Get to know Sarah Thompson, NP at Skin Pharm in Nashville.

How did I get into nursing?

I grew up around nursing and healthcare. I was inspired by my mom, who is a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist). I knew from a very young age that becoming a nurse was something I wanted to do. I recently completed my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I made the decision to further my education so I could be better prepared to understand and implement research into practice with my patients.

How did I end up at Skin Pharm?

Maegan Griffin and I attended nursing school together, so we've known each other for 10 years! We kept in touch over the years, and I followed her journey as she built Skin Pharm. I have always considered Maegan a mentor, and I feel so blessed to be learning from her every day. I love working with so many strong women — and I'm talking about my co-workers and my patients. We empower one another, we recognize each other's strengths and we continually build each other up.

What do I like to do when I'm not at Skin Pharm?

I spend time with my husband, Philip, our poodle, Reagan, and our daughter, Laney! I also love cooking and baking, working out, trying new restaurants around town and reading psychological thrillers. Also, we love to travel!

What do I wish I'd done when I was younger to take better care of my skin?

Always wear your SPF! I was a lifeguard in high school and did not protect my skin like I should have. Instead of trying to get tan, I wish I would’ve focused more on protecting my skin from the sun.

What would I like to continue to learn?

The world of cosmetic dermatology is constantly changing and evolving. It can be challenging to keep up, but at Skin Pharm we promise to always provide the most up-to-date, evidence-based care. I’m a self-declared nerd, and I love learning about new and improved treatments and products.

What do I hope for my patients?

I hope each and every patient leaves Skin Pharm feeling heard, appreciated and taken care of. Most importantly, I hope patients leave feeling confident! I've learned that I can take better care of others if I take good care of myself. I'm grateful for the women in my life who have constantly encouraged me and pushed me to be my best. By watching these women, I learned that being our best starts with caring for ourselves – and by loving ourselves, too. This means physically, mentally and emotionally. In order to be the best wife, daughter, sister, friend and nurse practitioner, it's important for me to take time to care for myself. It's OK to take this time to care for yourself – you should not feel ashamed for doing so.