Our skin is vulnerable to many things: the sun, toxins, and burns. It can be at the mercy of a dry climate or the caress of a partner. “Our skin is what we present to the world; it’s how we make a first impression, and I take that into consideration when treating all patients,” said Dr. Dustin Portela, a dermatologist and surgeon at Treasure Valley Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center. 

This simple truth lies at the heart of his life’s work. As a specialist in Mohs micrographic surgery, he removes cancerous cells with microscopic precision, but his mission extends far beyond the clinical. He’s not just treating a disease; he’s mending the very fabric of his patients’ identities. 

“When I treat patients—whether it’s for acne or skin cancer—I want them to feel confident in being seen for who they truly are,” he said.

This philosophy travels far beyond his Idaho clinic. In an age of digital noise and skincare myths, Dr. Portela has emerged as a clear, trusted voice, meeting people exactly where they are: scrolling on their phones. With millions of followers on social media (2.4 million on TikTok alone), he translates complex dermatology into engaging, science-backed advice. He sees it as a modern physician’s duty. “As physicians, we need to go where the conversations are happening,” he insisted. “Social media lets me help people at scale by sharing accurate information with a personal touch.”

Yet his most profound impact may be found on the winding roads of Idaho. You can often see him on social media announcing free skin cancer screening events, including his recent announcement for screenings in Star on June 16. He’s been partnering with Frontier Credit Union to bring, as he said, “dermatology care to people who wouldn’t otherwise have it.”

It’s here, in these humble, face-to-face encounters, that his work feels most essential. “Being a physician is a sacred privilege,” Dr. Portela reflected. “Being trusted to see patients through a health challenge, no matter how big or small, is incredibly rewarding.”

From the sterile precision of the surgical suite to the myth-busting chaos of TikTok, from a patient’s private fears to a community’s public health, Dr. Portela is redefining the role of a physician. He’s a healer, an educator, and an innovator, driven by a simple, compassionate goal: to help every person put their best face forward, feeling whole, healthy, and seen.

You can learn more at dermatologyboise.com or follow Dr. Portela on Instagram or TikTok

@drdustinportela.