Q&A Interview with Dr. Michael Sotiriou
Salt Lake Dermatology & Aesthetics specializes in medical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and skin cancer in Salt Lake City, UT. Salt Lake Dermatology & Aesthetics is led by Dr. Michael Sotiriou. Dr. Sotiriou is a double board-certified dermatologist in dermatology and Mohs micrographic dermatologic surgery. In this Question-and-Answer Interview, we learn more about Dr. Sotiriou and his passion for dermatology. What inspired him to become a dermatologist? What are his personal skincare tips? Read the interview below to learn more about Dr. Sotiriou and our practice.
Q: What inspired you to become a dermatologist?
A: My father launched his dermatology practice in 1981, so I grew up learning about the specialty. I always had a passion for medicine and began doing research in dermatology at the University of Utah during my summers off in college to aid my medical school applications. I was certain I wanted to be in a surgical field as I’ve always had a meticulous eye, a systematic approach to problem solving, and a very precise nature. During medical school I quickly realized I like smaller more rapid paced surgeries, I also value being able to see patients over many years, treat medical and surgical conditions, and appreciate the pattern recognition of reading and diagnosing pathology specimens all within a clinical setting. As I delved further into dermatology, discovering the world of Mohs skin cancer surgery, and cosmetic dermatology, I knew it was the perfect specialty to match my skills and interests. Of course, I truly owe that initial exposure to my father.
Q: Why did you decide to practice dermatology in Salt Lake City?
A: I’ve spent nearly a decade in the Midwest, but Salt Lake is home. My undergrad years were spent in Madison, Wisconsin and I completed my dermatology residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago. While my time in Chicago was invaluable, and I had incredible mentors, my long-term goal was to relocate to Salt Lake and take over my father’s clinic – with his blessing. I wanted to give his practice a refresh, and give his patients, some of whom have been with him for 30 years, a newly renovated space where they can continue to receive exceptional medical and surgical skin care. It has been so rewarding seeing his legacy patients and I look forward to treating new patients within our awesome Salt Lake City community.
Q: Do you specialize in a specific area of dermatology? (e.g. Mohs, Cosmetic, etc.)
A: After my time at the University of Illinois at Chicago, I joined a remarkable private practice, Dermatology + Aesthetics, located on the border of the Lincoln Park/Bucktown neighborhoods of Chicago. The three owners, Dr. Keren Horn, Dr. Meyer Horn, and Dr. Neha Robinson taught me how to blend cosmetics and medical dermatology into a single practice. I was fortunate to spend three years learning from some of the greatest medical and cosmetic dermatologist in Chicago, honing my treatment plans for skin care and aesthetic dermatology.
My true calling and area of expertise is skin cancer surgery and management. While living in Chicago, I had access to a vast network of world renown Mohs surgeons. Seeking additional training in Mohs surgery, beyond my training in residency, I was mentored by two Mohs experts, Dr. Aleksandar Krunic and Dr. JC Lapiere. There is nothing more rewarding to me than curing someone of skin cancer, which can be a devastating diagnosis to receive. I love the complexities and challenge of closures after removing the cancer, as well as surprising my patients with astonishing cosmetic results with minimal scarring. I take great pride in my suturing techniques.
Q: What makes Salt Lake Dermatology & Aesthetics one of the leading dermatology practices in Salt Lake City?
A: At SLDA, you will receive a level of care that is unmatched in Salt Lake City. I bring big city, metropolitan aesthetics and surgical experience, to a practice with an established patient population that expects prompt, accurate, and reliable service. When visiting our office, our kind and caring staff will greet you and ensure your concerns are addressed. You’ll receive care from board-certified dermatologists, where we can treat all facets of dermatology including medical rashes, and acne, complex skin cancer management with Mohs surgery, and cosmetic dermatology where we build customized skin care routines with rejuvenation procedures.
Q: What is your skin care recommendation for patients in Salt Lake City?
A: Each patient is unique, as should be their skin care recommendation. I build out customized product recommendations, while keeping patients within a comfortable budget. We will be launching a skin care store, and if I have a product that I think is a great fit for a particular skin type, I’ll recommend a product from one of our curated skin care lines. But, if I feel a product from a different vendor is a better fit, then that will be the recommendation. In addition to receiving a bespoke skincare routine, patients can be confident that all product suggestions are based on clinical evidence that support their use.
With that said, one product that absolutely every person in this city should be using is a daily moisturizer with sunblock. These are different than sticky, greasy, sweat/waterproof sunscreens for when you’re hiking or at the pool or park. Daily moisturizers with SPF are light lotions that don’t leave residue on your skin but help protect you during normal day-to-day activities such as commuting, walking outside, or driving in your car. During these times we are constantly exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays which are actively damaging the DNA in our skin cells. This can result in skin cancers and aged skin. Protecting yourself now will pay dividends for you in the future.
Q: What is your approach to providing patient care?
A: Patients come to me for my expertise and experience in treating a variety of skin conditions, medical, surgical, and cosmetic, and to help them accomplish their skin care goals. I like to develop a customized treatment plan for all my patients, thoroughly explain the diagnosis, answer all questions and concerns, and then diligently lay out the treatment plan. I want my focus to be on you, not on a computer screen. My medical assistants will document our visits while you and I get to talk, face to face, about your skin concerns.
Q: What is one of your favorite things to do in Salt Lake City?
A: Anything in the mountains, I love to hike with my wife, ski, and fly fish. After spending nearly, a decade in Chicago, I really missed the topography of Salt Lake City. Even just driving in SLC, I find myself thinking “it is so beautiful here!” I’m happy to be back, and happy to be helping patients with their skin in my home city!
