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Episode description
Ever wonder just how bad bad bacteria can be for your skin? We have been too. This week, we’re joined by Dr. Sonal Choudhary as she walks us through the key relationship between the gut and the skin. Listen in as she discusses firmicutes and bacteroides, omega-3s and omega-6s, and IDS and IDCP. Each Thursday, join Dr. Raja and Dr. Hadar, board-certified dermatologists, as they share the latest evidence-based research in integrative dermatology. For access to CE/CME courses, become a member at LearnSkin.com.
Catch Dr. Choudhary live at #IDS2025 for more insights on the gut-skin connection and inflammatory dermatoses!
Sonal Choudhary, MD is an Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Dermatopathology at UPMC and a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist. She is the founder of an innovative integrative dermatology clinic that blends conventional care with root-cause approaches, including functional testing, nutrition, and botanical therapies. A passionate educator and mentor, Dr. Choudhary trains advanced practice providers and leads research on the gut-skin axis, inflammatory skin diseases, and alopecia. She holds leadership roles in national dermatology initiatives and is committed to whole-person, evidence-based care. Her work bridges science and compassion to restore skin health from the inside out.
People in this episode
Sonal Choudhary
MD
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 also completed a fellowship in Integrative Dermatology, which concluded in February 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
- Member of Integrative Dermatology with Integrative Dermatology Certification Program/LearnSkin
- Fellow of Pittsburgh Academy of Dermatology
- Fellow of Pennsylvania Academy of Dermatology
- Fellow of American Academy of Dermatology
- 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
- Fellowship in Integrative Dermatology with LearnSkin
Hadar Lev-Tov
MD MAS
Dr. Hadar Lev-Tov is a board-certified dermatologist with extensive research experience. Throughout his training and in daily practice, he has always believed that the key to achieving health for his patients is grounded in his ability to truly connect to their experiences and perceptions of health and well-being. Maimonides, one of the greatest philosophers of all time realized that human knowledge, often represented as "science," is limited. As a physician, he feels he would be a fool to believe all is known. Maimonides said, "The physician should not treat the disease but the patient who is suffering from it." LearnSkin is his journey to a better understanding of his patients.
Raja Sivamani
MD MS AP
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.
About Podcast
Welcome to the Learn Skin podcast with your hosts, board certified dermatologists, Dr. Raja Sivamani and Dr. Hadar Lev-Tov. Each week, we will be bringing you the latest in Integrative Dermatology. Send us your questions, comments, and suggestions by email to [email protected] and you may be featured in a future episode.
Hosts: Hadar Lev-Tov, MD MAS & Raja Sivamani, MD MS AP
Audio Engineer: Ryan Toledo
Editor: Jake Zawlacki
Disclaimer
This podcast is meant for educational and informational purposes only. Neither this podcast nor any information contained within it are a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional. This podcast does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services. If you have a medical concern, please consult with your physician. This podcast is available for private, non-commercial use only. Advertising which is incorporated into, placed in association with, or targeted towards the content of this podcast is forbidden. You may not edit, modify, or redistribute this podcast. LearnSkin assumes no liability for any of your activities in connection with this podcast or for your use of this podcast in connection with your website, computer, or playing device.
