This feature is a question-and-answer session with a Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 242nd installment visiting with Andy Salyards, director of operations for Refine Dermatology which specializes in general, skin cancer, and aesthetic dermatology for all ages, including pediatrics.
Describe more about Refine Dermatology. Refine Dermatology is a doctor owned dermatology practice that values our patient’s time and emphasizes hospitality. We started Refine Dermatology in April of 2022 and had only 7 patients our first week (one of which was my dad). With God’s grace we’ve been able to steadily grow and be intentional about our culture and emphasize the importance of our values – Responsive, Efficient, Friendliness, Informative, Nurturing, Ethical.
What is your background? My wife, Jill, graduated number 1 out of 230 in her class in 2012 from medical school and finished her dermatology residency in 2016. I completed an MBA program in 2009 and over the following 12 years started 12 businesses. In 2022 we were able to combine Jill’s medical expertise and lessons learned from working for larger practices with my experience as an entrepreneur.
Describe your clients. The range of patients we see is vast but we specialize in mother’s of young to teenage children. Most of the time the mother in the household is having to coordinate schedules and appointments so we do our best to make everything as convenient as possible for them. That’s also reflected in the types of treatments we specialize in. Aesthetic dermatology also has a wide range. We prefer for our patients to maintain a youthful appearance while still appearing natural.
What are three things you wish you knew when you started? I honestly don’t think I have an answer for this. Being able to open a business with my wife was an awesome experience to grow another aspect of our relationship. Being able to learn about another industry and be challenged was exciting. Meeting people in the community and seeing real improvement is rewarding. I wouldn’t undo any of the bumps or obstacles or learning curves we’ve had to navigate.
What do you enjoy about your practice? Working with my wife, working with our staff that is engaged in what we’re doing and that believes it’s worth doing. Having to grow my trust in God’s will for this practice versus pursuing our own ambitions.
Pictured are Dr. Jill Salyards and Andy Salyards.