An interview with Dr. Marnie Nussbaum
OPULUS Beauty Labs’ Brand Ambassador, Dr. Marnie Nussbaum, FAAD, is a renowned dermatologist with offices in Manhattan and the Hamptons. We asked her how she got to where she is today and what skin care innovations she’s most excited about.
What is your background, training, education and experience?
I grew up in a small town outside of New York City. We were a small family and very close. I went to Cornell University as an undergraduate and medical school at the Weill Cornell Medical College in Manhattan. I completed my internship training in Internal Medicine at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and my residency in Dermatology at Weill Cornell-New York Presbyterian Hospital where I was the Chief Resident in Dermatology.
Who was your chief role model growing up?
Without question, my mom. She was, and is, one of the smartest people I know. I can’t say enough wonderful things about her. She taught me to believe I can do anything and everything with hard work and perseverance. As a kid I’d say I wanted to be a ballerina or a doctor and she’d say, “You can be both!” When I got into medical school, it was the proudest day of her life.
What are your practice’s specialties?
About 70% of what we do are related to cosmetic procedures—primarily injections, laser/light/ultrasound/radiofrequency resurfacing and peels—with the rest being regular medical dermatology. I am adept at treating acne because I had quite serious problems with it growing up and I don’t like seeing anyone having to go through the self-esteem challenges that come with acne. It’s important to emphasize too that even with aesthetics patients, I always do a thorough skin check for skin cancer and the like. People may come in because they want to be beautiful, but as a medical professional, I’m in business to see that they walk out of here healthy.
What makes you well-suited for what you do?
A combination of loving both the science and the social aspect (listening, being supportive) that a successful cosmetic medical practice demands.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
I love interacting with people and being able to impact their lives in such a positive way. From a patient’s perspective as well as my own, there’s increased optimism as to what we can achieve and achieve non-invasively. So much about the skin is negotiable now.
