Dr. Dore Gilbert - Newport Dermatology and Laser Associates, California

Dr. Gilbert is an Associate Professor of Dermatology at the University of California, Irvine. In this interveiw he shares experiences from his 37 years in medicine.

Name: Dore J. Gilbert, M.D.
Clinic: Newport Dermatology and Laser Associates
Location: Newport Beach, California
Website: drdoregilbert.com

Brief Bio:

Dr. Dore Gilbert, former Chief of Dermatology at Hoag Hospital, is an Associate Professor of Dermatology at the University of California, Irvine. In practice for 37 years, Dr. Gilbert is the Medical Director of Newport Dermatology & Laser Associates, in Newport Beach, California where he specializes in Anti-Aging and Acne solutions through combination treatments of topicals, Lasers, Intense Pulsed Light (Fotofacial), Blue Light (Acne), Therma-Cool® (incision less face-lifts), Radiofrequency microneedling, and fillers such as Radiesse, Juvederm and Restylane®. In addition to cosmetic dermatology, he also practices general dermatology with an emphasis on skin cancer.

As a member of the International Society of Cosmetic Laser Surgeons, American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, Dr. Gilbert lectures regularly and has published numerous clinical papers. Dr. Gilbert was amongst a select group of physicians that embraced the arrival of light based therapies in its early stages and incorporated it into his practice as well as publishing and lecturing on the benefits and uses of various light based therapies. Dr. Gilbert is also a certified physician instructor for Allergan, Zeltiq, Lumenis, Endymed and Dusa Pharmaceutical.

In 2010, Dr. Gilbert, with the strong support of his family, decided to fulfill a lifelong dream of serving his country. He volunteered and was commissioned in the United States Army Medical Corps. He went to Basic Training in Texas in Nov. of 2010 and then volunteered for deployment to Afghanistan in 2011. He retired from the Army in 2015.

Currently, Dr. Gilbert is a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army Reserves Medical Corps. He recently returned from a deployment to Afghanistan on Nov. 5, 2011. Dr. Gilbert served as the Brigade Surgeon for the 26th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade of the Massachusetts National Guard. His awards include Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster (signifies second award), Afghan Campaign Medal with Campaign Bronze Star Device, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, ISAF NATO Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and Army Overseas Ribbon.

What stirred your interest in branching out in cosmetic medicine?

In 1994, I was attending a Dermatology meeting that was emphasizing skin peels. There was also a company that had a laser to treat superficial blood vessels on the face. This really piqued my interest because I had a large population of fair skinned patients with facial telangiectasias and Rosacea. I asked the rep to treat the blood vessels on my face and it worked great. I bought the device and started my career in laser medicine. I spent the next two years attending every conference possible that was specific to lasers. I learned about laser hair removal and CO2 resurfacing. With the addition of new lasers and Intense Pulsed Light, my practice continued to grow and we now do over 100 fotofacials per month. I have published multiple papers and textbook sections on Photodynamic Therapy using both blue light and intense pulsed light. The ability to safely treat unwanted cosmetic issues in my patients has been extremely satisfying. I look forward to working every day!

Can you give us a general overview of your practice? What details can you divulge about your clinic?

My practice is in Fashion Island, Newport Beach, Ca. We have 2 full time Dermatologist and a PA. I have 2 estheticians, 3 laser nurses along with front and back office staff. I have an office manager who oversees all the employees (18) and the office runs like clockwork. We offer both general dermatology and cosmetic dermatology. Approximately half the patients I see are general dermatology (which generates cosmetic patients) and the other half is made up of Botox, fillers, rf microneedling and lasers (CO2, IPL, 532 for telangiectasias, laser hair removal). We do over 100 laser procedures a month.

What can you tell us about your staff?

All of the staff, except for the estheticians, are on salary. This seems to work well. I have had the same laser nurses for 15 years.

Among the many devices available in the market, which ones do you use in your practice?

I have used technologies from Lumenis since 1996. I have found them to be safe, reliable, and easy to use. Currently, we have 2 Lume Ones and a M22 from Lumenis. We are able to treat rosacea, lentignes, erythematous scars, leg veins, hyperpigmentation with the Lume One. With the M22, we can treat all of the the previous mentioned problems and we can now treat textural issues with the resurfix hand piece including fine lines, scars and pigmentary issues.

When purchasing equipment, there are four criteria that have to be met. Is it effective? Is it safe? Is there peer reviewed literature? Is it delegatetable?

How do you get the word out about your clinic?

Most of our referrals are patient referrals. We don’t advertise but we get good publicity in local magazines due to our high profile. We aggressively market internally with brochures and desktop advertising.

Which treatments do most of your patients undertake the most?

The most profitable treatment is the Fotofacial followed by laser hair removal. We also inject approximately 100 patients a month with Botox and fillers. We have added Endymed treatments which are also very profitable.

What advice can you impart to your fellow physicians?

The best advice I can give to physicians is to be a master of whatever you offer. That is why I will not buy any equipment unless there is peer review literature on the device. You need to go to conferences and LISTEN to what other physicians are experiencing with your device. Personally train any staff member who will be doing treatments and closely supervise their treatments.

About Dr. Gilbert

Dore J. Gilbert, M.D., received his Medical Degree from the University of Southern California in 1975, and in 1976 completed a Surgery Internship at USC Medical Center, Los Angeles County. He completed a residency in Dermatology at Harbor General Hospital from 1976-79 where he served as Chief Resident from 1978-79. Dr. Gilbert also served as Chief of Dermatology for 12 years at Hoag Memorial Hospital in Newport Beach, CA.