M.D. AND CO-FOUNDER | THE SKIN WELLNESS CENTER
Good communication skills are essential in business, as well as in life. Listening, understanding and explaining issues can make the difference in a person’s ability to grasp a specific topic.
Dermatologist Meredith Overholt believes that good communication is a basic need when talking with her patients. And as co-founder of the Skin Wellness Center, she practices these skills on a daily basis. “I try to make an impact by being a physician who uses my communication skills to listen well and explain issues in a very thorough way to my patients,” she explained. “I come from a family of very smart people, none of whom are doctors. I’m always surprised at their lack of what I would consider basic medical knowledge, so my assumption is that I need to begin at the beginning with patients—but not in a condescending way. I get a lot of joy when my patients say, ‘That’s the best explanation I’ve ever heard from a doctor.’”
Founded in 2001 by Overholt and fellow dermatologist Kimberly Grande, the Skin Wellness Center emphasizes preventive screening and care as well as treating all types of skin conditions and diseases. Overholt is very proud of her career and the fact that she has been able to successfully balance it along with a happy family and marriage. “I’ve had a lot of help from numerous people along the way, and for this I am eternally grateful,” she stated. “I have a wonderful business partner and a fantastic staff. I’m proud that I have an office where all my employees feel valued and safe. We try to be accommodating in every way possible, so that everyone gets to follow their dreams.”
She and her husband Mark, who is also a doctor, have called Knoxville home since moving here after their residencies. Originally from Texas, but with a husband who was a Knoxville native, Overholt and her husband knew they needed to settle near family since they already had one child and planned on another soon. Knoxville became the city of choice, and they have been here ever since. “I have to admit that Knoxville was pretty small for me when I moved here,” she said. “But I think it has grown in thoughtful ways and now offers most amenities of bigger cities without some of the headaches. We enjoy hiking, eating at local restaurants and visiting the farmer’s market. I absolutely love my new hometown.”