Meet The Clinical Advisory Board

Carmen VanderHeiden Brodie, VP Clinical Operations at Removery

Carmen VanderHeiden Brodie is the Vice President of Clinical Operations at Removery. Carmen holds a master’s degree, is a certified laser specialist, and a licensed medical esthetician, who brings more than 20 years of laser experience to the Removery team.

Prior to her position with Removery, Carmen co-founded The Finery, a core tattoo removal specialization company that she built from the ground up approximately 10 years ago. The Finery has since been encompassed within Removery’s structure.

With both The Finery and now with Removery, Carmen's passion has always been to provide the highest quality experiences possible. Drawing on her previous experience, she's worked to craft a unique, extensive training and safety program to ensure that every Removery technician is prepared and qualified before they ever pick up a laser. Always seeking new opportunities to advance and evolve Removery’s process, Carmen has built a network of professionals that can provide each other with support and guidance, all with the goal of treating the patient as effectively and safely as possible.

With more than a decade of specialized experience in tattoo removal, Carmen frequently speaks at industry events, such as AMSPA, to share her experiences, expertise, and journey as a laser removal specialist.

Recent interviews with Carmen:

Mission Pittsburgh

KDKA-FM Pittsburgh

Thomas Barrows, MD

Thomas Barrows is a recognized expert in the world of medical laser technology. Dr. Barrows received his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, completed his residency training at the University of Texas in Dallas, and brings notable experience in the development of new technologies, clinical research, development of protocols, and supervision of clinical teams to the Removery team.

Prior to joining Removery, Dr. Barrows worked as an independent laser sales consultant, and he has been involved in the start-up of successful medical laser businesses. He gained extensive experience as a founding partner of Fade Away Laser, which operated multiple tattoo removal clinics in the United States and Canada, and as co-founder of Imperial Tattoo Supply, where he developed a patented tattoo wound care product for use by tattoo artists.

He is well known for participating in the design and manufacturing of laser and intense pulse light devices, as well as their regulatory approval with the FDA. Dr. Barrows’ qualifications and passion for sharing his knowledge throughout the field have led him to serve as a keynote speaker to the Med Spa Training Institute and the Alliance of Professional Tattooists through which he has educated hundreds of physicians in the U.S. and across the world in light-based technologies wound care and tattoo healing.

William Warren Kwan, MD

William Warren Kwan is a board-certified dermatologist, actively practicing both medical and cosmetic dermatology in the San Francisco area. Dr. Kwan received his medical degree from the University of Southern California and completed his residency in dermatology at King/Drew Medical Center in Los Angeles. As a prominent physician, Dr. Kwan offers more than 25 years of experience to the Removery team.

Combining his sophisticated technology with the highest standards of patient care, Dr. Kwan is among the nation’s leading practitioners of laser skin procedures. As a professional and an educator, he’s called on his expertise to guide others in new developments in cosmeceuticals, selecting laser providers, treating skin conditions with lasers, and more.

As a member of the Academy of Dermatology, the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery, and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, Dr. Kwan is passionate about sharing his experience throughout the industry and helping further advancements for tattoo removals.

Kevin T. Schomacker, Ph.D.

Kevin T. Schomacker is the Vice President of Medical Research at Candela Corporation, leading a global team in developing lasers and other energy-based devices for aesthetic applications. Dr. Schomacker holds a Ph.D. in chemical physics, has conducted extensive research in non-invasive and minimally invasive optical techniques, and brings 20 years of experience developing medical devices to the Removery team.

Dr. Schomacker has conducted postdoctoral research at the Wellman Center of Photomedicine, expanding into an associate physicist position, as well as an assistant professor in Dermatology at Harvard Medical School. His expertise led to his appointment of several leading research roles at prominent companies like MediSpectra Inc. and HyperMed Inc., where he developed hyperspectral imaging products.

With nearly 67 published peer-reviewed research papers and his experience as a fellow in the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, Dr. Schomacker serves a pivotal role in investigating laser-tissue interactions, such as tattoo clearance.

As he continues pursuing the development of new products that make a real difference in patients’ quality of care or life, Dr. Schomacker’s presence on the Removery board makes a significant contribution to the world of tattoo removals.

Joshua Weitz, MD

Joshua Weitz is a triple board-certified physician who specializes in internal medicine, allergy and immunology, and anti-aging and regenerative medicine. Dr. Weitz taps into his love of technology to work closely with companies commercializing new products destined to enhance patient experiences.

Alongside board-certified dermatologist Dr. Lesley Loss, his wife, Dr. Weitz owns and operates both Dermatology Associates of Rochester, a combined dermatology and plastic surgery practice, as well as Tat Erase, a Candela Center of Excellence offering best in class tattoo removal services.

With more than 10 years of experience and a focus on comfort, affordability, and consistency for patients, Dr. Weitz brings outstanding specializations to Removery.

Jaime Bastidas, MD

Dr. Jaime A. Bastidas is a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, providing a full spectrum of reconstructive and aesthetic procedures. He received his medical degree from New Jersey Medical School, completed his general surgical residency at Monmouth Medical Center, conducted a research fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, and completed his plastic surgery residency at Nassau University Medical Center in New York.

With more than 15 years of experience performing plastic and reconstructive surgical procedures, he is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery and the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery. In addition to his private practice, he is Chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery at Pascack Medical Center which is part of Hackensack University Medical Center.

He has a passion for hair restoration and body contouring procedures, which is the focus of his practice. He absolutely enjoys fulfilling the dreams of clients with a phenomenal bedside manner, precise techniques, and cutting-edge technology.

Dr. Bastidas has one goal, which is to provide an excellent experience while helping others. As a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, he brings a unique perspective to Removery and tattoo removals, making the most of his skill set to do the best work he can possibly do.

Howard Bennett, MD

Howard Bennett serves as Removery’s medical policy developer. With his background as a board-certified anesthesiologist in the Chicago area, Dr. Bennett delved into the world of tattoo removal 10 years ago after learning about various medical practices from Dr. Thomas Barrows.

He became engrossed in tattoo removal work and founded Vamoose Tattoo Removal, making it his full-time career by 2019. Now under the Removery name, Dr. Bennett remains a medical director of Vamoose while focusing on revising Removery’s Medical Contraindications to Tattoo Removal policy and other procedures and recruiting new medical directors.

With a goal of seeing a more active role for all of Removery’s medical directors, Dr. Bennett looks forward to contributing to the success of Removery’s Medical Advisory Board and shaping the future of tattoo removal.

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