MARCH 2018 PARKER COUNTY TODAY
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of North Texas in Denton . Wilkes had always been fascinated by the diversity of skin , which fueled his desire to pursue dermatology as a profession when he began medical school .
“ I quickly became interested in this field as I learned of various skin diagnoses and was able to associate the things I had learned with that I had previously seen on friends and family members ,” Wilkes explained .
He went on and received his medical degree from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2010 , completing his internship at Corpus Christi Medical Center in 2011 and a residency in dermatology at St . Joseph Mercy Hospital in 2014 . It was during his third and fourth dermatology rotations where he got to work with other dermatologists and “ play detective ” with his evaluation of the patients and look for clues to assist in diagnosis .
“ I was amazed at how much you can learn about a person just by looking at their skin , such as whether they have pets , which side they sleep on , whether or not they might have liver or kidney disease , their vacation habits , and so on . There are over 2,000 distinct skin diseases and we are learning more and more about the skin every day , which is very exciting , challenging , and humbling at the same time ,” said Wilkes .
Patients appreciate that comprehensive detective work and approach to the treatment of their skin disorders . Wilkes sees every patient as an individual and takes into account all factors pertaining to the patient ’ s problems , spending an extensive amount of time getting to know each patient so he can best tailor their therapy . In addition to general dermatology , Wilkes specializes in advanced aesthetic surgery as well as cosmetic dermatology . Wilkes has won numerous awards including the Daniel Koprince , DO , Award for Education , given to the top resident presentation . He ’ s also a busy man as the adjunct faculty member of Michigan State University and John Peter Smith Hospital , where he teaches medical students and residents . He is a member of numerous organizations , including the American Academy of Dermatology , American Osteopathic College of Dermatology , American Society for Dermatologic Surgery , American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery , American Society for Mohs Surgery , Texas Osteopathic Medical Association , Tarrant County Medical Society , Texas Dermatologic Society and the Texas Medical Association .
Even with the awards and titles , it ’ s his passion for helping his patients with skin cancer and helping save their lives that really brings it all home for him .
“ My real passion is assisting people in finding and eradicating their skin cancer ; and doing so in a manner which minimizes scarring for an excellent cosmetic result . I have had family members and friends that have been diagnosed with melanoma ; some of these resulted in very large surgeries , and sadly some had a worse outcome . I know the real consequences that can happen if this skin cancer is not found early . While my least favorite thing is to have to inform someone that I found a melanoma , I also feel great pleasure in knowing that I potentially saved their life .”
Dr . Katarina Lindley
Eagle Medical Center , Brock Membership-Based Family Practice
Dr . Katarina Lindley became a doctor because she wanted to help people get well and stay well , but the constraints put on physician care by hospitals that own the practices of so many doctors , and insurance companies that so often hold the purse strings connecting the patients with the doctors ’ care , tends to make health care far too complicated to provide the level of care she feels patients deserve . Her solution ? Open a nice , old-fashioned family medical practice , kind of an oldcountry-doctor concept .
“ So many people are dissatisfied with the care they receive in the typical doctor ’ s office ,” Lindley said . “ Long wait times , rushed appointments , and rarely getting to see your primary care doctor are things that frustrate patients . I wanted a practice that gets back to medicine the way it was meant to be , with the doctor and patient working together .”
Lindley ’ s practice is just that . It ’ s an interesting concept and an intriguing one . Another thing that frustrates patients is how difficult it is to reach your doctor . Gatekeepers , office managers , voicemail , and the dreaded recording that starts out , “ If this is an emergency , hang up and dial 911 …”
“ I don ’ t have a receptionist ,” she said . “ I answer my own phone and make my own appointments . I believe that developing a quality relationship with a doctor who knows you and cares about you is the best way to provide healthcare .”
Lindley gives her patients full access to reach her day or night , including her cell number and email for off-hours consultations .
For a flat monthly fee , a family ’ s medical care is provided . It ’ s kind of like joining a gym , but you ’ re joining an advanced family medical practice .
“ I wanted my patients to have short waiting times , same-day or next-day appointments , extended appointment times ,” she said . “ My patients also enjoy going to a doctor and not having interference from insurance companies .”
Dr . Lindley is also the ultimate , enthusiastic fan of all sports related to the Brock Eagles .
“ Our medical Center colors are the same as the Brock Eagles ,” she said . “ Most days we all wear Brock Eagle colors .”
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