Dr Blair Murphy-Rose Of Skincare Junkie On The 5 Things Parents Can Do To Help Their Children Thrive and Excel In School
An Interview With Jake Frankel
Professionalism means maintaining high standards and ethical behavior. Early in my career, I encountered a challenging case involving a rare skin condition. I sought advice from a more experienced colleague. Referring the patient to a specialist demonstrated my commitment to their well-being over personal pride or business interests.
As part of my series about healthcare leaders, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose.
Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, is an award-winning dermatologist in New York City and founder of Skincare Junkie™️. She is an accomplished cosmetic, medical, and surgical dermatologist specializing in leading-edge facial rejuvenation techniques, including injectable fillers and botulinum toxin injections, advanced laser procedures, noninvasive body contouring, and removing lumps and bumps with precision. She is an expert in the treatment and detection of medical conditions including skin cancer, acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis.
Dr. Rose has been published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Dermatology Surgery, and Pediatric Dermatology, and has been featured in numerous publications including Vogue, Elle, Allure, Cosmopolitan, People, Women’s Health, The Wall Street Journal and The NY Times.
Dr. Rose believes in a comprehensive approach to skin health and incorporating a skin-care routine tailored specifically for each individual patient and utilizing a wide array of tools to target specific skin concerns. She is well equipped to provide her patients with the highest level of care and is passionate about helping them to feel their best.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! What is your “backstory”? What led you to this very interesting career?
I was born in NYC and raised in California. My father, a physician and entrepreneur, relocated our family for his cardiology fellowship at Stanford. My maternal grandfather was also a renowned medical doctor — a pioneer in Pediatric Neurology.
Medicine has always been a central part of my life, with frequent discussions about medical achievements and challenges at our dinner table. From an early age, I was fascinated by the profound impact doctors have on people’s lives. My father, who combined medical expertise with technological innovations during Silicon Valley’s early tech boom in the ’80s, taught me invaluable lessons. His work on developing devices for vascular and heart diseases inspired me to seek solutions to everyday problems, fueling my passion for dermatology.
Skincare plays a pivotal role in maintaining skin health and appearance. From acne prevention to skin cancer protection, home skincare routines are essential. In my practice, I’ve seen many skin issues caused by skincare products. The personal care industry is often inadequately regulated, personal care products are filled with harmful and questionable ingredients, including common allergens and skin irritants.
Driven by these concerns, I set out to create skincare essentials that are not only effective and scientifically proven but also safe and tolerable, minimizing the risk of new issues arising.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
There’s no such thing as a boring day in the life of a dermatologist! I feel so privileged to be able to help so many people and have countless memorable and endearing stories from my professional and pro bono work, such as free skin cancer screenings.
Recently, the most interesting experience for me has been developing and launching my skincare line, Skincare Junkie®. I had to quickly learn about various aspects beyond dermatology, including product formulation, packaging, and marketing.
Creating unique products like our moisturizer, choosing packaging that looks fun and stands out, and deciding on making the whole product line vegan — it’s been an amazing journey. I have so many stories! I’ve had a lot of fun so far.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
When I first started my career as a dermatologist, I was so eager to help my patients and prove myself that I would often over-explain every detail during consultations. One day, a patient kindly interrupted me and said, “Doctor, you are the one with a dermatology degree, not me. I trust you. Just tell me what to do.” It was a light-hearted moment that made me realize the importance of clear, concise communication. From this experience, I learned to focus on delivering information in a more straightforward and reassuring manner, ensuring my patients feel confident and cared for without being overwhelmed by medical jargon.
Are you working on any new or exciting projects now?
I’m currently in the exciting process of relocating my family to California, a move we’ve contemplated for years but never thought would actually happen until a recent opportunity came up. I’ll be continuing to see patients on both coasts for the foreseeable future.
I’m also developing four new products for Skincare Junkie®, the hypoallergenic, clean beauty brand I launched last year. Our goal is to promote smart at-home skin practices with science-driven products that effectively address skin issues without causing new ones.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
Many people have mentored and shaped me over the years, including my incredibly bright and supportive parents. But I would put my grandfather, Abraham Chutorian, a renowned Pediatric Neurologist and pioneer in the field, at the top of the list.
He is full of wisdom and knowledge, with unmatched clinical skills. Even well into his 80s, he remained a dedicated and passionate caretaker, saving countless lives and taking incredible care of both his patients and their families. His impact is far-reaching.
As a medical student in California, I was rotating in the neurology department. On the first day, one of the fellows saw my name tag (Blair Murphy-Chutorian) and asked if I was related to Abraham Chutorian. When I told him he was my grandfather, the fellow shared how much he had read about his work and spoke about the impact my grandfather had on him from afar.
Is there a particular book that made an impact on you? Can you share a story?
One book that has profoundly impacted me is “When Breath Becomes Air” by Paul Kalanithi. This memoir, written by a neurosurgeon facing a terminal cancer diagnosis, explores the intersection of science and the human experience. It emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in medical practice. There is a quote from the book that resonates deeply with me: “Science may provide the most useful way to organize empirical, reproducible data, but its power to do so is predicated on its inability to grasp the most central aspects of human life: hope, fear, love, hate, beauty, envy, honor, weakness, striving, suffering, virtue.”
In my practice, I often see patients struggling with the emotional and psychological impacts of their skin conditions. Treating a patient effectively requires acknowledging their experience as a whole. Science provides the treatments and the tools, but compassion and empathy are equally as important in healing.
Kalanithi’s exploration of life, death, and what makes life meaningful, his journey through the medical field, both as a doctor and a patient, reminds me of the importance of seeing each patient as a whole person rather than a set of symptoms. Every patient’s experience is unique, shaped by their fears, hopes, and personal battles. This book has encouraged me to reflect on my own life and career. It is a reminder of the finite nature of life and the importance of finding purpose and meaning in our daily endeavors. This perspective helps me to stay grounded and focused on what truly matters, both in my professional and personal life.
How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?
I focus on broad outreach to share my dermatological expertise. By educating skincare users through various platforms, I aim to demystify skincare and make it accessible to a broader audience. Whether it’s through media appearances, blog articles on Skincare Junkie® website, or social media posts, I work hard to provide reliable and practical advice that helps people take better care of their skin.
Skincare Junkie® is an extension of this passion, which is why I created high-quality, dermatologist-approved skincare products that are affordable, effective, and science-driven. I am a firm believer that high-quality skincare products don’t need to cost the Earth. We designed these products to be safe for customers, cruelty-free and vegan, and we use effective packaging such as airless bottles to minimize waste.
By combining education, accessible skincare, and direct medical outreach, I aim to use my success to contribute positively to the world and be able to help as many people as I can.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share a story about how that was relevant to you in your own life?
I would say it’s “Everything happens for a reason.” When everything is great in our lives, we don’t tend to think about it; we just enjoy life. However, when things don’t go as we expect or want, we tend to get upset and resist. Whatever happens in my life, I try to find a message, a silver lining, or perhaps a lesson. Even if the reason isn’t immediately obvious, I trust that it will become apparent over time. I find living this way to be more meaningful.
What are your “5 Things You Need To Create A Successful Career As A Dermatologist’’ and why?
To create a successful career as a dermatologist, there are five essential elements:
1. Skillset
A constantly updated skillset is crucial. During my residency, a mentor stressed the importance of continuous learning. Attending a conference on laser treatments opened my eyes to new techniques, which I later implemented to improve patient outcomes. This dedication to learning has allowed me to offer advanced treatments and keeps me at the forefront of dermatology.
2. Rapport with Patients
Building strong patient relationships is essential for a successful dermatology practice. I once had a very anxious patient. Taking time to explain every step of her procedure and listening to her concerns eased her fears. She later told me that my approach made her feel valued and understood, which strengthened our patient-doctor relationship.
3. Trustworthiness
Trust is the foundation of any medical practice. I had a patient with a suspicious mole who was hesitant about getting a biopsy. By providing clear, honest information about the risks and benefits, I was able to reassure him that his health was my top priority and earned his trust. He agreed to the biopsy, which revealed early-stage melanoma. Early detection was lifesaving, reinforcing the importance of trust in patient care.
4. Professionalism
Professionalism means maintaining high standards and ethical behavior. Early in my career, I encountered a challenging case involving a rare skin condition. I sought advice from a more experienced colleague. Referring the patient to a specialist demonstrated my commitment to their well-being over personal pride or business interests.
5. Support Staff
A supportive and skilled staff is indispensable. During a particularly busy period in my practice, my team’s efficiency and dedication were crucial. They managed patient flow, handled administrative tasks, and provided excellent patient care, allowing me to focus on diagnosing and treating skin conditions. This teamwork not only improved our practice’s efficiency but also enhanced the overall patient experience.
These five elements — skillset, rapport with patients, trustworthiness, professionalism, and support staff — are integral to building a successful career in dermatology. Each component plays a vital role in delivering high-quality care and ensuring patient satisfaction.
What are the “myths” that you would like to dispel about being a dermatologist? Can you explain what you mean?
Myth: Dermatology is just about beauty and cosmetics
While dermatology does encompass cosmetic treatments, it’s a medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating a wide range of skin conditions, from acne and eczema to skin cancer. Dermatologists play a crucial role in healthcare, addressing serious health issues and improving patients’ quality of life.
Myth: Dermatology is easy compared to other medical specialties or that it’s just treating acne
Becoming a dermatologist requires extensive medical knowledge and training. We are medical doctors who have completed a minimum of 8 years of postgraduate training. Dermatologists diagnose and treat more than 3,000 different diseases. Dermatologists understand complex skin conditions, perform intricate procedures and stay up to date with the medical advancements.
If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of wellness to the most amount of people, what would that be?
I frequently participate in free skin cancer screenings, which is incredibly fulfilling both personally and professionally. Early detection drastically improves treatment outcomes, and my expertise can save lives. By offering my skills to the community, I feel a deep sense of purpose and connection. Educating patients about skin health and cancer prevention empowers them to take control of their well-being.
These screenings also benefit the community by raising awareness about skin health and regular check-ups. By providing screenings, especially in underserved areas, I help make dermatological care more accessible. Early screenings and preventive advice can lead to healthier lifestyles and better skin care practices, reducing the incidence of skin cancer and other skin-related issues. My involvement in these initiatives builds trust and strengthens the relationship between healthcare providers and the community.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them :-)
It is difficult to pick just one person, but I would choose from one of many creative, outside-the-box thinkers who have changed the world in such profound ways. I feel so motivated and inspired by these game changers, not only because of their wisdom but also because of the way they challenge our conventional thinking and transform how we approach or do something in our everyday lives. Whether in science, technology, art, or human rights, these visionaries continue to push boundaries, and I would be thrilled to have the chance to learn directly from any one of them.
- People like Melinda Gates whose work in philanthropy, particularly in health, education, and women’s rights, is deeply inspiring. I’d love to discuss how she navigates the intersection of business, social impact, and advocacy, especially with her focus on empowering women and girls worldwide. Learning from her experience and insights would be invaluable for anyone looking to make a meaningful difference in the world.
- Oprah Winfrey — Oprah has used her platform to inspire millions and advocate for social change. Her focus on self-care, wellness, and empowerment resonates with me as a dermatologist. Winfrey’s emphasis on holistic well-being inspires me even more to approach skincare as more than just a surface treatment — it’s about nurturing the whole person. Her commitment to making a positive difference encourages me to create products and provide services that not only address skin concerns but also enhance overall quality of life.
- Dr. Jane Goodall’s lifelong dedication to studying and protecting chimpanzees, as well as her broader advocacy for environmental conservation, is inspiring. Her work reminds me of the importance of sustainability and ethical practices in skincare. Goodall’s commitment to the planet and all its inhabitants motivates me to ensure that Skincare Junkie® is not only effective but also environmentally responsible. Her example encourages me to think deeply about the impact of the ingredients and packaging I choose, striving to create products that are both kind to the skin, body, and the earth.
- CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella has transformed Microsoft by fostering a culture of empathy, inclusivity, and innovation. Under his leadership, Microsoft has not only advanced technologically but also embraced a more human-centered approach to business. Nadella’s focus on empowering people through technology inspires me to consider how skincare can empower individuals by addressing their unique needs and promoting self-confidence. His emphasis on continuous learning and adaptability encourages me to stay open to new ideas and approaches in dermatology, ensuring that I can offer the best possible care and products to my patients. The shift to Nadella emphasizes the importance of empathy and inclusivity in leadership, qualities that resonate deeply with my approach to dermatology.
These individuals inspire me to think creatively, act with integrity, and always consider the broader impact of my work. Their commitment to innovation, empowerment, and sustainability drives me to continually evolve and improve as a dermatologist and founder. Their legacies remind me that forward thinking, compassion, and a willingness to challenge the status quo are key to driving positive change.
What is the best way our readers can follow you online?
Follow us on social media @skincarejunkieofficial and @drblairrose and read our “SJ Beauty Binge” blog at skincarejunkie.com.
Thank you so much for these wonderful insights! We wish you continued success.
