Health Association. Coalfield Health recently became our VERY FIRST partners in the Referral Network Program.
Please join me in welcoming Coalfield Health to The Closer Look Project team!
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