Founders of Successful Private Practice Invest in the Future of Dermatology

Motivated by their passion for mentoring the next generation of physicians, as well as a desire to give back to their new hometown, the founders of a Midwest-based dermatology group have made a generous donation to enhance medical education at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

The gift will create The Dr. Amy and Mr. Michael Derick Endowed Speaker Series in the Miller School’s renowned Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery. The annual series will feature experts who will focus on business and health care advocacy in the field of dermatology.

“Traditionally, physicians are not taught about critical topics like contracts, billing, and insurance processes or licensures,” said Amy Derick, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and the co-CEO and medical director of Derick Dermatology. “I was very fortunate to have my husband, Michael, lend his business expertise in helping build this practice. It is very important for doctors to learn to advocate for themselves and for their patients.”

Robert S. Kirsner, M.D. ’88, Ph.D., Harvey Blank Professor and chair of the Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, played an integral role in getting the Dericks involved at the Miller School after he invited Dr. Derick to speak to a group of residents about advocacy. The invitation sparked the idea for an annual speaker series to bring a variety of industry experts to share their knowledge.

“The Dericks’ generous gift will allow us to educate faculty, residents, and students regarding advocacy, and help develop physicians who will shape the future of health care and medical science,” said Kirsner.

Giving Back to Their New Community

Originally from Chicago, the couple funded a similar speaker series at the University of Chicago. The COVID-19 pandemic presented them with an opportunity to expand Derick Dermatology beyond their 19 Midwest locations.

“We came to Florida while running the practice remotely,” said Michael Derick, co-CEO of the practice. “We loved it so much we decided to make Miami our permanent home.”

“Unsurprisingly, there is a huge demand for medical dermatology in Florida because you have a population that is at high risk for skin cancer,” said Dr. Derick, who was named 2021 Advocate of the Year by the American Academy of Dermatology. “We decided that we could serve the needs of the community here in Florida.”

The couple hopes that the speaker series will give students and residents the support to become transformational leaders in health care, including understanding the business of health care, which is also a key part of NextGen MD, the Miller School’s innovative medical education and training curriculum.

One of the earliest departments founded at the Miller School, the Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery has grown into one of the nation’s most respected and dynamic programs in the country, known for its innovation, discovery, clinical care, and development of leaders.

“The dermatology program at the University of Miami is truly spectacular,” said Dr. Derick.  “It’s a great team, and we want to help support that team to make sure they have the knowledge they need to go out into the community and be as well rounded as possible.”

‘Joy in the Success of Others’

The Dericks also look forward to getting to know the residents and students and becoming mentors in the Miami community.

“We truly do find joy in the success of others,” said Michael. “It’s always fun to be part of a great team, and the UM dermatology program certainly fits that category.”

The donation is part of the University’s Ever Brighter: The Campaign for Our Next Century,the most ambitious in the institution’s history. The $2.5 billion campaign is set to conclude in 2025, when the University will celebrate its centennial.

If you would like to join the Dericks in supporting the dermatology department, please contact Brian Weinblatt at [email protected] or 305-243-4390.

Tags: dermatology, Dr. Amy Derick, Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Dr. Robert Kirsner, Ever Brighter: The Campaign for Our Next Century, Michael Derick, Miller School of Medicine, NextGenMD