Conversations with the Inspiring Dr. Patricia K. Perry

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Patricia K. Perry.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Dr. Perry. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I grew up in Houston, Texas with nine siblings and two fantastic parents. I had a wonderful childhood during which my parents’ primary focus was on anything and everything educational. Both of my parents are physicians (now retired) and provided my siblings and me with an extraordinary example of love and commitment to family and health care.

I studied Psychology in New York City at Barnard College of Columbia University and completed my medical degree at Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C. After completing a medical Internship at Prince George’s Hospital in Cheverly, Md., I returned to NYC to train in Dermatology at St. Luke’s- Roosevelt Hospital (A Columbia University hospital). I was honored to serve as Chief Resident during my final year of a 3-year training program.

I practiced in the New York City area and in Hartford, Connecticut before locating to Southern California in 2007. I started my solo private practice in Burbank, Ca at that time and have been practicing in the same location since.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Becoming a physician is always a long and challenging road. Nothing worth doing is going to be particularly seamless and easy, but it is often worth it in the end.

I am pleased to say that I have a very rewarding career. It has enabled me to provide care for thousands of wonderful people over the years and to know that I have made a difference in their quality of life. I have diagnosed and treated all forms of skin cancer which is lifesaving. I have also had the privilege of helping people literally feel more comfortable in their skin by successfully managing inflammatory conditions like Psoriasis and Eczema. In addition, I have helped people feel more comfortable with their physical appearance by performing a variety of cosmetic procedures.

Starting and maintaining a solo medical practice is a big challenge in today’s health care climate. More than 93% of all physicians are now employed by a corporate entity. I am extremely proud of the fact that I have been able to live out the American dream of starting a medical practice and providing health care in ways that make me most comfortable. It is a privilege to provide health care, but my industry has been undergoing many changes that make it more challenging each year. From the fact that many health insurance companies are raising premiums (but providing less and less coverage for services) to the astronomical and unregulated hikes in drug pricing, many health care providers are getting caught in the middle and feeling squeezed out of being able to provide the kind of care patients deserve to have.

My advice to anyone who is just starting their journey would be to always remain true to yourself and serve as a beacon of light and kindness for others.

Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Given the current health care climate, it behooves everyone to preserve their health as best as possible—with and without the assistance of health care providers. I pride myself and my brand on giving patients excellent, empathic care and as much education as I can to enable them to care for themselves. I treat every patient like a family member or friend who I care about deeply. I view each patient visit as though it may be the only chance I will have to make a difference. I am an avid fitness and nutritious food enthusiast and encourage my patients to maintain good overall health. Taking a comprehensive approach to personal health always results in better skin, hair and nail health. My practice philosophy centers around leading by example and bringing as many people with me on the journey to supreme health as I can.

It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
Favorite Books

1. And Still I Rise by Maya Angelou
2. The Odyssey by Homer
3. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
4. The Diary of Anne Frank
5. The Autobiography of Malcolm X

Contact Info:

• Address: 2625 West Alameda Avenue
  Suite 504
  Burbank, California 91505
• Phone: 818-559-SKIN (7546)
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: PatriciaKPerryMD

Image Credit:
Dlugolecki Photography (Personal photo only)

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.