theGrio’s 100: Dr. Jeanine Downie, top dermatologist and international expert
theGRIO's 100 - Dermatologist Jeanine Downey focuses on ethnic skin care issues and serves as a national and international expert in her field. She's also a researcher and heavily involved in the community...
Who is Dr. Jeanine Downie?
Dr. Jeanine Downie. 45, is a dermatologist who owns her own practice, Image Dermatology PC, in Montclair, New Jersey.
Downie has been sought out for her expertise in dermatology, both nationally and internationally on a wide variety of issues – including cosmetic dermatology, skin cancer, noninvasive fat melting, and ethnic skin-care issues.
She also conducts clinical trials at her private practice and serves as a consultant for pharmaceutical companies.
When she isn’t working, she’s an avid reader and she enjoys spending time with her family through various activities including skiing, swimming, and jogging.
Why is she on theGrio’s 100?
Having spent her childhood dealing with eczema and acne, Downie understood firsthand the emotional strain it can have on a person’s life.
“I realized people judge you based on what your skin looks like, and I wanted to heal and to help,” she says.
Her mother was the first African-American female to graduate from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Those beginnings sparked Downie’s interest in medicine and has driven her to become one of the top dermatologists in the country.
She is also very involved in the fight against skin cancer. Downie is a huge advocate for all people wearing sunblock every day regardless of ethnicity, of an SPF 30 or above.
“It hits minorities very hard unfortunately, as cases are frequently misdiagnosed and treated later in the game and [tougher to treat].”
Additionally, she frequently discusses dermatology on-air, including The Today Show and Dr. Oz’s show.
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She also gives back to her community as she contribute significantly to United Negro College fund, Dress for success, Girl’s Inc., The Montclair Art Museum, The Southern poverty Law Center, the ACLU and Casa in Newark — the children’s special advocacy program.
What’s next for Dr. Downie?
Downie is continually writing pitches for health shows and will soon travel internationally to give lectures on skin cancer and dermatology in Cuba and South Africa.
