Dr. Kat Kesty '06 Visits Medical Sciences Students

When Shorecrest Alumna and current parent, Dr. Kat Kesty '06, visited her alma mater to speak with Shorecrest Upper School students, she offered a look into the world of dermatology. She showed the science of lasers and the importance of patient care. Recognized as one of the top five specialists in the world in laser treatment, Dr. Kesty has built a career rooted in both innovation and empathy.

A passion for helping others led Dr. Kesty's journey. After earning her MD and MBA, she set out to create a practice that combined new laser technology with a people-first approach. She started her business in May 2020, and by September 2020 had treated her first patient. From there her success grew, not through flashy marketing, but by building character, trust, and community, which students learned was really important.

Dr. Kesty’s philosophy is treating every patient as if they were family. “Do what’s best for your patients and always respect them,” she shared. That mindset, paired with her focus on continual learning, has helped her remain a leader in a fast-moving field.

Dr. Kesty explained how dermatologists use OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) to detect early warning signs of skin cancer, an example of how modern imaging tools are transforming diagnosis and care. She also discussed the importance of laser technology, describing the difference between ablative and non-ablative lasers and how they are used to treat everything from redness and pigmentation to superficial skin cancers.

When it comes to skincare, her advice is refreshingly simple: “The best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually use.” She also addressed common concerns like stretch marks, explaining that they occur when the body grows faster than the skin can stretch, leading to visible marks that can often be improved with laser treatment.

Beyond the science, Dr. Kesty emphasized balance, encouraging future professionals to find a job they love and pursue a healthy work-life balance. Her words served as a reminder that success in medicine isn’t just about skill, but also about compassion, integrity, and continuous growth. 

The PreMed Club thanks Dr. Kesty for making the time to visit.