Palisades-Owned Practice Welcomes Pediatric Dermatologist

By DAYNA DRUM | Reporter

The patients of Drs. Joshua Wieder and Kathy Langevin have gotten considerably shorter in the last five months.

Langevin has brought pediatric dermatology to the Palisadian-owned dermatology practice in Santa Monica, putting the practice among the few in Los Angeles that offer the specialized services.

After leaving UCLA Medical, Langevin joined the practice in October because of the flexibility a private practice affords. Working three days a week, she is able to spend more time with her family.

“I understand that as physicians you make a commitment, you obviously want to help your patients, but you also want to have flexibility. And sometimes you have to go smaller to get that,” Langevin told the Palisadian-Post.

Langevin knew of Wieder from other colleagues and calls the timing of their meeting “fortuitous.”

The new physician sees both adults and children, but notes there is a difference in the care she provides to her younger patients.

“In pediatric dermatology, you’re not only treating the patient but you also have to have a relationship with the family,” Langevin said.

Additionally, the child’s development is a major factor to consider in treatment, because some conditions can affect the child during growth.

Wieder is an 18-year Palisadian, who opened the practice in 1996. He decided to bring Langevin on to expand the practice and offer the extra service to children.

“There’s a lot more kids and strollers, and I hear babies crying more often,” Wieder said of the change in clientele. “It’s a nice sound.”

Langevin grew up with multiple pediatricians in her family, but knew she wanted to focus on only one part of pediatric care. So she landed on dermatology.

“It’s an area that you can make an impact,” Langevin said.

She can also say easily that the most enjoyable part of the field is developing a relationship with “adorable” patients.

For parents who want to keep their children’s skin healthy, she suggests a few simple measures. Dry skin is a common issue around this time and almost year-round in California, which can often make skin conditions worse, the doctor explained. Langevin suggests shorter lukewarm baths or showers, gentle soaps and good bland moisturizers as well as regular compliance with medication when necessary.