ENSPIRE MAGAZINE

What interested you in immunology ?

The science of immunology is what interested me to specialize in this area . Our iimuce system forms the foundational mechanism of defense against invading organisms . However , as I progressed in my career treating many immune diseases at the patient bedside , I observed that most conditions had an exclusive external skin manifestation to them . This is when I pivoted towards a holistic , science-based , and more comprehensive approach to my patients , which I termed “ Skin Immunology ,” whose science helps us enrich , nourish , and maintain a healthy SkinImmune™ Firewall .

Can you talk about your feature in Thrive Global and being given the title “ Hero of the COVID Crisis ”?

I am humbled to have been given this recognition for serving my community against this horrible pandemic that has shattered and touched every household throughout the globe . I have injected hundreds of families within my community with the vaccine and provided

aftercare and answers to numerous questions that arise from this voluntary effort . As a frequent media educator and regular health expert guest contributor on multiple media platforms , my objective was to dispel any wrongly interpreted science about the vaccine and the importance of achieving herd immunity rapidly to eradicate this viral attack on the human way of life .

What aspects of practicing medicine did you find most challenging this past year with COVID-19 ?

1 . Rapidity in vaccine delivery , which is critical to preventing variants from arising .

2 . Dispelling the myths behind the vaccine that was shown to be safe in multiple FDA authorized clinical trials for ages 12 and above .

3 . It was difficult to understand that we all receive many life-saving vaccines throughout our lives , which are no different from the COVID-19 vaccine .

4 . Currently observing the uptick in cases and deaths only among those

that remain unvaccinated when the supply of vaccines is abundant and not lacking here in the United States .

You stated that the vaccine is critical to fight the pandemic . Do you think it is essential that those who are vaccinated still get tested ?

This is a great question ! When we start school or a new job at a healthcare or public facility or travel to different countries by boarding a plane or ship , we need to disclose our immunization status . This is not a new concept . I believe this is the value of testing : to give peace of mind to the other people around us that we are not carrying or transmitting the virus , especially in close quarters such as classrooms , public transportation , airplanes , etc .

Schools will reopen this fall and most likely at full capacity . Is there any advice you can give parents on keeping their kids healthy this upcoming school year ?

I advised many school boards in my community on the importance of

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