Med Creator 101
Self-Improvement
About
Med Creator 101 is a weekly podcast hosted by board certified dermatologist, ‘dermfluencer’ Dr. Dustin Portela and beauty veteran, social media agency owner, Mimi Banks, featuring your favorite brands and medfluencers. Each episode is filled with helpful tips and tools to get started on social, build your platform, create content, grow a community, and attract brands.
Episodes
- Mama Nurse Tina on Going Viral Without Shock Value
Mama Nurse Tina joins Med Creator 101 to discuss going viral without shock value. She shares how she uses humor, relatability, and bite-sized education to make complex healthcare topics approachable for a broad audience.
- From Scrubs to Social: How an ObGyn Became a Viral Educator (re-release)
Dr. Fran shares her experience growing a large social media following as an OB-GYN, explaining how content creation enhances patient education and online presence. The episode covers her transition from a fashion blogger in medical school…
- Dr. Ethan Melillo: Why Pharmacists Are Social Media's Most Untapped Voice
Dr. Ethan Melillo, also known as MillennialRx, explains how pharmacists can leverage social media, citing his own TikTok video on medications and alcohol that gained 2 million views. He emphasizes their role in fighting health misinformati…
- How Dr. Shereene Idriss Built a Brand by Being Herself
Dr. Shereene Idriss discusses building her skincare brand, Pillow Talk Derm, on social media through authenticity, education, and consistency. The episode focuses on growing a trusted online community and leveraging one's voice as a brand…
- What Dr. Tommy Martin Gets Right About Authenticity on Social (Re-release)
This episode features Dr. Tommy Martin discussing how he gained over 4 million followers by focusing on authenticity and impact rather than just metrics. He shares insights on creating content based on genuine interests and embracing imper…
- Tools All Creators Need (Re-release)
Mimi Banks and Dr. Dustin Portela share recommendations for essential content creation tools, ranging from lighting and microphones to editing software. They discuss how to build an effective setup and distinguish between necessary gear an…
- Following up after conferences (re-release)
This episode of Med Creator 101 discusses effective post-conference follow-up strategies. Hosts Mimi and Dr. Dustin Portela explain how to maintain momentum from conferences through timely and authentic outreach via email, LinkedIn, and te…
- Making the Most of AAD (Re-release)
This episode, a re-release ahead of AAD, emphasizes using conferences as key opportunities for content creation, brand partnerships, and networking with fellow Med Creators. It advises listeners to prepare thoroughly to maximize their conf…
- The Legal & Ethical Guardrails Every Med Creator Should Know
In this episode, Mimi Banks and Dr. Dustin Portela cover the essential legal and ethical considerations for healthcare professionals creating content online. They discuss patient privacy, consent, disclosures, DMs, and brand partnerships,…
- Growing Across Platforms Without Creating More Content with Repurpose.Io
This episode of Med Creator 101 features the founders of Repurpose.io, an automation tool designed to help creators efficiently distribute content across multiple platforms. Learn strategies for scaling reach and building an online presenc…
- Why Plastic Surgeons like Dr. Babak Azizzadeh win on Social
Dr. Babak Azizzadeh details his social media strategy for building a medical brand, discussing content creation, branding, and maintaining an authoritative online presence to foster patient trust.
- How Dr. Whitney Bowe Built Trust (and a Million Followers)
Dr. Whitney Bowe discusses her strategy for building a trusted audience, emphasizing credibility, consistency, and valuable content. She shares insights on sourcing ideas from patient questions, efficient video production, and maintaining…
- How Social Media Helped Dr. Tia Paul Grow Her Practice
Dr. Tia Paul, a dermatologist, explains how she leveraged social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram to expand her practice. She focused on creating trustworthy content addressing patient questions on skin of color, hyperpigmentation…
- Behind the Feed: Dr. Mara's team, process, and tools powering her social
On Med Creator 101, Dr. Mara Weinstein-Velez, a dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, shares insights on how healthcare professionals can leverage social media for patient education, build trust, and maintain professionalism online. The epis…
- How Dr. Mariza Snyder Built a Community on Facebook
Dr. Mariza Snyder details her strategy for building a loyal healthcare audience and multi-million download platform using community-first content and Facebook growth. She discusses social media trends for 2026, content strategy, and lesson…
- What to Stop, Start & Double Down On in 2026
Mimi Banks and Dr. Portela share essential social media strategies for medical creators in 2026. They advise on what actions to discontinue, adopt, and emphasize to maintain relevance and growth in a competitive online environment.
- Inside CVS' Partnership with Dr. Camille Howard
This episode features Mimi and Dr. Portela interviewing Dr. Camille Howard and Michelle LeBlanc about CVS' partnership with Dr. Howard. Dr. Howard discusses her social media approach, and Ms. LeBlanc explains CVS' methods for incorporating…
- e.l.f. Beauty’s Community-First Playbook with Patrick O’Keefe
Patrick O'Keefe, Chief Integrated Marketing Officer at e.l.f. Beauty, shares the brand's community-first approach, which contributed to substantial revenue growth. He explains how e.l.f. maintains a close connection with its audience, stay…
- When to Say No: Protecting Your Integrity as a Med Creator
Mimi and Dr. Portela discuss how medical creators can protect their integrity by knowing when to decline brand deals. The episode covers evaluating opportunities, spotting contract issues, and maintaining credibility for long-term growth.
- Med Creator 101: What We Learned in 2025
This year-end episode revisits key advice from 2025 conversations with healthcare creators and industry leaders. It covers content creation, analytics, brand deals, and community building, highlighting essential insights for healthcare pro…
- How NAOS Works With Med Creators
NAOS North America CEO Jeremy Bayen explains how the brand chooses creators, emphasizing authenticity over metrics and the role of science in partnerships. This episode is aimed at healthcare professionals aiming to gain brand recognition.
- How Dr. Wallace Nozile Cuts Through the Noise
Dr. Wallace Nozile discusses his transition to social media, emphasizing storytelling, creativity, and authenticity. He explains his content strategy for making complex medical topics accessible and engaging for patients.
- Dr. Neera Nathan, The Harvard-Trained Dermatologist Redefining Skin Education Online
Dr. Neera Nathan, a Harvard-trained dermatologist and MOHS surgeon, discusses her journey into online education, building a large following on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. She shares insights into her content creation…
- How to Stand Out as a Med Creator with Erica Mallett
In this episode of Med Creator 101, Mimi Banks and Dr. Dustin Portela discuss with brand strategist Erica Mallett how medical creators can stand out on social media. They cover defining tone of voice, creating emotion-driven content, and m…
- How Dr. Katie Beleznay Turns Education Into Engaging Content
Dr. Katie Beleznay shares her strategies for creating engaging educational content, collaborating with brands, and fostering trust through authenticity. She emphasizes understanding one's purpose as key to content creation.
- Dr. Kunal Malik’s Social Media Journey
Dr. Kunal Malik discusses his social media growth strategy, emphasizing authenticity and education. He shares tips on balancing clinical practice with content creation without requiring extensive equipment or a dedicated team.
- Instagram Strategy: What you need to know
Mimi and Dr. Portela discuss Instagram strategy, focusing on engagement drivers, follower attraction, and authentic content over algorithm hacks. They cover reels, broadcast channels, carousels, and trust signals to foster genuine connecti…
- Inside LTK with Reesa Lake
Reesa Lake, Head of Creator Agency Partnerships at LTK, joins Mimi and Dr. Portela to explain how LTK enables creators to monetize their influence, develop brand partnerships, and find opportunities beyond social media.
- Building Your Brand (Online)
In this episode, Mimi and Dr. Portela discuss the process of building an online brand. They cover creative decisions such as logo, colors, and website development, as well as establishing a consistent tone and persona. Mimi also shares ins…
- Battling Misinformation with Dr. Nathan Newman
Dr. Nathan Newman, a pioneer in stem cell therapy, shares his experience using social media to educate millions on regenerative medicine. He details his methods for combating misinformation, explaining complex scientific topics, and managi…
- Why Every Creator Needs a Media Kit
Mimi Banks and Dr. Dustin Portela explain the importance of a media kit for creators seeking partnerships. They cover essential components, design, and effective pitching strategies.
- SPECIAL EPISODE: Live at Science of Skin Summit
Recorded live at the 2025 Science of Skin Summit in Austin, Texas, this special episode features Dr. Dustin Portela, Mimi Banks, and Lisa Morris discussing social media strategies. They share actionable insights from the Dermfluencer Unive…
- Dr. Tommy Martin’s Journey as a Creator, Father & Advocate
Dr. Tommy Martin, an internal medicine and pediatric physician with over 4 million followers, shares his journey as a creator, father, and advocate on Med Creator 101. He discusses balancing his medical career, family life, and social medi…
- What Your Metrics Actually Mean
In this episode of Med Creator 101, hosts Mimi and Dr. Portela discuss the true meaning behind social media metrics. They explain how to interpret various metrics, including likes, comments, reach, and impressions, and how brands use this…
- Dr. Ethan Melillo: The Pharmacist Content Creator
Dr. Ethan Melillo, a pharmacist, discusses his journey into content creation, explaining how he simplifies complex medical topics, addresses misinformation, and manages brand partnerships to build trust online. He gained initial attention…
- From Scrubs to Social: How an ObGyn Became a Viral Educator
Dr. Fran, an OB-GYN and mother of three, shares her journey on Med Creator 101 from blogging during medical school to becoming a popular online educator with over a million followers. She details her content creation process and strategies…
- Medicine Mama: Using Social Media to Change the Conversation on Women’s Health
Dr. Clare Bertuccio discusses founding Medicine Mama and using social media to address women's health issues. She shares insights on tackling taboo subjects and persevering through challenges with hosts Dr. Dustin Portela and Mimi Banks.
- How to Make an Impression in 30 Seconds
Dr. Portela and Mimi discuss creating a compelling 30-second elevator pitch for dream brands. The episode covers real-life examples and effective follow-up strategies for healthcare professionals.
- What Dr. Portela learned from his acting coach
In this episode of Med Creator 101, Dr. Portela discusses the impact of his acting coach on his on-screen presence. He shares practical techniques related to body language and vulnerability to help viewers gain confidence on camera.
- Inside the Science of Skin Summit
The Science of Skin Summit brings together dermatologists, estheticians, researchers, and innovators to advance skincare science. Co-founders Dr. Patricia Farris and Dr. Ted Lain discuss the event's mission and preview a session on using s…
- Meet the Vagina Whisperer
Dr. Sarah Reardon, known as The Vagina Whisperer, discusses her journey from group chat advice to building a large online brand in pelvic health. The episode covers pelvic health, online trust-building, and purposeful presence, featuring h…
- Advocacy: When To Use Your Platform
In this episode of Med Creator 101, Dr. Portela and Mimi discuss the nuances of advocacy for healthcare professionals on social media. They cover important considerations like when to speak up versus when to remain silent, and how to appro…
- Educate, Don’t Imitate: Dr. Doris Day’s Creator Mindset
Dr. Doris Day, a board-certified dermatologist and educator, shares her strategy for creating relatable, science-backed content about aging. She also discusses effective content hacks and the power of repetition in maintaining audience eng…
- Inside RoC Skincare’s HCP Playbook
Hillary Hutcheson, CMO of RoC Skincare, shares insights on the brand's approach to creator collaborations and content effectiveness, emphasizing authenticity. This episode is targeted at medical creators interested in brand partnerships.
- Getting Started On YouTube
This episode of Med Creator 101 covers the essentials of starting and growing on YouTube, including content strategy, titles, thumbnails, and monetization.
- Allen Ortega on What It Really Takes to Work with CeraVe
Allen Ortega, Global Head of Social & Influence at CeraVe, discusses the brand's social media strategy, influencer partnerships, and the development of viral campaigns with hosts Dr. Portela and Mimi Banks.
- Meet Dermfluencer Dr. Jenny Liu
Dermatologist and content creator Dr. Jenny Liu shares insights into her creative process, burnout management, and online authenticity strategies on Med Creator 101.
- Dr. Brown on Turning Conversations into Content
Dermatologist Dr. Brown discusses her content creation strategy, focusing on patient education and authenticity. This episode offers advice for medical creators, both established and new.
- How to Know When to Hire an Agent
Mimi and Dr. Portela discuss the considerations for hiring a talent agent, covering brand deals, contracts, and financial benefits. The episode guides listeners on determining when to hire an agent and how to select a suitable one.
- Dr. Ben Johnson: Disrupting Skincare and Social Media
Dr. Ben Johnson, founder of Osmosis Skincare, explains how he is disrupting the skincare industry by using content and social media to integrate science, wellness, and education into his brand.