In Practice

Real talk from the practitioners shaping modern aesthetics. In Practice goes beyond the treatment menu — into the decisions, philosophies, and daily thinking of the clinicians doing the work.

In Practice: Mark Broussard, Cosmetic Chemist, MoCRA Expert and Brand Strategist

In Practice: Mark Broussard, Cosmetic Chemist, MoCRA Expert and Brand Strategist

Mark Broussard is a Cosmetic Chemist, MoCRA expert and Brand Strategist whodevelops clean beauty cosmetic, dermacosmetic and OTC products. He hasdeveloped over 600 products some of which has been awarded Best Of byOprah, Elle, Harper’s Bazzarr and others. Mark is Chair Due DiligenceCommittee for Skin Angels, a dermatology angel investment group and is amember of NM Angels. His expertise is in developing formulations that arecompliant with Clean Beauty standards such as Credo Clean, Sephora Cleanand Ulta Conscious Beauty. Mark holds a BS Microbiology/Immunology, MSOrganic Chemistry and MBA from University of Texas.

In Practice: Whitney Hovenic, MD MPH, Founder and CEO @ SPOOGE | Double Board-Certified Mohs Surgeon and Dermatologist

In Practice: Whitney Hovenic, MD MPH, Founder and CEO @ SPOOGE | Double Board-Certified Mohs Surgeon and Dermatologist

Dr. Whitney Hovenic, MD is a double board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon based in Reno, Nevada, specializing in skin cancer treatment, prevention and advanced dermatologic surgery. As the co-founder of SPOOGE, she brings her firsthand experience treating skin cancer to a mission focused on prevention, making daily sun protection easier, more approachable and more enjoyable.

In Practice: Joyce Teng, MD, PhD, Head of Pediatric Dermatology, Stanford University

In Practice: Joyce Teng, MD, PhD, Head of Pediatric Dermatology, Stanford University

Joyce Teng, MD, PhD is a professor in dermatology at Stanford University. She is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital (LPCH) at Stanford and Stanford Hospital and Clinics (SHC). She received her medical degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and has been in practice for more than 12 years. She is one of the 6 pediatric dermatologists practicing at LPCH and one of 72 at SHC who specialize in Dermatology. She sees patients with rare genetic disorders, birthmarks, vascular anomalies and a variety of inflammatory skin diseases. She is also an experienced pediatric dermatological surgeon. Her research interests are drug discovery and novel therapy for skin disorders.

In Practice: Joel L. Cohen, MD (FAAD, FACMS), AboutSkin Dermatology and Aesthetics

In Practice: Joel L. Cohen, MD (FAAD, FACMS), AboutSkin Dermatology and Aesthetics

Dr. Joel L. Cohen is an internationally recognized, board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained expert in aesthetic dermatology, lasers, skin cancer, and Mohs surgery. Director of AboutSkin Dermatology and Aesthetics and AboutSkin Research in metropolitan Denver, he has authored more than 330 medical articles and book chapters and co-authored three academic textbooks. An Associate Professor of Dermatology at the University of California Irvine, Dr. Cohen is dedicated to physician education and has received numerous honors for teaching, patient safety, public service, and clinical excellence.

In Practice: Joshua Zeichner, MD, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology & Associate Professor of Dermatology, Mount Sinai Hospital

In Practice: Joshua Zeichner, MD, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology & Associate Professor of Dermatology, Mount Sinai Hospital

Dr. Joshua Zeichner is an Associate Professor and the Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.  He is one of the country's key opinion leaders in medical and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Zeichner is well published in the top peer-reviewed Dermatology journals.  As an educator, he trains residents and medical students and regularly lectures to international audiences at the major Dermatology meetings. Dr. Zeichner is frequently called on by the media for his expert opinion, and he can be found quoted in national magazines and newspapers.  Dr. Zeichner has consistently been voted by his peers to New York Magazine’s Best Doctors and New York City Super Doctors published in the New York Times Magazine, including recognitions in the 2026 issues.

In Practice: Melinda Anna Farina, Founder and CEO, Beauty Brokers Inc.

In Practice: Melinda Anna Farina, Founder and CEO, Beauty Brokers Inc.

Melinda Anna Farina is the Founder and CEO of Beauty Brokers Inc., an internationally recognized aesthetic consulting firm dedicated to patient advocacy, education, and connecting patients with highly qualified plastic surgeons around the world. With more than three decades of experience in aesthetic medicine, she has built one of the industry’s most respected independent consulting companies, known for its commitment to ethics, transparency, and individualized patient care. Widely known as The Beauty Broker, Melinda has consulted on thousands of complex surgical cases, spoken at leading international conferences, and has been featured in publications including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Vogue. She is a trusted advisor to patients, physicians, and industry leaders, recognized for her expertise in practice strategy, patient behavior, and the evolving landscape of aesthetic medicine. Her mission is simple: to elevate standards across the industry while helping patients make informed, confident decisions.

In Practice: Brad Crerar, COO and Co-Founder, CONTŌR

In Practice: Brad Crerar, COO and Co-Founder, CONTŌR

Brad is a board-certified, New York State Licensed PA with an Executive MBA, blending advanced medical expertise with strategic business leadership. He began his career at two of New York City’s top hospitals, where he developed a passion for proceduralexcellence. Brad spent 8 years performing aesthetically pleasing surgical wound closures for some of NYC’s top surgeons, including work with athletes and celebrities. This experience at the highest level set the stage for his success as an aesthetic injector.Through years of performing aesthetic injectable procedures, Brad has developed a passion for helping his clients achieve their individual goals rather than following industry beauty standards. His approach emphasizes longevity; developing the right routines that lead to natural and long-lasting outcomes. Brad believes nothing is more rewarding than helping others become the best versions of themselves.

In Practice: Dafna Gershoony, CEO and Co-Founder, CONTŌR

In Practice: Dafna Gershoony, CEO and Co-Founder, CONTŌR

Dafna is a board-certified, New York State Licensed PA specializing in cosmetic dermatology for all skin types. Her passion for aesthetics and attention to detail began in college, where she earned a triple major in Art, History, and Chemistry. She went on to receive her Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies with high honors from PaceUniversity. With over six years of experience working alongside top cosmetic dermatologists in New York City, Dafna has established herself as a trusted authority in the field. In 2019, she joined a medical aesthetics startup serving NYC and the Hamptons, where she was quickly named Head of Skincare and played a pivotal role in scaling the brand’s success.Recognized for her refined aesthetic eye and clinical precision, Dafna is celebrated for her ability to achieve elevated, natural-looking results through bespoke combinations of injectables and medical-grade skincare. Her approach, which emphasizes skin healthand whole-body wellness, forms the foundation of CONTŌR’s treatment philosophy. Beyond clinical practice, Dafna is a renowned industry consultant who enjoys teaching, training, and giving academic lectures. A lifelong New Yorker, she spends her free timewith family, exploring the art world, traveling, and giving back to her community.

In Practice: Dr. Carla Pierson, DNP, MBA, RN, Smiley Aesthetics

In Practice: Dr. Carla Pierson, DNP, MBA, RN, Smiley Aesthetics

Dr. Carla Pierson, DNP, MBA, MSN, BSN, is a nursing leader, healthcare strategist, and aesthetic business educator with more than 14 years of experience across critical care, healthcare operations, and medical aesthetics. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, she is a nationally recognized speaker, published author, and advocate for nursing leadership, known for her expertise in practice operations, workforce development, compliance, and sustainable growth. A former clinical nursing director with HCA Healthcare, Carla serves as faculty and a featured speaker at industry events including Aesthetic Next and The Medical Spa Show, where she helps providers build resilient, ethical, and successful aesthetic businesses.

In Practice: Michelle Henry, MD FAAD, Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan

In Practice: Michelle Henry, MD FAAD, Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan

Dr. Michelle Henry is a board-certified dermatologist, dermatologic surgeon, international speaker, and founder of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan and The Henry Research Group. A Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, she specializes in general dermatology, Mohs surgery, cosmetic dermatology, hair restoration, and skin rejuvenation. Dr. Henry completed her dermatology residency at Mount Sinai Hospital, where she served as Chief Resident, followed by a fellowship in cutaneous oncology, Mohs micrographic, and reconstructive surgery at Harvard Medical School. Recognized as a Castle Connolly and New York Magazine Top Doctor, she has been featured in Forbes, The New York Times, Harper's Bazaar, Byrdie, and Today, while also serving on multiple medical boards, conducting FDA clinical trials, and contributing extensively to dermatologic research and education.

In Practice: Dr. Prem Tripathi, Bay Hills Plastic Surgery

In Practice: Dr. Prem Tripathi, Bay Hills Plastic Surgery

Dr. Prem Tripathi, MD, MPH is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and founder of Bay Hills Plastic Surgery in the San Francisco Bay Area. A USC Keck School of Medicine graduate, Alpha Omega Alpha honoree, and published researcher in journals including JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Tripathi brings both scientific depth and artistic precision to every procedure. He has become known for the Winged Blepharoplasty technique and is renowned globally for delivering natural, harmonious results in facial surgery and rejuvenation. Dr. Tripathi's approach is defined by comprehensive, individualized treatment planning — drawing on K-beauty-inspired stacked treatments, strictly evidence-based product and protocol selection, and regenerative modalities to help patients achieve lasting transformation.

5m Read