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In towns where young girls were expected to choose between marriage or modest careers, the presence of a government hospital became a beacon of possibility for a curious child determined to dream differently. That child grew into Dr Kusuma Narayana who is today one of the most respected dermatologists of Dubai, known not only for her clinical expertise but also for her pioneering spirit.
Initially attracted to neurology, she later discovered her real passion lay in dermatology. What was first a test of patience soon turned into a lifelong passion, where every patient became more than their diagnosis; it became an avenue for gaining dignity and confidence.
Today, at Enhance by Mediclinic, Dr Kusuma's practice spans two worlds i.e., the academic strictness of the UK and the innovation-fuelled energy of the UAE. From lasers and Botox treatments to skin cancer operations, each treatment she provides, is founded upon precision and international best standards.
Beyond her medical career, Dr Kusuma is deeply committed to societal causes. She works with NGOs like Rajalanchana and Jeevith Ashrama to support the education of underprivileged and orphaned children. For her, this work is as meaningful as medicine-nurturing not just healthy lives, but brighter tomorrows.
In an exclusive interview with Women Entrepreneurs Review, Dr Kusuma describes how her path continues to motivate her purpose, that medicine is just as much about humanity as it is about science.
What inspired you to pursue medicine? How did your family and mentors shape your path?
I grew up in a small town where opportunities for girls were scarce, with most expected to marry young or take up roles as teachers or tailors. Dreaming beyond ‘home’ was almost unheard of. Yet, the modest hospital inspired me to become a doctor not just for the profession, but to challenge the limits society placed on women.
My formative years were shaped by curiosity, discipline, and a strong sense of purpose instilled in me by my family. My parents, aunt, and brother taught me compassion, integrity, and the pursuit of excellence, while my grandmother urged me to push beyond boundaries and reject mediocrity.
In medical school, mentors shaped my belief that medicine was not only about technical skill but also empathy and listening, a principle that continues to guide my career.
What inspired your move from neurology to dermatology?
Interestingly, my first ambition was neurology, not dermatology. But life took another turn when my husband, one of my biggest supporters, suggested I explore dermatology for its balance of professional and personal life. A short trial convinced me instantly. I thrived, published my first paper, and found encouragement from colleagues who saw my aptitude, especially in dermatosurgery.
Dermatology stood out as a unique blend of science, artistry, and patient connection. The skin, our largest and most visible organ, reflects health, habits, and even emotions. Here, I could pair surgical precision with creativity, treat conditions ranging from cosmetic concerns to life-threatening diseases, and make a visible difference in patients’ lives.
In a way, this specialty allows me to heal beyond the physical; I help patients reclaim their confidence and present the best version of themselves to the world. That sense of impact is what keeps me passionate about what I do every single day.
How has your experience across UK and Dubai shaped your dermatology and aesthetics approach?
I trained and worked for 15 years in leading UK centres such as Cambridge, Leicester, and London, managing complex dermatological conditions and leading biologics clinics during their early adoption. During this time, I gained extensive experience in managing complex dermatological conditions, from inflammatory skin diseases to skin cancers and emergency presentations. I was involved in teaching, research, and multiple publications, and led biologics clinics at a time when these therapies were just emerging. Being part of their inception through clinical trials was both exciting and humbling, as I saw firsthand how they revolutionised treatment outcomes for patients. Alongside clinical practice, I co-founded DermPod, an AI dermatology app.
After relocating to Dubai, I spent three years at the American Hospital before joining Mediclinic, where I practice dermatology and aesthetics. My expertise has evolved from dermatosurgery to advanced procedures in lasers, Botox, and surgical interventions. This global experience combines the UK’s academic rigor with Dubai’s innovation, enabling me to deliver evidence-based, patient-centred care with cutting-edge aesthetic solutions.
Introduce us to Enhance by Mediclinic. How do you combine medical and aesthetic dermatology at Enhance?
Enhance by Mediclinic and Mediclinic Parkview combine evidence-based medicine, innovation, and patient-centred care in a multidisciplinary setting. At Enhance, I bridge medical and aesthetic dermatology treating conditions like psoriasis, eczema, acne, blistering diseases, and skin cancers, alongside precise dermatosurgery.
More than healing the physical, this specialty lets me help people reclaim confidence and present their best selves, a sense of impact that fuels my passion every day
On the aesthetic side, I provide advanced lasers, Botox, and skin rejuvenation, blending medical expertise with artistry to restore skin health and confidence. All treatments follow international standards, strict safety protocols, and personalized care.
Ultimately, at Enhance by Mediclinic and Mediclinic Parkview, the goal is simple- to offer world-class dermatological care that restores health, enhances confidence, and improves quality of life.
What are the toughest challenges in modern dermatology, and how do you address them?
Dermatology today is rewarding yet complex, spanning chronic diseases, skin cancers, and aesthetics, each demanding specialized approaches and continuous learning. Rapid advances in biologics, devices, and technology make lifelong education essential.
Patient expectations, often shaped by social media, add another challenge, requiring education, trust-building, and guidance toward realistic outcomes.
I navigate these challenges through evidence-based medicine, clear communication, and ongoing growth staying research-driven, managing expectations honestly, and embracing new advances to improve care.
And finally, I remind myself that challenges are opportunities; whether it’s adopting a new therapy like biologics, incorporating AI in diagnostics, or refining surgical techniques, every roadblock is a chance to evolve and offer better care.
What inspires your passion for dermatology and drives your work?
What drives me is the privilege of making a real difference in people’s lives. Skin conditions affect not only health but also confidence and emotional well-being, and having personally experienced one, I know their true impact making every restored smile deeply meaningful.
I’m equally inspired by learning and innovation, from clinical trials and co-developing an AI app to practicing across global healthcare systems.
At its heart, my passion lies in the blend of science, artistry, and human connection that dermatology uniquely offers a privilege I cherish every day.
Kusuma Narayana, Consultant Dermatologist, Enhance By Mediclinic
Dr Kusuma Narayana is a top dermatologist at Enhance by Mediclinic, Dubai, combining aesthetic beauty and patient-driven innovation to boost dermatology standards in the UAE. With 15 years of clinical practice in high-end UK centers and co-founder of AI dermatology app DermPod, she brings together international expertise with state-of-the-art treatments across medical and aesthetic dermatology.
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