Michigan was the Undefeated, Undisputed College Football National Champion for the 2023/2024 Season. In September 2024, I flew to Ann Arbor to watch Michigan’s first loss since that magical season to the University of Texas in the Big House with 111,170 other fans- that loss was a stark reminder, “That was Then and This is Now.” Although last season we were champions, odds are it won’t happen again this year. Besides football, while in Michigan I spoke on Eczema to 2 different Dermatology Residency Training programs, visited with undergrad and med school friends, my brother and a former professor. When teaching, lecturing and providing advice my professor was a master communicator, a wizard of words- sadly, there have been changes, and he is no longer able to live alone- he is having difficulty finding words, connecting thoughts, and his communication superpower has been lost. In the beginning of September, a friend and colleague, James Kone Jr. who introduced me to Strataderm, a silicone scar Gel for wound healing and scar treatments, and who was also working to promote a new skin care line, SkinQ Rx with my Dermatologist Friend, Dr. Chytra Anand in Bengaluru, India was walking in his California vineyard when he suddenly died. All that is left of my friend James is his memory and the impact he had. Nothing lasts forever- in sports or in life; if there’s something you need to accomplish, there’s no time to wait.
In September, I returned to AKA Thailand for my 4th fitness adventure- the unfinished business of learning Muay Thai had to be satisfied. 3 to 4 hours a day were spent training, and the rest of the time spent eating and recovering. Phuket is a magical place, with a fish market on the ocean adjacent to local restaurants cooking the daily fresh catch. Part of Phuket’s magic includes the smiling people and shops where I bought pearls for my staff so I could be reminded of my time in Asia when I see them wearing it. Although friends rip me for not flying 1st or Business class for the 24 hour flight to Phuket- it’s just not important enough at the moment. What’s important to you? In June I wrote about being ½ way through the year, time is running out on 2024. Is there a reason you’re procrastinating; why not start today? Before my recent trip, I had Melissa laser away my neck hair, but maybe you want PRP injections to grow hair, Hydrafacial to treat and clean skin, SkinPen® for anti-aging, Sciton BBL to remove redness and brown spots, Moxi or CO2 Laser for wrinkle reduction; what’s your goal?
Speaking season is here and I will be talking on eczema, psoriasis, scars social media, and more in the next few months. Doing these talks helps keep me at the top of my game by having to review the latest Dermatologic data and present to colleagues in the U.S.A and across the globe. These are good times, and I do not take them for granted, I’m Dr. Vegas, a Board Certified Dermatologist, one half of The Derm Bros® living my dream of making lives Healthier & More Beautiful at Las Vegas Dermatology®.
If you’re looking to making a difference, and don’t know where to donate, The Las Vegas Dermatology Foundation is a tax deductible 501c3 taking donations now and using funds to educate those interested in Dermatology careers, offering treatments for those with skin disease and soon we will be sponsoring lectures and community events- checks can be sent to the office or donate via Paypal.
Nothing Lasts Forever, so Go For It!
Dr. Vegas
