Associates in Dermatology Combats Skin Cancer With Patient-Centered Care

A Leading Dermatology Center


While we may be approaching the cooler season in Florida, don’t be fooled into thinking that you couldn’t get more sun exposure than necessary and increase your risk of deadly skin cancer. As our skin, the largest organ in the human body, protects us in so many ways, we must care for and shield our skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s deadly ultraviolet rays. By failing to do so, we run the risk of developing various forms of skin cancer.

Skin cancer remains the most common form of cancer worldwide. The Centers of Disease Control (CDC) estimates 8 million people in the United States have skin cancer, but only 4.4 million have been diagnosed. The American Association of Dermatology estimates that 8,500 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. Reports from the U.S. surgeon general indicate that the incidences of skin cancer have doubled since the 1970s.

featurePrevention is key, so getting checked regularly by a high-quality, professional, passionate and knowledgeable dermatology provider is essential and could be lifesaving.

This sentiment could easily describe the patient-first mentality that Associates in Dermatology sets as its daily mission when treating the skin care needs of its patients. With 15 locations in Central Florida, the company has been a leader in combining quality patient care with efficient skin care for 26 years. Beyond this, Associates in Dermatology leadership is involved in cutting-edge scientific research to better understand the genetic, physiological and environmental factors at work in the development of many skin diseases.

“Our vision statement is ‘high-quality care,’ so we work diligently to ensure unparalleled patient care and excellent customer service,” said Michael Steppie, M.D., president and medical director of Associates in Dermatology. “We treat our patients just as we would members of our own family.”

Services & Awareness

At any of Associates in Dermatology’s locations, patients will find various services to support whatever skin issue they may have, all with a service-before-self mentality. From surgical to medical to cosmetic, each location houses dedicated dermatology professionals — board-certified dermatologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, aestheticians and staff members — who are passionate about their lifesaving mission.

“Our major focus is on general dermatology and skin care,” Dr. Steppie said. “Our Dr. Phillips and Ocoee locations are currently our ‘centers of excellence’ in skin cancer treatment.”

The team treats several known skin conditions like eczema, acne, allergic dermatitis and diseases of the hair and nails, along with the removal of moles, lesions and types of skin cancer.

“The many outstanding members of the Associates in Dermatology team and I are able to identify and eliminate life-threatening and serious skin cancers using the latest technology and processes, including cutting-edge Dermoscopy, equipment that allows us to evaluate skin moles,” Dr. Steppie said.

The practice performs Mohs micrographic skin cancer surgery, which precisely and effectively removes skin cancer tumors. It has already been documented as having a 99.9 percent cure rate for the most common skin cancer — basal cell carcinoma.

feature-2Associates in Dermatology also offers services for the repair and rejuvenation of the skin through several personal aesthetic treatments, including Botox Cosmetic, Radiesse, Juvéderm and medical-strength chemical peels. Laser treatments such as Candela V Beam and Dot Therapy are also available to help patients achieve healthier and more youthful-looking skin.

In addition, it also upgraded all computer systems with leading-edge technology. A new electronic portal for medical records allows patients to review diagnoses and receive helpful information to care for their skin conditions.

Monitor & Get Checked

“The surgeon general’s 2014 report calls skin cancer an epidemic,” Dr. Steppie said. “Right now we are being hit harder than any other time in history with ultraviolet rays because of the depletion of the Earth’s ozone layer.”

He also points out that 1 in 5 Americans will get skin cancer in the course of a lifetime and that it remains the No. 1 cancer in the U.S.

These shocking statistics prompted Associates in Dermatology to take a more proactive role, educating the community and providing regular skin cancer screenings. It regularly offers free skin cancer screenings at each of its 15 Central Florida locations, as well as at several community health fairs across the region. Additional free services benefit the uninsured and impoverished, and several local charities, including Shepherd’s Hope and Osceola Council on Aging.

“Our goal is to improve every life we touch every day,” Dr. Steppie said. “If you have a suspicious mole or lesion, don’t hesitate to visit any one of Associates in Dermatology’s locations to have it checked.

“There’s nothing better than knowing you’ve helped resolve a chronic dermatological condition or, more importantly, eliminated a life-threatening skin cancer,” he said.

For more information about Associates in Dermatology, call 800-827-7546 or visit www.dermorlando.com on the web.💓