Episode 36

More Than A Pimple Popper (What Dermatologists Really Do) with Samantha Karlin | Episode 36

Published on: 16th July, 2024

“The art of medicine allows for a personal touch in patient care that goes beyond just following algorithms.” - Samantha Karlin MD

Dr. Samantha Karlin is a prominent dermatologist, based in South Louisiana. Join us on this episode of The Last Zebra Podcast 🦓 as we sit down with her and explore her inspiring journey from New Orleans to the world of dermatology.

Dr. Karlin shares her rich experiences, from her upbringing in New Orleans and her medical education at the University of Georgia and LSU, to her residency in Charleston, South Carolina. Discover how her father’s cancer diagnosis became a pivotal moment, influencing her decision to enter the medical field and ultimately choose dermatology.

Dive deep into Dr. Karlin’s professional life as she discusses the unique aspects of dermatology, including cancer prevention, and the diverse range of cases she handles. Learn about her decision to pursue private practice over academic medicine and the benefits it brings, such as greater control over her schedule and patient care.


Balancing a demanding career with family life is no easy feat. Dr. Karlin opens up about her personal journey through infertility and the joys of becoming a mother. Her story is a testament to resilience and dedication, offering valuable insights and inspiration for aspiring medical professionals and anyone balancing career and personal life.


Join us for this compelling conversation filled with motivational stories and professional insights. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your friends and family. New episodes are available every Tuesday on all major podcast platforms and YouTube.


🔍 In This Episode:


  • 🏥 From New Orleans to Dermatology: Follow Dr. Samantha Karlin’s path from her roots in New Orleans, through medical school at LSU, to becoming a dermatologist.


  • 🌟 Overcoming Adversity: Hear how Dr. Karlin navigated the challenges of her father’s cancer diagnosis and how it influenced her career choices


  • 🎓 Academic Pursuits: Learn about her education journey, including her experiences at the University of Georgia and her residency in Charleston, South Carolina.


  • 👩‍⚕️ Career in Dermatology: Insights into why Dr. Karlin chose dermatology, the variety it offers, and the importance of cancer prevention.


  • 👨‍👩‍👧 Balancing Career and Family: Dr. Karlin shares her experiences of balancing a demanding medical career with family life, including her journey through infertility and becoming a mother.


  • 💼 Private Practice vs. Academic Medicine: A look into Dr. Karlin’s decision to pursue private practice and the benefits it offers.


You can follow Dr Karlin below on social media 

- IG: samanthakarlin.md


Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful episodes from The Last Zebra Podcast. Your engagement helps us bring more inspiring and educational content to our audience. Check out other episodes for more enlightening discussions with professionals who are making a difference in their communities and beyond. Let us know your thoughts about this episode and more in the comments below!


Watch more episodes here:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKv8hBtOLaEyAJkOA3xfoXTnxNXOpNT_G&si=VhBRrYpt3LzkVTDc


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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-last-zebra/id1715958112


Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13QjxW49xOkSqkP9zQKyRS?si=_94N98AiTYGFD02EgHXZtA


Producer and Videographer: Matt Koesy

Music: Raney Antoine Jr.

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About the Podcast

The Last Zebra
Nuanced conversations about different walks of life and those who live them
“The Last Zebra” draws its essence from the timeless medical adage:

“When you hear hoofbeats, think of horses, not zebras.”

Coined by Dr. Theodore Woodward in the 1940s, this maxim reminds us to prioritize common diagnoses over rare and improbable ones.

In a medical world often defined by seeking the most likely causes, “The Last Zebra” podcast takes a different approach. Here we are looking for the common in all of us.

The common focuses on the unique, diverse, and individual experiences of medical professionals. We hope to showcase the stories of these individuals, highlighting how they infuse their backgrounds, beliefs, and characteristics into their medical practice. By doing so, they add an artistic and personal touch that goes beyond the clinical norms and transforms their work into a deeply profound and meaningful endeavor.

Through these stories, “The Last Zebra” aims to reveal the extraordinary side of medicine— "heavy on the ordinary".

The stories that deviate from dogma and delve into the exceptional. It seeks to capture the essence of these medical professionals’ journeys, shedding light on their challenges, triumphs, and the remarkable ways they shape the landscape of healthcare.

In each episode, we delve into the non-clinical nuances that define the day-to-day lives of medical professionals from diverse backgrounds and specialties. This podcast will start and go beyond the clinical, shedding light on the intricate artistry, mosaicism, and diversity in medicine.

We explore how every guest crafts their unique personality and characteristics into the very fabric of their practice.

These stories not only celebrate individuality but also embody the soul of healthcare.

In a world where uniformity is prioritized, “The Last Zebra” podcast honors the rare and unique elements that medical professionals bring to their work. Together, we’ll discover how these exceptional individuals are shaping the future of healthcare, one personalized interaction at a time.

So, come along as we embrace the zebras — the extraordinary stories that make medicine a true art.
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Ugo Ezema