By Parvi Anand
Yes, Dr. Kimber Sable’s presentation to our anatomy class ended with the distribution of a variety of skincare products, including free Aquaphor and La Roche-Posay sunscreen, but the lessons about skin health we took away from this board-certified dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon were far more important.
Dr. Sable trained at Middlebury College, Northwestern University, Loyola University Chicago, the University of Wisconsin, and Emory University. Dr. Sable is also the wife of English teacher Mr. Nascimento, which made her visit especially meaningful for the Lovett community and provided us a look into the world of dermatology.
She began by explaining what dermatologists do. Dermatology focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions of the skin, hair, nails, and mucosal membranes. On a daily basis, Dr. Sable treats patients with acne, rashes, and other skin conditions and performs skin cancer screenings. She described the wide range of procedures dermatologists perform, including skin biopsies, cryosurgery, chemical peels, laser therapy, injections, and surgical excisions.
Dr. Sable then introduced her specialty, Mohs micrographic surgery, a highly precise technique for treating skin cancer. “We remove skin layer by layer and examine each one under a microscope,” she said. “The goal is to ensure all the cancer is gone while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.”
She explained that after removing a layer of skin, the tissue is mapped, frozen, stained, and examined under a microscope to check for any remaining cancer cells. This process is repeated until the cancer is fully removed. Once complete, the surgeon reconstructs the area using techniques like skin flaps or grafts.
She emphasized the importance of this precision, especially in sensitive areas of the body. For example, certain parts of the face and neck contain critical nerves. Damage to the temple area can affect movement in the forehead, the corner of the mouth can impact a person’s smile, and nerves along the neck can affect shoulder movement. Mohs surgery helps avoid these risks by removing only what is necessary.
Dr. Sable also walked us through the long path to becoming a dermatologist. This includes earning a bachelor’s degree with a pre-med focus, and then completing four years of medical school, a one-year internship in general medicine, and a three-year dermatology residency. For those who want to specialize further, as she did, an additional one to two-year fellowship in Mohs surgery is required.
After class, when I asked her what drew her to dermatology, Dr. Sable shared that her interest developed quickly. After spending a year doing clinical trials in dermatology at Northwestern, she “knew within the first week” that it was the right field for her. She was drawn to its visual nature and the sense of immediate results. However, it was not until her residency that she realized she wanted to pursue Mohs surgery, which would allow her to combine her interest in dermatology with her love for surgery and reconstruction.
A major part of her talk focused on skin cancer, one of the most common but often misunderstood diseases. She explained the three main types. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common and is usually slow-growing, often linked to long-term sun exposure or intense sunburns. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common and has a higher risk of spreading through the body. Melanoma, although less common, is the most dangerous and can spread quickly to other organs if not caught early. Dr. Sable noted that melanoma is increasingly seen in younger patients, making awareness especially important for students.
To diagnose skin cancer, dermatologists often perform biopsies. Dr. Sable explained that this can include shave biopsies, punch biopsies, or excisional biopsies, depending on the suspected type and depth of the lesion. Treatment options vary but often include surgical methods such as excision, electrodessication and curettage, or Mohs surgery. Other treatments may include topical chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or systemic chemotherapy, depending on the severity of the case.
In addition to medical knowledge, Dr. Sable addressed common misconceptions and everyday habits that can increase risk. When asked about behaviors students might not realize are harmful, she pointed to tanning beds. Many people believe they are safe, but in reality, they significantly increase the risk of skin cancer. She noted that while spray tans have become more popular as an alternative, they still involve chemicals, though they are safer than UV radiation exposure.
She also discussed a major misconception about who is at risk. “A lot of people with darker skin think they can’t get sunburned or develop skin cancer,” she said, emphasizing that skin cancer can affect people of all skin tones.
Finally, when asked for one essential habit all students should include in their skin care routines, her answer was simple: “Sunscreen is the number one thing.” She stressed that it not only helps prevent skin cancer but also protects against early aging, dark spots, and wrinkles. She explained that there are two main types of sunscreen. Chemical sunscreens are lightweight and absorb into the skin more easily, while mineral sunscreens, which contain ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, are often better for sensitive skin. She advised students to apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside and to reapply every two hours for proper protection.
So keep that in mind the next time you head out for sports practice, go for a walk around the park, or even just step out for a bit of fresh air on a sunny day.
