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n an early summer morning in Sherman Oaks, just as most medical offices are emerging from the COVID-19 shutdown,
Dr. Ilya Reyter, MD—founder, CEO and medical director of comprehensive dermatology practice American Skin Institute—is standing in a daily huddle with his staff. “We carefully choose our care team members, and we love them,” says Dr. Reyter. “And our patients love them too. We actively promote a sense of happiness in the office, and we want our patients and team members to feel it every time they are here.” As an essential business, American Skin Institute offices have remained open throughout the pandemic. This morning is focused on Mohs skin cancer surgery and reconstruction, and patients have just started checking in. Dr. Reyter, a dermatologist and fellowshiptrained Mohs skin cancer reconstructive surgeon, is passionate about inspirational messages and tends to overuse the word “awesome.” He tells his team, “Remember, happiness is a decision—not a mood.” Over the past 13 years, American Skin Institute has grown from a single Beverly Hills office started by Dr. Reyter to a multilocation
L to R: Lisette Arvizu, RN, Erin Call, PA-C, Renee Sheinin, MD, Ilya Reyter, MD, Jaclyn Agopian, PA-C, Eva De La Motte, PA-C; Not pictured: Elise Herro, MD
dermatology practice designed to exceed the resources available at most university medical center dermatology divisions. Team members are obsessively focused on the overall patient experience. From the
A DAY IN THE LIFE IMAGINING A BETTER DERMATOLOGY OFFICE PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE O’DONNELL & SOLEIL SANTANA
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greeting at reception to the final checkout process, the flow of the visit is methodically designed to promote patient happiness. “Dermatology is a happy specialty, and our patients are usually so grateful that we solve their problems,” Dr. Reyter shares. “We want to bring happiness to medical care.” Here’s a look at how the rest of the day unfolds.
