About My Practice & Perspective:
I am a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology, born and raised right here in East Oakland. Growing up in an underrepresented, lower socioeconomic neighborhood and persevering through personal challenges as a cancer survivor deeply shaped my perspective as a physician. My commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity is woven into every aspect of my work. I am dedicated to bridging the gap between medical knowledge and public understanding, ensuring an empowering, safe, and affirming clinical environment where patients feel truly seen and understood.

LGBTQ+ Affirming Services & Clinical Workflows
I provide comprehensive, culturally sensitive care tailored specifically to LGBTQ+ populations and Black, Brown, and Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC). In my practice, patients can expect a thoughtful, individualized approach across a wide range of services:
– Cosmetic & Laser Dermatology: Expert administration of neuromodulators (Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin®), dermal fillers (Juvéderm®, Restylane®), biostimulators (Sculptra®, Radiesse®), and advanced laser/energy treatments (Fraxel®, CO2, IPL/BBL, Nd:YAG).
– Safe Aesthetic Protocols: For new cosmetic and laser patients, I utilize a consultation-first workflow to review structural goals, map out treatment expectations, and perform a clinical test spot treatment when appropriate to maximize safety across all skin types.
– Specialized Medical Care: Advanced management of hair loss, acne scarring, pigmentary disorders (melasma, vitiligo), and complex inflammatory conditions like Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

Education & Post-Graduate Training
Dermatology Residency: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
– Leadership: Served as Cosmetic Chief Resident. Specialized Mentorship: Received comprehensive training from hair specialists Dr. Maria Hordinsky and Dr. Ronda Farah, and refined advanced cosmetic/laser expertise under Dr. Brian Zelickson, Dr. Ardalan Minokadeh, and laser expert Dr. Eric Bernstein.
Internal Medicine Internship: Alameda Highland Hospital, Oakland, CA
– Completed foundational training at Oakland’s primary safety-net hospital, fostering deep roots within the local medical community.
Medical School: Touro University California, Vallejo, CA Earned a Master of Science and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) with Honors.
Undergraduate: University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA Earned a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Physiology with Honors.

Leadership, Initiatives & Community Projects
– Clinic Direction: Directed a specialized free dermatology health clinic through the Phillips Neighborhood Clinic, dedicated to serving underrepresented and uninsured minority populations.
– Curriculum Design: Developed and facilitated the LGBTQIA Healthcare Considerations Elective at Touro University, covering transgender-affirming healthcare, intersectionality, and trauma-informed clinical care.
– Organizing: Co-founded the Dermatology Interest Group at Touro University, establishing a curriculum focused on evidence-based research for skin of color and sexual/gender minorities.
– National Ambassadorship: Served as an American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Resident Ambassador.
– Public Education: Creator of evidence-based digital skin health education on Instagram and TikTok at @DermDrTeekz.

Research, Publications & Conference PresentationsI actively publish and speak on health disparities, inclusive practices, and procedural innovations, with contributions including:
– Co-author: Inclusive Practices for Dermatologic Care of Sexual and Gender Minority Patients (International Journal of Women’s Dermatology).
– Co-author: Orchiectomy-Induced Melasma: Considering Melasma in Male Patients Post-Orchiectomy (Practical Dermatology).
– Featured Presenter: Dermatologic and Aesthetic Considerations for the LGBTQ Population (La-Roche Posay Virtual).
– Conference Speaker: Active presenter at national conferences, including the AAD Annual Meeting Gross & Micro Symposium, the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS), and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS).

Honors, Awards & Professional Memberships
– Inductions: Gold Humanism Honor Society and Sigma Sigma Phi.
– Distinctions: Named National Student Doctor of the Year, Touro University Student Doctor of the Year, and recipient of the Kaiser Northern California Medical Student Scholarship and a Health Equity Scholarship.
– Professional Memberships: Gay and Lesbian Dermatology Association (GALDA) Skin of Color Society (SOC) American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS)