Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Clay, MD.
Dr. Clay, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical, cosmetic and surgical dermatology. The journey to get here included 12 years of education after graduating from high school in Atlanta. I attended Dillard University in New Orleans for my undergraduate degree in Biology. My senior year of college was delayed a few months by the disastrous Hurricane Katrina striking the city. One year later, I was entering medical school in Nashville at Meharry Medical College. As a medical student, I knew I wanted to become a dermatologist, which is a highly competitive medical field. After four strenuous years in medical school, I completed my dermatology residency at St. Louis University before finally returning back to Atlanta in 2015 to start practicing.
I joined Dermatology Affiliates in the summer of 2015 and I’m now proud to say I’m a partner at the practice. I enjoy the daily rigors of dermatology, which can include treating acne, injecting Botox or curing deadly skin cancer. My practice is very busy and I see anywhere from 40-55 patients a day. I am proud to serve two different communities and demographics in the East Cobb area and Buckhead.
My interest in dermatology stemmed from the many skin conditions I had been affected by when I was younger. My goal as a dermatologist is not only to clear or cure skin conditions and enhance the health of my patients but also to educate my patients and the public on different dermatological conditions. I spread this awareness and education at each visit with a patient as well as via my Instagram page and media interviews. Part of this education includes separating myself as a medical doctor and expert in the care of skin, hair and nails from others posing as dermatologists, doctors, or skincare experts so people know they are getting the best and safest care from myself or other board-certified dermatologists. I enjoy being a woman of color in my field because I can serve patients from my community who feel that their issues may not have resonated with another provider.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been a bit bumpy, becoming a dermatologist. During my senior year of college, Hurricane Katrina shut down the city of New Orleans, where I was attending college. I was slated to graduate that may, however, I ended up graduating in July. During the delay from the hurricane, I was unable to complete my medical school applications and subsequently had to sit a year out before I could reapply. I was fearful that this delay would mean that I would never be accepted to medical school, but it made me more determined than ever to become a competitive applicant. I entered medical school a year later, but I feel like God’s timing was perfect and looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. The adversity made me stronger and more persistent.
Please tell us about your practice.
Dermatology Affiliates was founded by Dr. Rutledge Forney. It has grown to become a well-known dermatology practice in Atlanta and now has locations in Alpharetta, East Cobb, Buckhead, Midtown and Macon. I have been practicing with Dermatology Affiliates since 2015. As a practice, we are known for being a diverse quality-driven practice which provides patient-centered, comprehensive dermatological care.
As a dermatologist, I am a medical doctor who specializes in treating hair, skin and nails. Daily, I care for patients of all ages, from infants to elderly. The conditions I treat most often include eczema, acne, psoriasis, and skin cancer. I also perform surgeries such as cyst and lipoma removals, skin cancer excisions, and repairing torn earlobes. I enjoy the cosmetic aspect of my career, which allows me to use filler and other injectable products to help my patients look their best. I’m most proud when I have a patient return for a follow-up appointment and they are completely clear or their problem has resolved. It brings me joy to heal others.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Compassion is most important to my success because it is vital that I sympathize and show kindness to those under my care. A dermatology appointment can make one feel vulnerable and I need them to know that it is a space where they can be comfortable enough to bear it all so that I can help them. I oftentimes put myself in their shoes and ask myself how I would feel if I had a certain skin condition or spot on my skin.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3131 Maple Drive Atlanta, GA 30305
4939 Lower Roswell Rd. Marietta, GA 30068 - Website: www.dermatologyaffiliates.com
- Phone: (404) 816-7900
- Instagram: @dermdrclay
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