A recently opened dermatology clinic in Sault Ste. Marie is helping to fill a gap in service, giving patients a more local option when it comes to referrals.
Dr. Marianne Beduhn opened her dermatology practice in August in the clinical space at the PharmaSave in the Churchill Plaza.
Beduhn specializes in treating skin conditions including, but not limited to acne, rosacea, psoriasis, hives, moles, and skin cancer.
“I am thrilled to be able to work in an area of medicine that I am passionate about, especially since dermatology services are desperately needed in this community," she said.
Patients must be referred to Beduhn from a doctor, nurse practitioner, a walk-in clinic or through Telemedicine SSM.
"Physicians are aware that I'm out there, but I just don't know that patients are," Beduhn said.
Previously practicing as a family doctor since 2014 at the Group Health Centre, Beduhn said she made the decision to add professional certifications for dermatology a few years ago when she saw a need in the city for those services.
She said she originally planned on continuing to practice family medicine as well.
"I always had an interest in dermatology and even 10 years ago when I first started I wanted to get into it, but the timing just wasn't right.
"There was a lot that went into this decision and I actually offered to do both this and family medicine but that wasn't an option."
Although she has received numerous referrals in the few months she has been practicing dermatology, Beduhn is still meeting patients who had no idea their referrals can now be dealt with locally, saving trips to other cities like Sudbury.
Keeping wait times down for patients is especially important for serious cases like skin cancer.
"I'm working hard to try and keep the wait times down," said Beduhn.
"Right now I'm booking anywhere between a month and two months out, depending on the issue."
Beduhn is always recommending that patients watch for new or changing moles, avoid the sun or wear sunscreen, hats, and long-sleeve shirts.