I tested out many fields of work and study in my college summers, and decided to pursue medical school and stayed at UPenn (Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania). At the outset, I thought I wanted to be a radiologist. I took many medical electives including Cardiology, Infectious Disease, and high level courses in Internal Medicine and General Surgery called sub-internships.
I could not find a medical specialty that I loved and I decided I did not like being in the hospital or the operating room, but I loved office hours! At the end of medical school I decided to take the Dermatology elective, mostly as a courtesy to my mother to learn more about her field. I absolutely loved it! I loved taking care of both kids and adults. I loved the quick pace of office hours. I loved doing many smaller procedures. I loved that we could help the patients and they were so happy and grateful. My mother always told me, whatever field you choose, pick something that the most common thing that you will do over and over is something that you love. In Dermatology, that to me is treating acne, rosacea, rashes and skin cancer, and I love doing all those things.
Once I decided upon Dermatology, then I had to decide what to do when I finished my residency which I completed at NYU where I was a chief resident. After I passed my board exams, I worked part time in New York, as well as for my parents at Baxt CosMedical® in New Jersey. After a few years, I decided to join them. I eventually opened up a New York office again to help keep our patients in the practice who either live in New York or work in NY and it’s easy for them to see me in midtown periodically.
We have always had a cosmetic focus. When I joined in 2000, BOTOX® Cosmetic and Restylane® were just becoming popular. We were the first office in the area to offer laser hair removal. We have always been innovative and early adapters of proven technology. Over time, noninvasive cosmetic procedures have become very common and popular because of their safety and effectiveness.
Our office is busy because we are really good at these procedures and our patients tell their friends and family which is our number one referral source-our own patients. I’m a certified Allergan, Inc., an AbbVie company trainer for BOTOX® Cosmetic, JUVÉDERM®, JUVÉDERM Voluma® XC, JUVÉDERM Volbella® XC, and Kybella®.
I enjoy teaching my colleagues how to safety and effectively use these products. I lecture to my peers about how best to treat acne and acne scarring, which are favorite topics of mine. We also take care of all the dermatological medical issues for our patients such as skin cancer, acne, psoriasis, eczema, etc.
From 2000 to February 2019, it has been my privilege to teach residents and medical students at NYU School of Medicine where I attended weekly in the Dermatology clinic for underserved patients at Bellevue hospital. This was doubly rewarding as I assisted in delivering dermatologic care for patients with limited means, as well as teach up-and-coming dermatologists and rotating doctors.
More recently I joined the staff of BVMI, Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative, which is a free clinic for patients who live in Bergen County, New Jersey but have no health insurance. It is a pleasure to help these very appreciative patients in the BVMI clinic.
When I am not working, I enjoy my three kids, my husband, and the outdoors. My favorite hobby is reading. I love biographies and nonfiction, as well as fantasy and sci-fi.
To learn more about the education, training, and certification of Board Certified Dermatologist, click here.
Let our family treat your family, a legacy you can trust!
Rebecca Baxt, M.D., M.B.A, F.A.A.D.