Dr. Amy Cheng, dermatologist, has been named one of Seattle magazine’s Top Doctors for 2024.  

Questions and Answers:

Why did you pick your specialty?

I chose dermatology because I get the opportunity to interact with patients of all ages, from babies to seniors. I see a wide variety of cases, from rashes to acne to skin cancers. The skin is the largest organ of the body, and can be the first clue to internal problems and autoimmune disorders, so I work with rheumatologists, allergists and various other specialties.

What do you wish people knew about your specialty?

It’s not just the skin! The skin can reflect many internal disorders, such as diabetes, cardiovascular health and autoimmune conditions.

How do you support patients with their mental health concerns?

I really enjoy getting to know my patients over a long period of time, and I love to hear about births and family celebrations. I also see elderly spouses come to visits together to support each other, and witness the sadness of losing spouses after decades of marriage. I think it is important to not just focus on our specialty during our visits but also to make sure patients are engaged in the medical system for their annual comprehensive visits and seek social/specialty help when needed.

How is technology changing health care?

Technology allows patients to obtain on-demand health care, get results the moment they are back from the lab and increase the use of telemedicine and remote monitoring applications. I think AI will play a larger role in medicine in the future. However, human interaction between staff, nurses, providers and patients is still key and vital in providing good care.

What’s the most important healthy habit for a patient?

For dermatology, sun protection is really important. Our cells retain memory of the ultraviolet damage that is done over time, and typically manifests itself years later in discoloration, wrinkles, aging and sometimes skin cancers. With sun protection, it is important to get a good source of dietary vitamin D, and supplementation could be helpful as long as the dose is appropriate to FDA values.

What questions do you wish patients would ask?

What are the signs of skin cancer? What are great places to find sun-protective gear at reasonable prices?

What do you do for your own personal wellness?

I love playing with my dog. I enjoy spending time with my children and spouse. Going for walks, reading a good book and finding time to Zoom with friends who live far away are other wellness techniques. When spring arrives, the Northwest is a beautiful place to explore the outdoors with a good hat and sunscreen.