BOISE, Idaho — Dr. Dustin Portela is a Treasure Valley dermatologist. He has a successful practice and now he's determined to give back to our community.
It's been a goal of his for years to serve people who may not be able to afford to see a doctor or have access to one, he said. Now, that goal is a reality. He now has a state-of-the-art mobile dermatology clinic.
"If I can go out and help people, that's one of the most rewarding things I can do in my career," Portela said. "So, I just love doing it. This is a project I've wanted to do since I was in medical school, and I finally got to the point in my career where we could afford to do this. My goal is to provide as much free charitable care as we can in our community. The goal is free skin cancer screenings and full dermatology care for uninsured patients in our community, and across the state."
Portela said he wants to help the patients who need him the most.
"I just saw the incredible need to just try to bridge the gap that so many people fall through in the healthcare system," Portela said. "If we can go to them and provide that care, and also help get them prescriptions free of charge, I feel like I have a duty to do that because I'm in a position where I can."
The Treasure Valley Dermatology Mobile Clinic is something truly special.
"It's completely custom. We designed it to have two exam rooms. Up here at the front it's kind of a basic exam room, in the middle of the RV we have a refrigerator where we can store all of our medication and store our supplies. In the back, we have our biggest exam room and that's a place where we can lay the patient flat, I can even do surgery if needed," he said.
On the day we caught up with him, he was seeing patients at Genesis Community Health in Garden City. Patients like Joanna Foster.
"I'm coming to hopefully get some things taken care of on my skin," Foster said.
Foster says trying to get in to see a dermatologist has been close to impossible.
"It's a nightmare, they have such a long waiting list. Even if we get new ones in, they fill up so fast," Foster said.
When she heard Doctor Portela was offering mobile care free of charge, she signed up.
"I don't have insurance, I'm very low income, so for me it's a blessing." Foster said.
Portela had a full schedule of patients to see, along with Foster.
"It's so rewarding for me, and we've already seen a half dozen patients this morning. Just listening to their stories," Portela said.
Dr. Portela's social media popularity helped make this dream come true! He has over 3 million followers on his platforms. That certainly took him by surprise. He had no idea it would explode the way it has.
"I took to social media because I saw the need for so many people who can't get the right education, and there's so much misinformation online and throughout our daily lives. If we can get free skin cancer and skin care information to people, then we are able to educate people even if they can't see a doctor in person," Portela said. "So, I didn't go into it trying to be an influencer in any way, but it's something that has turned into the ability to fulfill my dreams of doing this mobile clinic."
His mobile clinic patients are so grateful for his care and his dedication to helping bridge the healthcare gap.
"People like him are few and far between, so when you find people like this it's great," said patient Joanna Foster. "It renews your faith in humanity."
Portela is currently out with the mobile clinic for a week each month. He hopes he can get out on the road even more and visit Idaho's rural areas.
"This is not a money-making venture, but it's so much more rewarding for me to do this," he said. "Ultimately. if my career could be providing free medical care only? That's what I would love to do."
You can also learn more about the mobile clinic, and where it will be next, on his website.