Radiant and glowing skin…it’s something we all want. Afterall, the skin is the largest organ in the body!

But did you know? 

Skincare isn’t limited to just humans. 

In fact, a special branch of veterinary medicine exists which focuses exclusively on helping animals with their skin problems. Everyday, veterinary dermatologists like Dr. Joya Griffin diagnose and treat skin, ear, hair, nail, and mouth disorders. They pop pimples, wipe away oozing goo, loosen earwax, banish fleas, and do all the gross (but necessary) tasks require to keep our pets happy and healthy.

Feeling squeamish yet?

Not Dr. Joya!

She’s a skin doctor your four-legged friends can rely on.  

Helping animals love the skin they’re in

As a veterinary dermatologist, Dr. Joya Griffin is a graduate of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Originally from Ohio, she went on to become a Diplomate of the College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD) in August 2010 and later joined the Animal Dermatology Group.

Those with queasy stomachs might wonder why on earth anybody would want to spend their days cleaning smelly ears or assessing flesh-eating tumours. 

Yuck, right? 

However, for Dr. Joya Griffin, skin issues are personal. Her own dog Gizmo suffered horribly from skin allergies that often left the sweet Lhasa Apso itchy and bleeding. Though many people recommended euthanasia, Dr. Joya instead went looking for solutions. It was in Ithaca that her mentor Dr. Danny Scott first introduced her to the lifesaving benefits of veterinary dermatology. In time, Gizmo’s skin went from being red and raw to manageable. 

That’s the incredible power of helping patients with skin-related afflictions. 

Today, Dr. Joya works hard to share this same knowledge. Seeing how Gizmo’s quality of life improved after treatment, Dr. Joya went on to teach fourth-year clinical students as well as lecture to underclassmen on bacterial, fungal, and immune-mediated skin diseases. 

Bringing attention to bizarre dermatology cases 

More recently, Dr. Joya Griffin has also landed a starring role in a brand-new TV series called “Pop Goes the Vet.” 

This Nat Geo Wild show was officially released on Disney+ on January 5, 2022. In each episode, Dr. Joya and her staff open the doors to their Kentucky-based animal dermatology clinic. Viewers get an up close and personal peek at what goes on behind the scenes of her (regularly lifesaving) work. 

And “Pop Goes the Vet” doesn’t just cover cats and dogs. Scaly and feathered friends are welcome, too! 

Lumps, bumps, or boils…if there’s a pet in need, Dr. Joya is ready to leap into action.  

Career advice for aspiring dermatology veterinarians and those who work with animals 

Thinking about a career in veterinary dermatology? 

Our veterinary highlight has some helpful advice for you. 

“Do all things without grumbling and complaining. Don’t sweat the small stuff,” she says. “These words have always stuck with me, because sometimes work is hard, sometimes it isn’t fun, but complaining only makes you and those around you more miserable and doesn’t get the work itself done any faster. Do your job happily, do it well and go home and enjoy the rest of your day.”

Well said, Dr. Joya. 

Myvetcandy encourages our readers to check out this month’s episode of “Pop Goes the Vet” with the wonderful Dr. Joya Griffin! 

Watch a teaser for the show by clicking on the link below:

Pop Goes the Vet