An interview with Paige Workman, PA-C, OlyDerm’s newest Physician Assistant
Why do you want to help people with their skin conditions as a Physician Assistant (PA) specializing in dermatology?
Because as your largest organ, skin is what you present to the world every day. It’s a confidence builder and I would like to help as many people as I can obtain healthier skin. I love being a medical detective and I think dermatology is the ultimate detective work. Together we can take care of your skin.
Why is Olympic Dermatology a good fit for you?
I value a strong team work environment and one that puts the most important thing first; you the patient. I have seen that Olympic Dermatology focuses heavily on respect and kindness and that’s important to me. I love coming to work with a group of people that are happy and willing to help each other out as we care for our patients.
You have broad medical experience, why did you decide to go into dermatology vs. other specialties?
I always knew I wanted to go into dermatology when I got into Physician Assistant (PA) school but it wasn’t until now that the opportunity presented itself. Previously, I worked as a medical assistant at a dermatology clinic in Arkansas and loved that experience. During my PA education I had so many specialties that I loved it was hard to decide. After graduating I was offered a job in orthopedics, where I saw patients with conditions like gout, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and infections that can present with skin changes. Perhaps a harbinger of things to come, I believe that experience will help me in my practice of dermatology. Similarly, while working in an Emergency Room setting I helped patients with a wide range of diseases including those of the skin. I enjoy being a PA because I have the opportunity to expand my knowledge of the human body through hands on experience caring for my patients. And in the end I think what matters most in medicine is your experience and ability to recognize all kinds of conditions. I look forward to doing just that for my patients at OlyDerm!
What would you tell your patients about the importance of good skin health and prevention at all phases of life?
This is so important. I know some of us learned the hard way through too much sun exposure. So I want to educate as many people as I can to not make the same mistake I did when I was younger. A lot of the skin damage that presents as skin cancer later in life happens before the age of 18. Think about that! I emphasize to people of all ages that at any stage of life you should protect your skin. The sooner a person realizes the importance of skin protection, the more benefit they will have in their later years.
Will you share a bit about who you are outside of your work at OlyDerm?
I love being outdoors and grew up in Arkansas camping with my family. I cherish the memories I have with my parents and four brothers and all the places we have been. I have continued my journey in the great outdoors to this day. I love activities like snowboarding, rock climbing, hiking, fishing, paddle boarding and golfing. I also really enjoy a quiet rainy day and the Pacific Northwest is perfect for that as well! On those days I’m either reading, painting or knitting and it’s very peaceful doing that sort of thing here.
Is there anything else you want to share?
I’m very excited for this next chapter in my medical career as a Physician Assistant at Olympic Dermatology. It’s an amazing place to work and I’m super excited to be a part of this team. I can’t wait to meet my patients and help them along the road of their skin care journey.
Check out Paige’s background. She can help you by diagnosing and treating all kinds of medical dermatology issues, such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis. OlyDerm accepts most health care coverage, from Medicare to commercial insurance plans, so why wait to see a dermatology provider? Paige is ready to help you. Please call (360) 459-1700 to schedule your visit, or save time by using OlyDerm’s Patient Portal to request a new appointment.