EVMS alum brings comfort, kindness to dermatology care
Scott Whitlock, MD, has been part of the Hampton Roads community for over 10 years since he began studying as a medical student at Eastern Virginia Medical School. After completing his residency here in Norfolk, he put down roots with his wife and growing family and has seen hundreds of patients at EVMS Dermatology while also training future doctors in his role as Assistant Professor of Dermatology at EVMS.
At HOPES (Health Outreach Partnership of EVMS Students), the only student-run free clinic in Norfolk, Dr. Whitlock gives his time and expertise every third Thursday of the month. There, he works with EVMS residents and attendings to provide a number of services from skin cancer screenings to biopsies. The clinic has served more than 1,000 community members in Norfolk and beyond who are uninsured and lack access to dermatological care.
Yvonne Lawrence has been a patient of Dr. Whitlock for over a year and says she felt at ease from the first moment she walked into his office. For years, she had been suffering from Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) without the hope of relief.
“When I first came in, it was for a procedure, and I was so nervous. He put on some relaxing music and he calmed me down. He made me feel comfortable and made sure I didn’t feel any pain. He ended up fixing 15 spots that day. I wouldn’t want another doctor working on me with my HS.”
Hidradenitis Suppurativa is an autoinflammatory chronic skin condition that does not have a cure. It tends to recur in sensitive areas of the body and can be embarrassing. The pain, appearance and symptoms of HS can have a serious impact on a person’s quality of life, with most cases affecting women and minorities.
Dr. Whitlock is listed with the HS Foundation as one of three providers in Virginia who see patients at HS clinics and are committed to regular continuing education. Staying at the forefront of treatments equips Dr. Whitlock to offer patients relief from symptoms, or someday, a cure. He also regularly educates providers in other departments at EVMS through speaking at Grand Rounds lectures and by championing the patient care offered in the EVMS HS clinic.
His determination to pass along expertise and wisdom to the next generation of dermatologists shows in the students Dr. Whitlock instructs and mentors. Stephan Duran, MD, who is currently a resident at EVMS says that under Dr. Whitlock’s guidance, he’s learned the value of spending extra time with patients and to involve them in making decisions about their own care.
Compassion, dedication, thoughtful and thorough are just a few words Dr. Whitlock’s patients and colleagues use to describe him.
“Scott is willing to take on challenging medical and surgical dermatology cases,” says Clinton Enos, MD, a current colleague and former fellow medical resident with Dr. Whitlock. “His positive attitude and team-oriented mentality are greatly appreciated in the department. He is incredibly thoughtful and thorough and is the type of physician that listens and collaborates with his patients.”
Latasha Wiggins, another HS patient, echoes similar sentiments. “Dr. Whitlock is never in a rush when he sees me. He works hard for his patients, listens to me and finds good solutions. I felt warm and accepted by him and everyone in the office and look forward to seeing them.”
Learn more about EVMS Dermatology and schedule an appointment with Dr. Whitlock or any one of our experienced care providers by calling 757.446.5629.