Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Lori Schaen, MD, Joins Optima Dermatology
November 2023
We’re Welcoming Dr. Lori Schaen and Her Dermatological Expertise to Optima’s Milford, OH Practice
Optima Dermatology is excited to welcome Dr. Lori Schaen, MD, to our Milford, OH practice, serving the Clermont and Hamilton areas. Dr. Schaen has been treating patients since 2001 for a wide range of skin conditions.
Dr. Schaen completed her residency in dermatology at Strong Memorial Hospital, where she served as Chief Resident, and she completed a pediatric internship at Children’s Hospital Medical Center. She earned her medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, and her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Williams College.
Throughout her education, Dr. Schaen was recognized with multiple awards, including the Women’s Dermatologic Society Mentorship Grant, American Contact Dermatitis Society James R. Nethercott Clinical Award, H.B. Weiss Award for Clinical Excellence, and the Dr. Ernst Beutner Excellence in Immunopathy Award.
As part of her career and service to patients, Dr. Schaen is an extremely active member of many dermatological associations and organizations. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and a member of the Ohio Dermatological Association, the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery, the American Contact Dermatitis Society, the American Acne & Rosacea Society, and the American Medical Association.
A Patient-First Approach to Dermatological Care
Dr. Schaen delivers expert care to patients and is committed to the community she serves in the greater Cincinnati area.
We recently had the opportunity to learn more about Dr. Schaen, her approach, and the path that led her to pursue becoming a board-certified dermatologist.
Where did you go to college?
I went to Williams College in western Massachusetts. I was attracted to its strong academics and athletic student body. This small liberal arts college allowed me to pursue a pre-med education while playing 3 collegiate sports: soccer, squash and softball. At graduation, I was honored to be awarded the Class of ‘25 Scholar Athlete Award.
What made you decide to pursue a career in dermatology?
I knew at a young age that I wanted to be a doctor. But during medical school, my interests were all over the board, from psychiatry, to sports medicine, to pediatrics. Then in my 4th year of medical school, during an elective, dermatology found me. I knew almost immediately that I had found my future career. Dermatology appealed directly to my visual and detailed nature and allowed me to work with my hands, which I enjoyed.
What is your number one tip when it comes to taking care of your skin?
PREVENTION! Preventing sun damage is much easier than repairing past damage, so wearing a daily broad-spectrum sunblock would be my number one recommendation.
What is your favorite aspect of being a dermatologist?
Dermatology is a really diverse specialty that offers medical, surgical, laser, and aesthetic services. I love getting to know my patients and I feel that I can really help most patients with their concerns. Happy patients and happy skin make a happy dermatologist. In the past year alone with routine skin cancer screenings, I found 55 melanomas, the most deadly form of skin cancer. Most of these melanomas were caught early so were curative with surgery alone. Prevention is key. I also look forward to bringing innovative dermatology to Cincinnati, including a future Acne Rosacea Center and the Aerolase Laser Technology, one of the most versatile, uniquely gentle lasers for medical and aesthetic conditions, that is safe on ALL skin types.
How would you describe your approach to treating patients?
I have always been a strong patient advocate. It is an honor taking care of patients and I always treat my patients how I would want myself, family or friends treated. I do not practice cook-book medicine. I listen to each patient’s concern and use all the tools that we have (from biopsies to skin scrapings to the most up to date treatment options) to uniquely work up each patient and come up with an individual treatment plan.
What is one thing you want your patients to know about you?
I worked close to 20 years in Atlanta, Georgia before having the opportunity to move back to my hometown of Cincinnati. I am so excited to be back home and able to offer my services for Cincinnati’s high demand for dermatologic care.
What do you like to do when you are not in the office treating patients?
Outside of my passion for dermatology, I have 3 active teenagers (and 2 not so nice cats) that keep me busy, and I try to stay active myself. I still enjoy racquet sports and love my Club Pilates!
What to Expect From Dermatological Care From Dr. Schaen and Her Team
If you’re seeking medical, surgical or laser dermatological care, Dr. Schaen and her team at Optima Dermatology offer a wide range of services and have advanced training and experience to ensure the highest quality of care.
Dr. Schaen is currently accepting new patients at our Milford, OH location. Book an appointment online or give us a call at 513-327-9244.