Dr. Ryan Jay, DO, Joins Optima Dermatology’s Scarborough, ME Practice

Dr. Ryan Offers Medical, Surgical, and Cosmetic Dermatology Services for Patients of All Ages 

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ryan Jay, DO, is joining Optima Dermatology’s Scarborough, ME practice, where he will deliver expert skin care treatment to patients of all ages.  

Dr. Jay treats a variety of skin conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and skin cancer, and has been providing clinical care to patients since 2016. 

After growing up in New York City, and completing his education in Columbus, Ohio, Dr. Jay settled in Portland, Maine with his partner where he is excited to join Optima Dermatology and continue serving patients with expert dermatology care.  

In Ohio, Dr. Jay earned his Bachelor of Science in biology and Bachelor of Arts in French from Denison University in Granville, graduating magna cum laude and being inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest and most prestigious academic honor society in America. He then completed his residency in dermatology at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, where he served as Chief Dermatology Resident and scored amongst the top of dermatology residents on board exams.  

He went on to earn his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he led the top 10 percent of his class.  

Throughout his career, Dr. Jay has contributed to numerous medical publications and has served in a variety of educational and teaching roles. He is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the Gay and Lesbian Dermatology Society, and the International Dermoscopy Society. 

Dr. Jay has an ongoing commitment to advancing medical education and patient care. He is passionate about giving back to the community and has served in numerous community volunteer roles.  

We recently had the opportunity to learn more about Dr. Jay, his approach, and the path that led him to become a board-certified dermatologist. 

What made you decide to pursue a career in dermatology? What did the path to get there look like for you?

My interest in dermatology started as a medical student when I first experienced a “Kodachrome Session”, in which dermatologists in training intricately described skin conditions with their unique language and listed several potential diagnoses just from looking at a photo. I had never experienced such a special skill in medicine! After further experience in the field with mentors, I loved the diversity of conditions, procedures you perform, and ages of patients you treat on a daily basis. A day in the dermatology office is never boring! The longitudinal relationships with patients and restoration of their confidence and quality of life has proven incredibly rewarding too. 

The path to becoming a dermatologist required tremendous dedication to studying, research, and procedural practice. Though I discovered my love for dermatology in the latter half of medical school, I quickly got involved with various research projects in the field and found mentors who taught me every aspect of dermatology. I then spent four amazing years in residency, where I learned dermatology from many different settings. This experience included numerous outpatient clinics, a busy resident clinic, hospital consults, and clinics and consults at one of the largest children’s hospitals in the country. Dermatology training also required learning how to diagnose everything under the microscope: dermatopathology. This field represents another unique factor I love about dermatology and sets us apart from other specialties. Now I couldn’t imagine myself doing any other career. I was fortunate to have incredible mentors in dermatology who paved the way for me, and I hope to do the same for aspiring dermatologists in the future. 

What is your favorite aspect of being a board-certified dermatologist? 

I enjoy being able to use visual acumen and investigative skills to help diagnose and manage my patients’ skin conditions. It is such an intellectually stimulating field that always seeks to improve diagnostics and treatments with research! In addition, seeing patients develop confidence, agency, and a better quality of life as you help manage skin concerns is the most rewarding aspect of dermatology. 

What is your approach to treating your patients? 

My approach centers around patients feeling as welcomed and comfortable as possible. Skin can be such a vulnerable topic for people, and I want to ensure that everyone feels safe expressing their concerns so they get the personalized care they need. 

What is your number one tip when it comes to taking care of your skin? 

Daily sunscreen, a topical retinoid, and protective gloves when washing dishes (we don’t realize how much damage is done to our skin barrier from frequent hand washing!). Consistency is key too. 

What is one thing you want your patients to know about you? 

I am a very warm and friendly person with a genuine interest in the personalized care of my patients. You will feel heard and welcomed in a way that makes you feel like you’re getting help from not only a doctor with attention to detail, but also a friend. 

What do you like to do when you are not in the office treating patients? 

When I am not in the office, you will find me living and breathing anything related to food. My partner and I love to explore the diverse food scene of Portland and cook using local products when possible. We also love to travel around the country and world to explore other cultures, cuisines, and geographic landscapes. I try to stay active and enjoy running, playing tennis, hiking, doing peloton workouts, and exploring the water and winter activities of Maine. In terms of sports watching, we are an Arsenal F.C. household! Finally, I have rekindled my love for French (I was a French major in college and studied abroad in Aix-en-Provence) and hope to regain these language skills. 

What to Expect From Dr. Jay and His Team 

Patients visiting Dr. Jay and his team at Optima Dermatology’s Scarborough practice will receive quality care backed by advanced training and experience. 

Dr. Jay is currently accepting new patients at our Scarborough, ME practice. To schedule an appointment, call 207-770-5621, or schedule an appointment online.  

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