Nicole Boynosky MS, BVMS, DACVD

Best part of my job:

While most dermatology issues in pets are not life-threatening, they can very severely affect the quality of life for the pet and their humans. Itchy and smelly pets can negatively affect the human-animal bond and by the time a client reaches me they are usually pretty frustrated. The most rewarding part of what I do is providing relief from suffering by treating underlying disease itch and infections which in turn makes them more comfortable and makes them smell good so that they can fully integrate back with their family.

One of the reasons I chose to be part of the Rise Pet Health team:

The skin is the largest organ of the body and is a window into a pet’s overall health. I take full advantage of the diverse group of veterinarians and specialists at Rise through collaboration. This collaboration allows me to discuss my patients with other experts in their field in order to not only treat the skin but the patient as a whole and subsequently deliver the very best high quality care.

Special talent:

I particularly enjoy working in a partnership with pet parents to achieving great outcomes for my patients. I like to engage my clients in a bit of derm “CSI” where I listen to every detail my clients give me about their pet. So many derm issues can look the same, so paying attention to the nuances in the information is vital to a correct diagnosis and treatment plan.

What is exciting me about veterinary dermatology:

I am particularly interested in immune-mediated disease, cutaneous manifestations of disease, dermatopathology, fear free dermatology, and of course allergies. Fortunately, there have been many new developments in dermatology with regard to diagnostics, skin barrier support products, and management of allergy. Allergy testing has become more precise and also much easier on the pet (just a blood draw) and we can achieve some really terrific results.

One thing people may not know about me:

I’m one of those rare people who actually enjoys public speaking! I’m a frequent lecturer at veterinary conferences, giving local referring veterinarian and support staff lectures, and will basically take any opportunity I have to share my knowledge with others and get them as excited about dermatology as I am.

If I couldn’t be a veterinary dermatologist:

I might be running a small hotel or B&B. My parents owned a small tavern, restaurant, and hotel in northeast Pennsylvania. I admired the tremendous pride they took in making their guests’ experiences special. I grew up in a hotel and restaurant environment doing every job, and I still really enjoy cooking (particularly grilling) and entertaining today. I could also see myself doing something completely unrelated and being a forensic pathologist.

What you’ll find me doing in my free time:

I enjoy spending time with my partner, who is also a veterinarian, and our menagerie of pets. We have three dogs, our very smart chihuahua mix named Bean, our very allergic, toy motivated, cuddly Chinese crested named Leopold, and our newest huggable and lovable pit bull named Hamish. Not to be forgotten we also have a mischievous Sphinx cat named Sir Cutis Skinfred Von Wrinkles who eats everything including things he shouldn’t eat. I am drawn to adopting the pets with extreme derm issues because I know I can help them. I also have a fondness for greyhounds and pit bulls because they are often misunderstood.