Michelle White, NP-C, Joins Optima Dermatology in Bedford, NH
March 2024
White Delivers Expert Medical Dermatology Treatments to Patients
Optima Dermatology is excited to introduce Michelle White, NP-C, who provides medical dermatology services for patients in Bedford, NH. Michelle has been serving patients in New England since 2009 and treats a wide range of skin conditions for patients of all ages.
Michelle earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences University and continued at MCPHS University to earn her Master of Science in Nursing degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Throughout her education, Michelle was a member of Sigma Theta Tau International, a National Nursing Honor Society. She is also a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the Massachusetts Coalition of Nurse Practitioners, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
A Passionate, Patient-Centered Approach
Michelle brings a passion and commitment to skin care and her patients’ skin health that aligns with Optima Dermatology’s overall mission: to treat every patient like they are our family. She understands it can be intimidating and difficult to seek help with skin issues and takes the time to listen to and understand her patients’ concerns while providing an inviting, relaxing atmosphere.
We recently had the opportunity to learn more about Michelle, her approach, and the path that led her to become a board-certified nurse practitioner.
Where did you go to college?
I originally wanted to be a veterinarian as a childhood dream. As such I first went to the University of New Hampshire and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science: Pre-Veterinary Medicine. I later realized my love for nursing and dermatology. I went back to school after 10 years for nursing and shortly thereafter for my master’s in nursing as a nurse practitioner from MCPHS University in Manchester, NH.
What made you decide to pursue a career in dermatology?
While I was working in the veterinary field, I was placed in the dermatology department. A veterinarian made a comment that she saw me as a “nurse practitioner” of the veterinary world. Since this position didn’t exist, I started thinking seriously about becoming a nurse practitioner in the specialty I was familiar with. It was obvious during my clinical rotations that dermatology was where my heart directed me. All the while, I had been working at a dermatology practice since 2007 and throughout my education, which heightened my drive for this specialty. Having a mother who is a retired registered nurse for a dermatology practice also gives me the feeling it’s genetic.
What is your number one tip when it comes to taking care of your skin?
Sun protection. Having a fulfilling life is important and to be completely fulfilled, we need to do what is necessary to preserve the health of our skin. As skin cancer is the most commonly occurring type of cancer, protection from UV exposure is important. And sunscreen is only one type of protection. There are numerous options to protect our skin, including UPF clothing, sunglasses, umbrellas, wide-brim hats, avoiding high UV peaks – and more. Having options for how we can protect our skin gives us the ability to live life to the fullest along with ensuring a healthy glow.
If there is one thing you want your patients to know about you, what would it be?
My family is my life. Providing the best care to my patients is like welcoming them to the family. My patients are excited when their skin conditions resolve, as am I. They are also disappointed and frustrated when their skin conditions do not improve as quickly as expected. I feel that frustration too. For these reasons, I’m committed to working together as a team with each patient to create a plan that will work best for them and that will deliver the best possible outcome. I care for them both during our time together and in the long run.
On your journey to becoming a board-certified nurse practitioner, what was the best advice you were given?
Never be afraid to lean on your colleagues and to think outside of the box. The best care comes in the form of the team approach. My goal for my patients is to provide the best care I can give as if they were family, and to do so often means leveraging other medical providers who can help find the answers to a patient’s health condition. I don’t claim to “know it all” and rely heavily on evidence-based practices from research and colleagues who may have additional experiences that have worked well for their patients. On occasion, some patients may even be referred for second opinions because, at the end of the day, it’s not always a straight line to a resolution. Getting the care my patients need is of utmost priority and is done with the patient’s best interests at heart.
What is your approach to treating your patients?
Coming to see a provider for the first time or repeat times can be uncomfortable for some, especially when they are asked to disrobe. My approach for all my patients comes with humor to lighten the tension, and honesty above all else. I provide professional care as expected but believe in humor and conversation to fill the “void” and ease discomfort. If the patient is talkative, I am a great listener. If the patient is shy, I can gauge how much conversation and humor is appropriate. Overall, not only will the patient have a very thorough exam and expert advice, but they will always leave with a good experience that was not as intimidating as they may have expected.
What do you like to do when you are not in the office treating patients?
My family is my life, and my daughter is my favorite person. Any opportunity I have to spend the days away with her along with my multiple animals (dogs, cats, fish, chickens, and ducks) are the best days. I’m a homesteader enthusiast so most days I am working on my property with the animals and landscape or indoors preserving the bounties of my harvest. Summer is my all-time favorite season and all the activities that come along with it such as going to the beach, Canobie Lake Park, water parks, Six Flags, kayaking, fishing, hiking, you name it.
What to Expect From Dermatological Care Delivered by Michelle and Her Team
If you’re seeking dermatological care, no matter how routine or complex, Michelle and her team at Optima Dermatology offer exceptional services and have the advanced training and experience to ensure the highest quality of care.
Michelle is currently accepting new patients at our Bedford, NH location. Request an appointment online or give us a call at 603-942-2003.