Beyond the White Coat: Get to Know Dr. Alyssa Findley
Dr. Alyssa Findley, the dynamic force behind our practice, brings expertise, passion, and a hint of Southern charm to Southern New England. A Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon and Dermatologist extraordinaire, her journey extends far beyond her remarkable credentials. With a Biology degree from Bucknell University and extensive training at Tufts University School of Medicine and Geisinger Hospital, she's the ultimate skin expert with a heart of gold.
Beyond her impressive medical credentials, Dr. Findley is a true people person. Known for her warm bedside manner and close patient relationships, she's not your average dermatologist. And did we mention her passion for educating patients on sun protection and early skin cancer detection? It's like having your own personal skincare guru by your side.
So, fasten your seatbelts as we embark on a journey beyond the confines of our office walls. In this blog, you’ll learn more about Dr. Findley's personality and explore her passions and interests, painting a vivid portrait of the remarkable individual behind the white coat.
Early Beginnings: During her youth, Dr. Findley spent ample time outdoors, playing tennis with minimal sun protection. Like many, she believed that a tan signified health and vitality. However, her perspective underwent a profound transformation when she began volunteering at Camp Horizon. As a counselor, she formed deep connections with children grappling with various skin conditions. She also became close friends with dermatologists and people in training that taught her the importance of sun protection. This experience ignited her passion for skincare, leading her to pursue a career dedicated to promoting skin health and sun safety. Reflecting on her experiences of being raised with a love for outdoor activities, Dr. Findley realized the importance of educating others about the dangers of unprotected sun exposure. Her mantra became "practice what she preaches," recognizing the impact she could have on improving the lives of others by promoting skin health and sun safety. She fully believes that being outdoors and participating in the sports and activities we love is crucial to our overall health, but we just have to be thoughtful and careful about how we go about these ventures.
Professional Journey: Inspired by her camp experiences, Dr. Findley initially considered specializing in dermatology for pediatric care. However, her path took a different turn when she discovered a deep-seated passion for tackling skin cancer and honing her surgical skills—an area where adults are more commonly affected. Throughout her career, Dr. Findley's guiding light has been the individual patients she has cared for. Their stories, vulnerabilities, and triumphs have left an indelible mark on her journey. The privilege of being entrusted, coupled with the profound relationships formed along the way, with their care fuels her unwavering dedication to patient well-being.
Inspirations and Role Models: Dr. Findley's professional journey has been shaped by remarkable individuals who have left a mark on her approach to dermatology and patient care. Foremost among them is Dr. Howard Pride, the director of Camp Horizon, with whom she trained at Geisinger. Dr. Pride's mentorship was transformative, as he imparted invaluable dermatological knowledge and became a cherished friend and mentor, embodying the essence of family.
At Geisinger, Dr. Findley had the privilege of learning from esteemed Mohs surgeons Dr. Marks and Dr. Petrick, who instilled in her the significance of the privilege inherent in a career dedicated to dermatologic surgery. Their guidance and emphasis on patient-centered care resonated deeply with Dr. Findley, shaping her commitment to providing exemplary care to every patient she encounters.
During her surgical fellowship in Rhode Island, Dr. Findley was fortunate to receive guidance from Dr. Nathaniel Jellinek, whose expertise equipped her with a broad and precise skillset, setting the foundation for her surgical practice.
Influenced by her residency training at Geisinger, Dr. Findley was inspired by the entire staff's approach to treating patients as family. This ethos of compassionate care became ingrained in her practice philosophy, driving her desire to emulate their example.
Additionally, Dr. Findley's late brother, Dr. Matthew Carl Bishop, profoundly impacted her approach to medicine. Known for his exceptional dedication to patient follow-up after an ER visit, his genuine investment in his patients’ well-being is the kind of compassionate care Dr. Findley strives to provide. His legacy inspires her commitment to practicing medicine with empathy and attentiveness, ensuring that each patient receives the care and attention they deserve. She believes in approaching and treating patients as if they were her own family or friends
Personal Interests: Beyond the realm of dermatology, Dr. Findley finds solace and joy in a myriad of pursuits. Running serves as her sanctuary—a time to unwind, reflect, and bond with her children, who have eagerly embraced the sport alongside her. When not on the trails, she delights in hitting the slopes during winter and experimenting with new twists on her favorite banana bread recipe. She also loves to travel, and one of her most recent trips was to Paris with her best friend, Kiki. Dr. Findley and Kiki are inseparable and quite the power duo, working together now for eight years to provide the very best care for their patients. And, for leisure moments, nothing beats indulging in episodes of "The Vikings" with a glass of red wine in hand.
Balancing Work and Life: Dr. Findley firmly believes that nurturing interests beyond medicine with passion and dedication enriches her personal life and enhances her effectiveness as a physician. She emphasizes that maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for fostering empathy and connection with patients—a cornerstone of her practice philosophy. Establishing her own practice has enabled Dr. Findley to cultivate a team culture centered around genuine care and mutual support. Dr. Findley finds solace in laughter, viewing it as her healthiest coping mechanism during challenging times.
Outside of work, Dr. Findley finds joy in spending time with her family, including her husband, five children, and beloved dog, Oliver. Running with Oliver serves as her therapeutic escape, allowing her to recharge and maintain balance amidst the demands of her profession.
Favorite Skincare Tips: Dr. Findley's skincare mantra is simple yet profound: prioritize sun protection, moisturize regularly, and conduct self-skin exams. These practices, she emphasizes, are essential for maintaining skin health and preventing premature aging and skin cancers.
Future Aspirations: Looking ahead, Dr. Findley's aspirations extend beyond the confines of our office walls. She envisions a future where her practice continues to thrive, alongside opportunities to volunteer abroad, providing skin care to underserved communities—a testament to her unwavering commitment to serving others.
Dr. Alyssa Findley epitomizes the modern dermatologist—expertise intertwined with warmth, compassion, and a genuine dedication to patient-centered care. Beyond her medical prowess lies a multifaceted individual driven by a desire to make a difference—one patient, one interaction at a time. So, the next time you visit our office, know that you're not just meeting a dermatologist; you're encountering a friend, a mentor, and a skincare advocate in Dr. Alyssa Findley.
To book a consultation with Dr Findley, call our office at 401-415-8586 or request a consultation today.