Interview: Khali A. Khatri, MD

Name: Khali A. Khatri, MD
Clinic: Skin and Laser Surgery Center of New England
Location: Nashua, NH, Everett, MA, Chelmsford, MA
Website: skinlaseronline.com

Brief Bio: Dr. Khatri completed his Internal medicine residency at Carney Hospital/Boston University, Dermatology residency at University of California, Davis and a Cosmetic Laser fellowship at Mass General Hospital/Harvard.  He is in private practice with clinics in MA and NH. Dr. Khatri is actively involved in laser/cosmetic research and has published over 30 articles in peer-reviewed journals and serves as co-editor and reviewer for many journals. He serves as the Chair, Constitution & Bylaws Committee, Am Soc for Laser Medicine & Surgery, Member, Audit Committee, Am Soc for Laser Medicine & Surgery and  Research Work Group, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery . He is a frequently Invited speaker to many national and international conferences. Dr. Khatri is a fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine, England and a fellow of Am Soc for Laser Medicine & Surgery, a founding member of International Academy of Laser medicine & Surgery, a member of American Academy of Dermatology, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, etc.

How is your clinic organized? Is there anything that is unconventional or uncommon from the average clinic in any way? Who are your typical patients?

I divide my time between 3 clinics, with a nurse practitioner. We see patients with general Derm problems, skin cancers and cosmetic issues. We have about 30 laser and other devices that we use. We also perform Sclerotherapy, Laser-Lipo, RF vaginal tightening, Blepharoplasty, Labioplasty, Otoplasty, Mini facelift.

What are your daily responsibilities? What is your typical day like?

Most of time is used in direct patient care. I also conduct laser/RF research and part of my daily routine is dedicated toward these academic activities

How are your clinic's staffing and operations organized? What problems or issues have you had with staffing your clinic and how have you resolved them?

I have one office manager for 3 clinics and have 2 managers for 2 smaller offices. I have an NP, 6 Medical Assistants and an esthetician. It is hard to find a well trained assistant and often they leave once they learn the routine. I have been lucky that most of my staff has been working with me for several years.

You're deeply involved with research in lasers and other cosmetic treatments, in addition to running your practice. Can you tell us about your research background and how that's helped (or hindered) your career?

I started my research career as a Post-Doc fellow at Harvard doing DNA analysis of family members of patients with Pemphigus Vulgaris. I got back into research after I finished my residencies in Internal medicine and Dermatology. I have been involved in laser research since I started my fellowship at Mass General hospital/Harvard in 1995. This is my most favorite part of my professional life. It helps me and my patients as I am up to date with all the cutting edge research and development of new technologies. This in turn helps my patients as they get most current treatment modalities.

Where are the most promising areas of research in lasers/cosmetic treatments? Are there any areas that look especially promising or that you think are over-hyped?

Fat removal, Acne, Hyperhidrosis

How do you market yourselves to patients and what do you do that your competitors aren't doing? What have you found that works? What hasn’t? How successful are you marketing efforts?

Word of mouth works the best. Magazine, Newspaper don’t work as well

• Internet
• TV, Radio
• Free Seminars

What lasers/IPLs are you using in your clinic? How did you decide on this technology and what did you compare it with? What has been your experience with your technology company? Would you recommend them?

I think ALL devices work if you know how to use them and use it for the right indication in the right patient

I work with all companies and they are all fine people

Are there any technologies that you would recommend that physicians stay away from, either for medical or business reasons?

Not ALL devices are good for all users. Physicians should use the devices they feel comfortable with and make sure they learn how to use it before using it on their patients

Where do you see cosmetic lasers moving and are there any new therapies that have the possibility of displacing current medical technologies?

The field is wide open and emerging. It is exciting that new modalities are being developed and that will help us and our patients

What do you think of the current state of cosmetic medicine as a whole? Where do you see problems?

Overall it is good but there are many untrained physicians and non-physicians who are performing cosmetic procedure that’s causing problems to our patients

What's an everyday thing are you better at than anyone else?

Ablative laser resurfacing

Where would you like your business to be in five or ten years?

Grown ten fold

What advice would you give to other physicians based upon your experiences?

Make sure you learn any new procedure before you treat a patient

What is the best advice you've ever received as an entrepreneur and physician?

Do not over-treat