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Jade Trevino, RN
This month was all about showing up both literally and figuratively. There were several highlights, but above all was attending the Diversity in Dermatology (DID) Conference. Participating in a conference was one of the goals assigned to me during the internship, and DID was my first in-person dermatology event. I don’t think I fully appreciated the value of attending a conference until now.

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Before this experience, I thought it was mostly about the educational content but in just four days, I realized it’s so much more. I had the chance to practice in-person networking, which was a big deal for me. Leading up to the event, I was nervous about how to introduce myself. In hindsight, I probably worried more than I needed to, because once I arrived, conversations flowed more naturally than I expected. The conference included several events that gave me opportunities to connect, and because that was one of my personal goals going in, I made sure to talk to as many people as I could.

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Outside of the conference, I also took several steps forward in areas I’ve been building behind the scenes: I launched my first YouTube video and worked through more details of my business idea including legal structuring and feedback strategies. One of my proudest moments this month was transitioning from mentee to mentor. I've always believed mentorship matters, and over the years, I’ve informally guided family and friends through career questions. But now, I have the chance to formally mentor a young woman who's walking a path similar to mine. I realized I have knowledge and experience that can genuinely help someone else and that I’ve been preparing for this role without even knowing it.

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What set this month apart from the last two was the feeling of momentum. Tasks that once felt overwhelming like pitching an idea or following up after a conference felt more natural because I’ve been steadily building the mindset and skill set to support them. The pieces are starting to connect. I’m still learning, still growing, but I’m moving forward with more clarity, more confidence, and a deeper sense of purpose.

What was most valuable or unexpected?
My experience at the conference was both valuable and unexpected. I stepped outside of my comfort zone, and in doing so, I was offered the opportunity to be a guest blogger for the Diversity In Dermatology website. I’ll be curating a piece highlighting the conference and my personal experience as a first-time attendee. This not only aligns with my long-term interest in medical writing but it also gives me a chance to add to my already growing writing portfolio. Another pleasant surprise was realizing how much I enjoy connecting with people face-to-face. I’ve always considered myself introverted, but showing up prepared, with a plan and a purpose made networking feel intentional instead of intimidating.

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Key Takeaways
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Done is better than perfect. Launching my YouTube channel and my first video felt like a monumental task. It wasn’t polished, but it was real—and that made it powerful.

Confidence comes from execution. I’ve spent months thinking through ideas. March reminded me that clarity comes from doing.

My journey is valid. Even if I’m still building, and learning, I bring value to the table. The key is owning that.

Mentorship is a two-way street. As the African proverb states, “ Each One Teach One”. Seeking mentorship is essential when you’re ready to reach your next level it gives you access to new perspectives, accountability, and wisdom you don’t have to earn the hard way. But offering mentorship is just as important. It’s how we create a ripple effect of growth. When we pour into others, we reinforce what we’ve learned and open the door for someone else to rise. Mentorship isn’t about hierarchy it’s about legacy. It’s how we make sure no one climbs alone.

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How does this prepare me for my future in dermatology nursing?
This month pushed me to step into new spaces online and in person. I learned that confidence is essential in dermatology, especially when advocating for patients with unique needs or presenting innovative care models (like the business I’m building). I also saw firsthand how important it is to understand the business side of  care from technology and workflow to branding and outreach. These experiences will help me show up more fully as a clinician, educator, and entrepreneur.

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Advice for Future Interns & Program Leaders
For interns: Your first conference can be a game changer. Don’t wait until you feel “ready”—just go. But go with a plan. Dr. Madison’s video, " STOP Wasting Time at Dermatology Conferences Now!” provides clear instructions on how to network like a pro, position yourself as a thought leader, and use conferences to grow your career and business. This video helped me prepare, and I think it will help you too.

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For program leaders: Kimberly has done an incredible job offering support around visibility. The opportunities she’s created and the way she encourages me to allow myself to be seen have been some of the most valuable parts of this internship. I encourage you to do the same. Whether it’s helping your interns prep for a conference, record a video, or make a podcast appearance, those small wins build lasting confidence.

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Looking Ahead: Goals for Next Month
For the next month, my focus is on execution and follow-through. I’ll be working to complete the first draft of my peer-reviewed article, preparing for my appearance on a nursing podcast, and wrapping up my study plan for the dermatology nurse certification exam. I’m also carving out time to finish my business plan bringing together months of brainstorming, legal research, and workflow design. These next steps feel like a culmination of everything I’ve been building research, visibility, and clinical growth all coming together in motion.

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Kimberly Madison, DNP

This month, the theme was expansion: in presence, in confidence, and in momentum.

One of the highlights of March was attending the Diversity in Dermatology (DID) Conference alongside Jade. It was not only her first conference but also an important milestone for me as a mentor and entrepreneur. Before the event, we mapped out a networking strategy together, and it was incredible to watch her implement it so naturally. Jade didn’t just attend, she showed up fully, introducing me to new people, asking smart, strategic questions, and ultimately earning an invitation to write for the DID blog. I also had the pleasure of meeting her husband, which added a meaningful personal touch to an already special experience.

Beyond the conference, a lot of foundational work was completed, particularly around academic writing. Jade made significant strides on her article about the utilization of AI to increase access to dermatology care in provider shortage areas. We spent considerable time discussing how to rate the quality of evidence, reviewing the tools permitted by her target journal, and strategizing the most efficient approach to complete her literature review. She not only completed the lit review but began drafting her paper, methodically building her evidence table, a step I strongly recommended to streamline her writing process later.

I mirrored her progress with my own article, completing my literature review and writing the methods section. I'm currently filling in my evidence table as well. I have to say, the articles Jade found have been an absolute pleasure to read and paint an exciting picture of what’s possible at the intersection of dermatology and AI.

March also held an unexpected and energizing development: I decided to write a new book. Inspired by a creator-focused presentation. The result is Nursing Aesthetics: An Introductory Guide for Nurse Practitioners and Entrepreneurs. As of this writing, the manuscript is complete, the cover was voted on through a social media campaign, and a Spanish version is in the works.

Another major moment was meeting with the UK office of Leo Pharma to discuss the challenges they face with skin of color representation in dermatology images, patient care, and education. They found me through my blog article on Skin of Color UK, which has been one of my most-read pieces this year. It was both humbling and affirming to realize the global impact of simply sharing my journey.

Jade’s growth this month has been undeniable. Her confidence took a leap forward, particularly in how she sees herself as a thought leader and business owner. She launched her YouTube channel, DermNurseJade, and started crafting her business plan with newfound focus and resourcefulness. I’m proud to see her investing in herself and committing to a “say yes” mindset that’s already opening new doors, including podcast appearances, proposals, and a growing visibility strategy centered around becoming a Key Person of Authority.

One moment that stood out to me was when I sent her a few proposals and requests for my services. Rather than waiting for direction, she jumped in, made suggestions, and lightened my decision fatigue, something every entrepreneur struggles with. She framed her ideas around monetization and value creation, aligning perfectly with Mahogany Dermatology’s mission and vision. Even though one of our proposals wasn’t accepted (yet), we kept moving forward, embodying the mantra: feel the fear and do it anyway.

Admittedly, we didn’t hit every Q1 goal, namely, submitting at least one article for publication. But with the heavy lift of the literature reviews behind us, and a much clearer roadmap ahead, May looks promising. Our primary focus for Q2 is public speaking and advocacy, bringing awareness to critical gaps in dermatology nursing education, especially around skin of color, business acumen, and digital fluency. The focus is on identifying and implementing effective and evidence-based strategies when available.

Two other milestones this month made me pause and reflect: publishing the 100th article on the Mahogany Dermatology blog (Preparing for the AI Revolution: A Guide for Dermatology Nursing Professionals) and publishing the 100th podcast episode (Why She Left Med School for Nursing) on The Melanin Initiative. When I first started, I heard someone say it takes about two years and 100 pieces of content before you see real traction. That wisdom proved true. Those early days, slow and uncertain as they felt, built the voice, the confidence, and the community I’m so grateful for today. Now, the pace feels electric, and I wouldn’t trade the foundation for anything.

When I created this internship, it was born out of necessity: time and capital are limited in entrepreneurship. I knew there were nurses and NPs looking for real-world experience in business and dermatology. What I didn’t anticipate was how impactful it would be to create something that people want to talk about. Jade’s journey has organically become a living, breathing Google review for Mahogany Dermatology. Her story speaks louder than any marketing campaign I could design, and that’s the best kind of growth strategy.

This month has been a reminder that mentorship isn’t just about guiding someone else. It’s about mutual elevation. It’s about building something bigger than ourselves, and being brave enough to keep going, even when the path is still unfolding. A huge thank you to Jade for continuing to participate in this public experiment.

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References

Finding Purpose in Dermatology: Jade Dupree Trevino’s Inspiring Journey. Retrieved from here.

Bridging the Gap in Dermatology Nursing: The Mahogany Dermatology Experience. January Reflection Article. Retrieved from here.

The Business of Dermatology: What We Learned in Month 2 from the Mahogany Telederm Nurse Internship. February Reflection Article. Retrieved from here.

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Jade Dupree Trevino, RN

I am a dedicated dermatology professional with over a decade of experience as a Dermatology Medical Assistant, Registered Nurse, and Clinical Nurse Coordinator. Passionate about education and inclusivity in dermatology, I joined the Mahogany Dermatology Nursing | Education | Research Internship to expand my knowledge and contribute to the field I love. Through this blog, I aim to share my journey as a source of inspiration for those exploring nontraditional paths in dermatology. I’m excited to help create innovative educational resources and encourage others to discover their purpose in this dynamic specialty.

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Kimberly Madison, DNP, AGPCNP-BC, WCC

I am a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner, educator, and author dedicated to advancing dermatology nursing education and research with an emphasis on skin of color. As the founder of Mahogany Dermatology Nursing | Education | Research, I aim to expand access to dermatology research, business acumen, and innovation using artificial intelligence and augmented reality while also leading professional groups and mentoring clinicians. Through engaging and informative social media content and peer-reviewed research, I empower nurses and healthcare professionals to excel in dermatology and improve patient care.

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