About Susan Stuart, MD
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Susan Stuart is loved by her patients and respected by her peers and the media, both locally and nationally. She attained this impressive reputation by combining her natural aptitudes — which include a zest for life and learning, a caring personality, and vibrant creativity — with a rigorous education by innovators in aesthetic dermatology. These traits are reflected in the wealth of accolades she's earned the practice throughout the years, including being named to Ranch & Coast Magazine's ""Best of 2018: Health"" list. I was always interested in the arts as it was a creative way to express myself. This same interest is what attracted me to the cosmetic side of dermatology as it still fulfills me creatively as I evaluate patients aesthetically. I first became fascinated by dermatology when I was a teenage swim instructor and lifeguard. The job helped to teach me not only what the sun could do to the skin, but also how I could make a positive impact on people's lives just by educating them about sun protection and healthy living. Helping others achieve better health through swimming instruction, and even improved self-esteem, fueled my decision to become a doctor. I was influenced by several physicians who were leaders, innovators, and pioneers in aesthetic dermatology. One of the first was Dr. Nia Terezakis, a well-respected dermatologist who still practices today. I met her when I was a student at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans. As a woman and an accomplished dermatologist, Dr. Terezakis epitomized the ideal physician for me: innovator, scientist, and artist. I was also highly influenced by Dr. Ira Green, who was a dermatologist on the faculty at Stanford while I was a medical student. He was extremely encouraging and supportive of me. While I was a resident, I had the privilege of working with Dr. John Bostwick and Dr. Foad Nahai, professors of plastic surgery at Emory University and pioneers in aesthetic surgery. I first started practicing in 1994 as part of an 11-physician group in San Diego. Physicians in the practice pioneered CO2 laser resurfacing and were among the first in the country to offer other laser procedures and sclerotherapy. I was among the physicians in the practice who was noticed by the media and was featured on the ABC news show ""20/20"" and more.Working with the group, which is also where I met my husband Richard, prepared me to meet the demands of San Diego County's high-end clientele. And being a ""people person"" helps me today to maintain a thriving practice in La Jolla's competitive cosmetic dermatology market.
