A Leader and a Friend

Publisher’s Note: Practical Dermatology is grateful to Dr. Joel Schlessinger for his years of dedication to the journal and the profession as he moves to emeritus status for 2025. We thank Dr. Jeanine Downie for this tribute.

Dr. Joel Schlessinger is one of the most successful people in our field, a true titan in the world of dermatology, but his interest in—and impact on—the success of others is perhaps what makes him stand out the most. Whether it is mentoring other doctors like myself, helping to nurture the career of his son, Daniel, or simply sharing his wisdom with the masses through the pages of this publication, Dr. Schlessinger has always been a generous person and a leader.

When I met Joel 25 years ago, I had already begun selling skincare and was successful but wanted to take it to another level. He encouraged me about the importance of selling skincare products for passive income; I totally agreed with him, and I have had a lot of success in that area in the years since. He also was an established clinical trial investigator, and he encouraged me to get involved in them as well. He very easily could have seen me or others as potentially taking pieces of his pie, but he never looked at it that way. He took a special interest in me because he said we did not have enough women, particularly Black women, involved in clinical trials. When I did not get included in one particular clinical trial, Joel fought to get me included. He was always available with advice and support. He and his wife, Nancy, have always been such inclusive, very open-minded, and very generous, caring people. Our shared passions include traveling, hiking, and philanthropy, and I am honored to have him as a friend.

We talked at times in the early days about wanting our children to follow in our footsteps. While my daughter, Jade, ultimately chose another path, Daniel pursued dermatology. That was one of Joel’s dreams come true, and I am so excited for him; Jade was thrilled for Daniel, as well. Like his father, Daniel is a kind, sweet, funny individual, and an asset on Practical Dermatology’s Editorial Board.

Joel has contributed immensely to the profession over the course of his time as Chief Cosmetic Surgery Editor for Practical Dermatology. He has imparted knowledge on a variety of topics, from how to operate a successful business to new neurotoxins in the pipeline to harnessing the power of lasers and other technologies. He further shared his knowledge by hosting the Cosmetic Surgery Forum for 13 years, and I am excited to see that meeting now integrated with the Multispecialty Aesthetic Conference in 2025 as Joel continues to seek new ways to positively impact as many colleagues as possible.

From every angle—his pristine clinic, his impeccable reputation, and his eagerness to help anyone he can—Dr. Joel Schlessinger has been and continues to be a leader in our profession. I have been inspired by his dedication to his family, his community, his peers, and the practice of dermatology, and I am certain that countless Practical Dermatology readers have been similarly impacted. Joel undoubtedly will continue serving the profession for years to come, and his legacy within these pages will endure for even longer.

–Jeanine Downie, MD

The past 15 years of Practical Dermatology have been defined by watching the evolution of the specialty, the occasional lashing out through editorials, and the emergence of new therapeutic advances. The best part of this entire journey, however, has been my partnership with Joel Schlessinger, as we saw the journal, video platform, and online presence all grow beyond our imagination. I owe so much to Joel for keeping our ship sailing straight and for making our team function at the highest levels.

Joel has been the guiding light mentor for many (including me) for setting the standards on teaching practice management, making aesthetics understandable for all dermatologists, and for protecting the image and reputation of the board-certified dermatologist. He has done amazing work with his conference, his practice, and of course mentoring his son Daniel as he enters the dermatology circus … but don’t be fooled by this shuffling. Joel will still be the same big part of this family. I can’t do this without him.

Toda raba, Joel. Your stamp on us is without parallel.

–Neal Bhatia, MD

It has been an honor and pleasure to serve as the Chief Editor, Cosmetic Surgery over the past 12 years. Since my initial involvement with Practical Dermatology as a contributor in the early 2000s and in my capacity as editor, I have been impressed that the team at Bryn Mawr Communications strived to offer an option that other periodicals didn’t.  

I look forward to contributing on a semi-regular basis and am excited to see the changes and evolution in the future.  Dermatology and cosmetic surgery have changed remarkably over the decade-plus that I have served as editor and I am sure our beloved profession will continue to improve and offer not only effective but also practical options for our patients and fellow dermatologists.  

Thank you for the opportunity to reflect on current and upcoming trends and offer my thoughts over the years!  My best wishes to the entire team in the future. 

–Joel Schlessinger, MD