Avoiding the Derm? Here’s the Real Cost of Letting Fear Lead

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Why do so many of us avoid going to the doctor—even when we know we shouldn’t? In this episode, Dr. Mina sits down with Dr. Manju Dawkins to unpack the deeply human fear that keeps patients away from the care they need. From needle phobia to fear of diagnosis, this conversation dives into the emotional blocks that sabotage our health and skin wellness.

Together, they explore how to replace avoidance with empowerment, creating safer, more compassionate healthcare spaces. Dr. Dawkins shares data, clinical insights, and thoughtful approaches to addressing patient fear—helping listeners understand what’s really behind the hesitation and how providers and patients alike can better navigate it.

Key Takeaways:

• Fear of doctors is common and layered—often rooted in pain, past trauma, or fear of diagnosis.
• Over 60% of adults now report needle fear, up dramatically from past decades.
• Creating space in the exam room for vulnerability leads to better healthcare outcomes.
• The traditional “paternalistic” model of medicine is outdated; patient autonomy and understanding are now key.
• Transparency in healthcare—like doctors on social media—can reduce anxiety and increase trust.
• Addressing fear can improve everything from skin health to early diagnosis and treatment of serious conditions.

Dr. Manju Dawkins is a board certified dermatologist who  received her B.A. from Columbia University and  her M.D. from the University of Maryland. She completed her dermatology residency and served as Chief Resident at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, NY. She was Assistant Professor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine where she was twice named Teacher of the Year.  She has practiced in academic, private, hospital based, and group practice settings in New York and Los Angeles. 

She is also the creator and co-founder of Thimble, the first easy, safe, and comprehensive solution for alleviating needle pain and stress. 

www.thimblehealth.com

Fun fact: She is 5'2" (on a good day. )

Even more fun fact: She played Division I basketball at Columbia University and served as captain her senior year. She is a founding and current member of the Columbia Women’s Basketball Advisory Board and a member of the Columbia Athletics Women’s Leadership Council.

 

Follow Dr. Dawkins here:

https://www.instagram.com/thimble.health/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/thimblehealth/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/manju-dawkins-md-a0224359/

http://thimblehealth.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@thimble.health

https://www.facebook.com/thimble.health

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