Dr. Angel Allen: Dermatologist focuses her business on stopping melanoma

Dr. Angel Allen stands outside her West Truman Boulevard dermatology practice. Allen spent her first five years practicing dermatology working for someone else, but said going into business for herself has made her a better doctor.

Owning her own business the last five years has improved many aspects of Dr. Angel Allen's practice.

STAFF PHOTO FLIP PUTTHOFF Turkey vulture Igor spreads wings for wildlife rehabilitator Lynn Sciumbato and the crowd at Hobbs State Park-Wildlife Management Area. When vultures soar, they’re smelling for food, Sciumbato told the crowd at the park visitor center during her program. “That makes sense because their food stinks,” she said.

"It's taught me a lot of life lessons," Allen said. "I think it's improved the way I interact with people, too."

At the beginning of her 10 years practicing dermatology locally, Allen worked for someone else. She didn't pay attention to the other details of business management.

"It's made me a better doctor," Allen said.

Allen began her course toward a medical career at age 4, when she stayed in a hospital for one month with a broken leg, she said.

She had time to observe the people providing her care and the facilities, and she decided that was for her.

Along the way, her mother made sure to support her. Then she earned a pre-med scholarship to Central Methodist University.

Allen advanced to St. Louis University, where she earned her degree.

Dermatology appealed to her because of its variety of skills and training, from surgery to lasers.

But Allen's attention has been mainly on skin cancer.

"Melanoma is always foremost in my mind," she said.

Each year, she said she finds pre-cancer on several patients who were unaware.

"It's a relief to be able to help that person," she said.

To help the greater community, Allen also has hosted a free skin cancer screening day at her office for the last six years.

"I really want to help people," Allen said. "This draws out people who might not be diagnosed (early) otherwise."

Q. Who has invested in you and your career?

"My mother has always been my biggest cheerleader."

Q. What choices have you made to invest in yourself and your own success?

"I have always worked hard at whatever I do. I have been fortunate to go to excellent schools with fantastic teachers. I went to Central Methodist University for college and had wonderful teachers there and compassionate, caring attending doctors in my training and schooling at St. Louis University."

Q. What do you think are the biggest issues still facing women in the workplace?

"Most expectations for women and men in a business setting are the same. One just has to learn how to meet those expectations."

Q. What drives you most in life and in your career?

"Finding melanoma and helping patients to be healthy. I hope to make a difference in the lives of my patients so I stay focused on being a good doctor."

Q. What advice would you give to a woman entering the workforce?

"The same advice I would give anyone. Keep your eyes on your goals, and success is sure to follow."

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