We asked our providers what they’ve been up to during this time at home, outside of work. In our new series, Meet Your Provider, learn a little more about the team at Columbia Skin Clinic. If you would like to book a telehealth or in-office appointment with one of our experienced dermatologists or aestheticians, please contact us.
Here, Dr. Sean Thomas, shares a few fun things he has been doing.
What have you been doing during your time at home?
I have been landscaping and gardening. Planting trees, shrubs, perennials and helping my wife with her vegetable garden. While wearing SPF 50+ titanium/zinc oxide sunscreen, a broad brim hat, sunglasses, UPF rated long-sleeve shirts and gloves of course! And hearing protection when using my 43cc Auger.
What have you been watching lately?
I have been watching Disney+ and documentaries on Curiosity Stream. I definitely miss catching some of sports most iconic events on the TV, like March Madness, the Masters, the start of MLB, and the playoffs for the NBA and NHL. Speaking of sports, I’m relatively new to Columbia and I was looking forward to catching some Fireflies or Gamecocks baseball games.
What have you been reading lately?
I just started Sacred Duty: A Soldier’s Tour at Arlington National Cemetery. I also used my time to complete my annual Continuing Medical Education Requirements for my Board Certification and Medical Licenses.
What’s the best meal you or your family have cooked recently?
It’s so hard to choose a favorite! We’ve used our smoker quite a bit and our Easter ham was perfect! Every meal has been great. My wife, Marianne, always makes delicious meals. She has baked homemade English muffin bread and biscottis. Our neighbors have also arranged for weekly deliveries from Senn Brothers Produce.
What have you enjoyed most about your time at home?
I am enjoying an overall much slower pace and sitting down for dinner almost every night. We are enjoying having our younger daughter home, even though it means her missing out on her spring semester.
How has telemedicine changed the way you practice medicine?
We have patients from all over the state who sometimes call for urgent needs but can’t drive the two or more hours it may take to be seen on the same day. Typically, we work on a solution over the phone without being able to exam the concern. Being able to see the patient’s skin via telehealth over live video has been a game-changer in providing better care with a more accurate diagnosis and plan. On multiple occasions, I have been able to prioritize the need for a face-to-face visit versus developing a treatment plan with a follow-up on a later date.
Would you like to share anything else fun or interesting with your patients?
I am undefeated on our family’s foosball table! We have recently started playing a cooperative board game, Legends of Andora, and have also played a few versions of Pandemic. We are waiting for my son to return from his deployment with the U.S. Army in Germany and our oldest daughter graduates in May from North Carolina State University.
