Pure Dermatology: An innovative, female-owned medical practice that started at Tulane University
Dr. Kate Zibilich Holcomb, Founder & Dermatologist, Pure Dermatology
Tulane University ’98, BS
Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine ’99, MsPH, Parasitology
Tulane University School of Medicine ’04, MD, Doctor of Medicine
Dr. Mara Haseltine, Owner & Dermatologist, Pure Dermatology
Tulane University ’99, BS
Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine '03, MsPH, Community Health
Tulane University School of Medicine ’03, MD, Doctor of Medicine
Pure Dermatology (3100 Galleria Dr #203, Metairie) is a unique dermatology practice that is a testament to the power of friendship and the Tulane experience. Dr. Kate Zibilich Holcomb and Dr. Mara Haseltine, the driving innovative forces behind Pure Dermatology, started their journey and friendship when they became sorority sisters at Tulane University. After completing their undergraduate degrees, both women pursued their medical education at Tulane University School of Medicine, and they also both earned Master of Public Health degrees from Tulane's School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.
The pair credits their entrepreneurial drive to their time at Tulane University. Dr. Haseltine mentioned that Tulane provided her with "a solid foundation in science and medicine" and commended the accessibility of professors and the focus on independence and hard work. Dr. Holcomb pointed to the diverse student body at Tulane as crucial to her growth, stating, "Interacting with different people encourages you to think outside the box, teaches you to respect all kinds of people, and helps you collaborate effectively." She also highlighted the importance of building a strong team, a skill she developed at Tulane. "Learning to work as a team really prepares people to be entrepreneurs and teaches them how to treat the organization and their employees with respect because you can't build something great without a team."
After graduating, Dr. Holcomb completed her residency in New York, while Dr. Haseltine remained in New Orleans. However, they managed to stay connected. "Every year, we'd have one or two big resident meetings," Dr. Haseltine recalls, "and it was almost as if the Tulane residents and the residents from St Luke's Roosevelt, where Kate was, would merge into one big program." After graduation, they both joined private practices in the New Orleans area. In 2017, Dr. Holcomb established Pure Dermatology, with Dr. Haseltine joining soon after. Their practice philosophy reflects the values instilled during their time at Tulane - approachability, education, and teamwork.
Both doctors have remained closely connected to their alma mater. Dr. Holcomb serves on the Tulane Medical Alumni Board and is an Assistant Clinical Professor at Tulane University School of Medicine. Dr. Haseltine holds positions as an Assistant Clinical Professor at both Tulane and LSU School of Medicine Departments of Dermatology and serves on the Tulane Alumni Association Board of Directors and Tulane Medical Alumni Board.
Their advice to current Tulane medical students considering entrepreneurship is clear: "You've got to go for it," says Dr. Holcomb. "Even if that thing fails, it will teach you the next time you go for something else."
From sorority sisters to successful dermatologists and business partners, Dr. Holcomb and Dr. Haseltine believe in innovating in patient care and dermatological treatments. They embody the spirit of their alma mater—a commitment to excellence and community.
On August 7, 2024, at 6:00 pm, these female entrepreneurs will return to campus to celebrate other female founders at "Show Her the Money," a movie screening hosted by the Tulane Innovation Institute and Tulane Ventures. The event will highlight the importance of investing in women-owned businesses. Tulane Ventures is a $10 million seed fund that prioritizes supporting underrepresented (including female founders), early-stage ventures in Louisiana. The fund will support ventures in the health and medical sectors and additional growth areas like climate/ energy and AI/ technology.
