MY PHIlosophy

I believe great dermatology starts with truly understanding your skin. My approach is grounded in evidence-based care, practical guidance, and a genuine commitment to helping patients feel confident in the choices they make. Whether I’m in the clinic or creating educational videos, my goal is the same: to make skin health clearer, simpler, and more accessible for everyone.

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BIO

I’m a board-certified dermatologist at River Ridge Dermatology, and I’m passionate about giving patients thoughtful, personalized, evidence-based care. My journey started in Derventa, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and continued when I came to the United States as an exchange student in 1999. I discovered my love for medicine while working in an emergency room during college, and that path eventually led me to earn my D.O. from Des Moines University in 2009, where I received the Academic and Service Excellence Award.

I completed my internship at Ohio University and served as Chief Resident during my dermatology residency at Michigan State University. Today, I’m grateful to play a role in training future dermatologists as the Associate Program Director for the LewisGale Dermatology Residency, Clinical Faculty at the Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Cosmetic Dermatology Instructional Faculty at the University of Virginia.

Education is a huge part of who I am, both in the clinic and online. I love breaking down skin science in a way that feels clear, practical, and actually helpful. You can find me sharing skincare tips, honest product insights, and dermatology education on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.

> Learn more about my journey here

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professional work

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS

• Board-Certified Dermatologist

• Chief Resident, Dermatology Residency — Michigan State University (2012–2013)

PROFESSIONAL ROLES

• Dermatologist at River Ridge Dermatology (2013–present)

• Associate Program Director, LewisGale Dermatology Residency

• Clinical Faculty, Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)

• Cosmetic Dermatology Instructional Faculty, University of Virginia

• Active dermatology educator on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook

media features

• Featured in Daily Mail: “Skin expert reveals mistake that means thousands miss deadly cancer”
READ THE ARTICLE

• Quoted in NY Post: “TikTok’s AI ‘Time Travel’ filter to predict how you will age is scarily accurate, derms say”
READ THE ARTICLE

• Cited in The Washington Post: “TikTok aging filter brings us face-to-face with mortality”
READ THE ARTICLE

• Contributor to New Beauty: “The Best Products to Get Rid of Scars, According to Doctors”
READ THE ARTICLE

• Contributor to New Beauty: “Hard-Working Retinols That Are Great for Sensitive Skin, According to Dermatologists”
READ THE ARTICLE

• Blacksburg Living Magazine Feature
READ THE ARTICLE

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My approach to skincare

I believe skincare should be rooted in evidence and easy to understand. Everything I recommend is grounded in science, accessible to real people, and practical enough to fit into everyday routines. I’m especially passionate about women’s health and the skin changes that come with perimenopause, a stage that’s often under-discussed but incredibly important. My goal is to give you clear, honest guidance so you can care for your skin with confidence.

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