Probiotics in Dermatology: What’s the Bug All About?

Dr. Raja Sivamani is a board-certified dermatologist and practices as an integrative dermatologist at Pacific Skin Institute. He is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Clinical Dermatology at the University of California, Davis and Director of Clinical Research and the Clinical Trials Unit.He is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the California State University, Sacramento and an Associate Professor of Dermatology at California Northstate University, College of Medicine.He engages in clinical practice as well as both clinical and translational research that integrates bioengineering, nutrition, cosmetics, and skin biology. With training in both Allopathic and Ayurvedic medicine, he takes an integrative approach to his patients and in his research.He has published over 100 peer-reviewed research manuscripts, 10 textbook chapters, and a textbook entitled Cosmeceuticals and Active Cosmetics, 3rd Edition with a passion for expanding the evidence and boundaries of integrative medicine for skin care.

After finishing Medical School and Dermatology Residency at the University of Wisconsin, Dr. Bodemer completed a fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. She was the first Dermatologist to be board certified in both Dermatology and Integrative Medicine and currently is the only Dermatologist to serve on the Integrative Medicine Board. She has authored academic texts and curriculum and has spoken widely on a variety of topics related to Integrative Dermatology. She has always been drawn to exploring how lifestyle choices impact skin health and disease and feels that the most powerful role a physician can play is as an educator and guide, empowering people to get healthy and stay healthy.

Dr. Peter Lio is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Pediatrics at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. He received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School, completed his internship in Pediatrics at Boston Children's Hospital, and his Dermatology training at Harvard where he served as Chief Resident in Dermatology. Dr. Lio is the founding director of the Chicago Integrative Eczema Center and has spoken nationally and internationally about atopic dermatitis, as well as alternative medicine.

Sonal Choudhary, MD is a Board certified Dermatologist and fellowship trained Dermatopathologist, who joined the Department of Dermatology in 2016 upon completion of her Dermatopathology Fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Choudhary received her undergraduate degree and medical degree from Vardhman Mahavir Medical College in New Delhi India. She completed a post-doctoral research fellowship at the University of Miami, where she remained to complete her Preliminary Internship in Internal Medicine, as well as her Residency Program in Dermatology. Dr. Choudhary is also undergoing a fellowship in Integrative Dermatology which will conclude in February of 2024.

While she offers care for all dermatologic conditions, her areas of clinical interest and research are atopic dermatitis, gut and skin microbiome, integrative dermatology, alternative therapies and approaches (herbs, supplements, functional medicine testing) to inflammatory skin diseases (Hidradenitis suppurativa, Acne, Psoriasis, hair loss), nutrition in cutaneous disease and dermatopathology. She is the director of the adult atopic dermatitis clinic and member of the PCOS collaboration group at UPMC Magee. Given her areas of training, Dr. Choudhary offers a holistic and integrative approach for various skin conditions.

Professional memberships

1. Member of Integrative Dermatology with Integrative Dermatology Certification Program/LearnSkin
2. Fellow of Pittsburgh Academy of Dermatology
3. Fellow of Pennsylvania Academy of Dermatology
4. Fellow of American Academy of Dermatology
5. Fellow of American Academy of Dermatopathology

Education & Training

• MBBS, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
• Clinical Internship, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
• Post Doctoral Fellowship, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
• Internship, University of Miami and Jackson Memorial Hospital
• Residency, Dermatology, University of Miami and Jackson Memorial Hospital
• Fellowship, Dermatopathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
• Ongoing Fellowship, Integrative Dermatology

Scott Jackson, M.D. received his undergraduate degree from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana and attended medical school at LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans. Dr. Jackson started his dermatology residency at Louisiana State University in New Orleans, but due to the natural disaster of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, he was relocated to complete his residency in Baton Rouge. He practiced dermatology in Baton Rouge for 13 years until joining Ozark Dermatology in the Spring of 2021. In addition to medical and surgical dermatology, he has a particular interest in taking on the challenges that come with severe, chronic, or resistant diseases of the skin. 

Dr. Jackson resides in Bentonville with his wife, Svetlana, and their two sons. He enjoys writing, reading, the outdoors, and spending time with family. His other passions include history, travel, and the Russian language.

Professional affiliations: American Academy of Dermatology, National Psoriasis Foundation, American Contact Dermatitis Society, International Dermoscopy Society