Editor’s note: In keeping with our theme of social media this year, we asked each of “the 20” to submit personally curated photographs and answer questions that offer a sneak peek into their private, as well as professional, life. We also had them choose a location for their lead photo shoot that ties into who they are.
DEANNA BROWN
Board-certified dermatologist at Susong Dermatology; Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology; Chattanooga Ballet board of directors vice chair; Member of CHI Memorial Melanoma Center of Excellence
Age: 37
* Facebook or Instagram?
I have a love/hate relationship with both Facebook and Instagram. If I had to pick, it would probably be Facebook, just because I like keeping up with extended family and long-distance friends there.
* What would your personal hashtag be?
#dancingdermdoc
* Most-used emoji?
Heart-eyes.
* What would you list as your top 3 likes? And, dislikes?
Likes: Dancing, chocolate, beach vacations. Dislikes: Horror movies, olives, pseudoscience “influencers.”
* How old were you when you got your first cellphone?
I got a clunky phone in eighth grade “for emergencies only,” but I only used it once and gave it back to my mom because I didn’t want to carry it around. I didn’t get another one until I went to college at 18.
Photo Gallery
Floating the Elk River
Russ Tonkinson of Rogers and NWA Media outdoors writer Flip Putthoff found out first-hand on June 1 why the Elk River is one of the Ozarks' top streams to float and fish for smallmouth bass. Clear water, abundant cover and lots of food combine for superb habitat on the southwest Missouri stream. The two anglers always secure a little fish karma by picking up litter before starting a float trip. Photos by Flip Putthoff
* Piece of tech you couldn’t live without (or wouldn’t want to)?
My dermatoscope, a polarized light/magnifier used for examining skin lesions. It’s like my third hand!
* Social media – love it or hate it?
Love it!
* What was your last post (about)?
My daughter’s last day of kindergarten.
* What do you consider your biggest accomplishment?
Personally, my two kids. Professionally, completing dermatology residency at Case Western Reserve University/MetroHealth Medical Center and earning my board certification in dermatology.
* What is the biggest challenge or hardship you have overcome?
My own anxiety and perfectionism. To be honest, it’s been an ongoing struggle my whole life. With the help of counselors, I have learned healthy ways to cope with stress, manage expectations and accept that I will never make everyone like me.
* What kind of influencer would you be?
Sunscreen and skin care. I post about these topics often on my business pages (@dermdocbrown and @susongderm).
* Any goals for this year?
Continue to grow my practice, particularly in the realm of offering high-quality cosmetic procedures.
* What’s one thing you would change about Chattanooga and why?
Better public transit options, especially from the suburbs to downtown.
* Why did you choose this location for your shoot?
The Tivoli Theatre is my favorite place in Chattanooga. I grew up dancing at Chattanooga Ballet and was in the “Nutcracker” at the Tivoli every year starting at age 7. I’ve been able to come back as an adult and perform in the party scene for the last six years. After all those “Nutcrackers,” the Tivoli feels like home. I love the marquee, the lobby, the ornate decor. Being onstage (and backstage) brings back a flood of fond memories.
* Tell me about one of your favorite memories.
I met my husband, Stephen, when my best friend from GPS married Stephen’s brother. We even walked down the aisle together as best man/bridesmaid. I remember that my shoe broke right as we walked into the reception, so I threw off my shoes and went barefoot all night at this fancy country club. I believe my exact words were, “Oh well, I’ll never see most of these people again.” Little did I know that more than half of them would be at my own wedding two years later!