Dr. Swink returns to the area after his pediatric dermatology fellowship at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Prior to his fellowship, Dr. Swink completed his internship and a three-year dermatology residency at Lehigh Valley Health Network. At CHOP, he obtained additional experience treating common conditions such as pediatric eczema, psoriasis, acne, hemangiomas and birthmark evaluations. He also gained significant exposure to the diagnosis and management of complex systemic diseases that can present with various skin manifestations.
With operating room privileges at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, Dr. Swink has the environment and tools he needs to identify and treat these conditions.
“Pediatric dermatologists receive additional training in the complex systemic management of disease in children, which includes knowing when to have children worked up with imaging or other testing,” he says. “We’re also trained in pediatric dosing of systemic injectables, as well as laser surgery for birthmarks and other issues. Parents shouldn’t have to take their kids to Pittsburgh or Philadelphia for this type of care.”
In terms of referrals, Dr. Swink says, “I’d much rather see a child for a nonissue than see a child that should have been brought in sooner. If it gets to a point where a dermatologic condition is not responding in the way a pediatrician expects, or the strengths and risks of an indicated topical or medication starts feeling like something that’s outside their wheelhouse, I’m here to provide support and my triage team always knows how to reach me.”