“I love making my patients happy, whether it’s clearing their acne or making them look ten years younger,” says Dr. Caroline Chang, board-certified dermatologist and owner of RHODE ISLAND DERMATOLOGY INSTITUTE. “It’s very gratifying to be able to help people improve their confidence and self-esteem.”
Celebrating her practice’s second year anniversary this year, Dr. Chang is humbled by her patients’ continued support. “Building a practice from scratch and watching it blossom has been one of the most rewarding things in my career. My office has grown a lot through word of mouth; it’s beyond gratifying to have earned that level of trust with my patients.”
Personalized Patient Care
“I focus on individualized care for both medical and cosmetic services. I always put the patient first,” says Dr. Chang.
In 2018, after ten years of studying and practicing medicine within the confines of the traditional insurance-based system, Dr. Chang opened her own unique patient- focused practice. “We have a close bond with our patients. Our approach allows us to get to know them on a very personal level, and provide the best outcome possible.”
Rhode Island Dermatology Institute (RIDI), the first direct care dermatology practice in the state, aims to restore and nurture the doctor-patient relationship. “We provide the highest quality of care to our patients without the barriers of health insurance,” Dr. Chang says, explaining that in the direct care model patients contract medical services directly with their doctor.
New and existing patients can make appointments without referrals, and can typically be seen in the office within a week. “We cut out the middle people [insurance companies.] In turn, patients are able to get the care they need, and doctors are able to provide the care they want.”
The Art of Science
An art enthusiast with a dedication for science- based medicine, Dr. Chang has a unique academic and medically-trained background. ”I apply my extensive background in both art history and dermatology to provide the highest quality care to all my patients.”
Dr. Chang graduated from Princeton University with a BA in Art and Archaeology. She spent two years conducting melanoma research at New York University Medical Center, and established a comprehensive melanoma patient database which has been utilized in studies that defined the risk factors for and behavior of melanoma. She earned her MD from the New York University School of Medicine.
She moved to Rhode Island to pursue her residency at Tufts Medical Center, where she served as Chief Resident. During her residency she received specialty training in dermoscopy, a non-invasive technique that allows for better visualization of the skin’s surface. An associate staff member at Rhode Island Hospital, Dr. Chang has over a decade of experience with providing customized care in both medical and cosmetic dermatology.
“It’s very important that patients choose board certified dermatologists for all procedures,” she says, explaining that she examines her patients’ skin at every appointment. “I’ve had a number of patients see me for cosmetic procedures in which I have spotted skin cancer. I am on the frontline of my patients’ health, providing comprehensive evaluations and offering the very best care of their skin.”
Dr. Chang is looking forward to growing her practice this year by introducing new, state-of- the-art procedures. “I’m excited to continue offering the most innovative treatments, as well as providing the best evidence-based procedures. It’s been a dream to not only own my own business, but also treat patients in a truly personalized and meaningful way.”
Rhode Island Dermatology Institute • 5586 Post Road, Suite 6, East Greenwich • 401-398-2500
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