Kalyani S. Marathe, MD, MPH

As a pediatric dermatologist, I treat children and adolescents with a variety of skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, birthmarks, psoriasis and epidermolysis bullosa. Many skin diseases impact not only the child but the entire family. I always keep this in mind and value being able to give parents comfort and calm in the face of uncertainty. I'm also a goofball, and I like telling "dad jokes" to make children feel more at ease. I've always loved interacting with children, and being around them fills me with positive energy.

In choosing medicine, I followed in my father’s footsteps. He was a physician in a small town, and everywhere we went, we would meet his patients. I always admired how they talked to him and felt such an intense personal connection to him. The doctor-patient relationship is a precious thing.

Dermatology is unique because it allows the physician to be a part of every step of the diagnostic process — from making a diagnosis in the clinic to doing a biopsy and looking at the lab tests to implementing treatment. All of this is exciting to me.

In my practice, I want to arm my patients with the tools they need to protect their skin, treat inflammation, and improve their appearance and self-esteem. I help my patients understand why we are recommending specific treatments. I also encourage open and honest feedback – tell me when you don’t understand something so I can explain better. If a child has a procedure, I aim to do it in the kindest, most painless way possible. Being a mother has influenced the way I practice medicine. I think about the practical aspects of any treatment regimen, and I have more empathy for sleep-deprived parents!

Taking care of the underserved is a life mission of mine. I want to make sure every child has access to the same excellent medical care. I’m also focused on training the next generation of doctors, and I've won some teaching awards for training residents and medical students.

In addition to patient care, I’m also involved in research. I study vulvar diseases, which are underappreciated and undertreated in children. I’m looking at ways to prevent them and treat them more effectively, so kids have a better quality of life.

During my free time, my toddler and dog keep me very busy. I also like baking and listening to audiobooks.