Meet The Member - Ravi of sk:INSPIRE Medical
Ravi -skinspire medical
We caught up with our member, Ravi, to learn about his journey from GP to Clinical Director of sk:INSPIRE Medical.
We’re delighted to have you as part of We Are St. Albans! Could you share your journey with us? When did sk:INSPIRE begin, and was this always your dream, or did you transition from a different career?
Thank you. We are delighted to be part of We Are St. Albans! sk:INSPIRE Medical was founded as a medical skin clinic just before the first lockdown. However, with in-person consultations on hold, we had to quickly adapt. We shifted our focus to education and advisory services, allowing us to continue supporting patients remotely while also growing a strong following.
This transition laid the foundation for what sk:INSPIRE Medical has become today—a fully accredited CQC medical clinic offering private GP services, dermatology consultations, blood tests, joint injections, and minor surgical procedures. Throughout this journey, our ethos has remained the same: providing honest advice, guiding our patients toward their goals, and delivering truly personalised care.
It has been a dynamic and rewarding journey, and we are proud of how sk:INSPIRE Medical has evolved to serve our community.
For someone new to skincare treatments, where would you suggest they start? What’s the ideal introduction to professional skincare?
If you're new to skincare treatments, it’s best to start by understanding your skin type and its unique needs. Begin with a simple routine that includes a gentle cleanser, moisturiser, and sun protection. Once you’re comfortable, you can gradually introduce active ingredients, like Vitamin C, retinol, or exfoliating acids, either over the counter or with prescription-strength products. At sk:INSPIRE Medical, we focus on pairing active ingredients with topicals containing non-active ingredients to create a balanced routine that works for your skin. This approach ensures that your skin receives the right treatment without overloading it. As a doctor-led clinic, we provide personalised guidance to help you navigate the overwhelming skincare choices and find what works best for you.
How important is building a personal connection with your patient? As a medical professional, what role does trust play in your work?
Building a personal connection with your patient is one of the most crucial aspects of being a doctor. Beyond diagnosing and treating illnesses, a strong doctor-patient relationship fosters trust, which can significantly impact health outcomes.
When patients feel heard, valued, and understood, they are more likely to be honest about their symptoms, adhere to treatment plans, and seek medical advice when needed. Trust also eases anxiety, making consultations more effective and collaborative rather than one-sided.
As a doctor, trust isn’t just a bonus—it is the foundation of good medicine. It allows you to guide patients through difficult decisions, encourage lifestyle changes, and provide reassurance during uncertain times. Without trust, even the most accurate diagnosis or well-planned treatment may fall short.
Are there any common skincare myths you would love to set the record straight on?
In the world of skincare, misinformation is everywhere, here are a couple of my favourites:
"Sunscreen is unnecessary on cloudy days."
UV radiation penetrates clouds, with up to 80% of UV rays reaching the skin even on overcast days. Daily sunscreen use is crucial not only to prevent sunburn but also to reduce the risk of premature aging and skin cancer. Regardless of the weather, applying a broad-spectrum SPF should be a non-negotiable part of your skincare routine.
"Chocolate causes acne."
There is no direct link between chocolate and acne. However, diets high in refined sugars and dairy may contribute to breakouts in certain individuals. Acne is influenced by multiple factors, including genetics, hormones, and skincare habits, rather than a single food item.
"Oily skin does not need moisturiser."
Skipping moisturizer can lead to an overproduction of oil, as the skin attempts to compensate for a lack of hydration. The key is selecting a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that provides hydration without clogging pores or increasing oiliness.
We would love to hear about some of the medical services that you offer.
At sk:INSPIRE Medical, we provide a wide range of services designed to support your health and well-being. Our GP consultations cover everything from general health concerns to ongoing medical management, while our comprehensive health checks and blood tests help detect underlying issues before they become bigger problems. We also offer joint injections for pain relief and work closely with specialists to provide seamless referrals for imaging and further assessments when needed.
In addition, we have a strong focus on dermatology, offering expert skin consultations, mole and skin lesion assessments, and minor surgical procedures to safely remove lumps, bumps, and other skin lesions. Any skin lesions we remove are sent to our trusted laboratory for microscopic analysis, ensuring an accurate diagnosis and peace of mind.
Our goal is to provide high-quality, patient-centred care in a professional yet friendly environment, ensuring that you receive the right treatment and expert advice tailored to your needs. Whether you are looking for routine or acute GP appointments, specialist referrals, or dermatological care, we are here to help you take control of your health with confidence.
What is unique about sk:INSPIRE’s approach to skincare?
We combine medical expertise with personalised care. Rather than a one-size-fits-all routine, we start by understanding your skin through a proper diagnosis. This allows us to create a treatment plan tailored to you, which may include a combination of prescription medications and medical-grade skincare for the best possible results. Whether you are looking to improve your skin’s health, manage conditions like acne or rosacea, or simply refine your routine, we are here to guide you with expert advice and evidence-based solutions.
When it comes to your business, what would you say you are the proudest of?
We are incredibly proud of how sk:INSPIRE Medical has grown, from an idea to a CQC-accredited clinic that patients trust. One of the most rewarding aspects is the positive feedback we receive and seeing so many new patients come to us through recommendations from current or previous patients. Knowing that our care makes a real difference—and that our patients feel confident enough to refer their loved ones—means everything to us. It is a reflection of the dedication, expertise, and patient-centred approach that we have built our clinic around.
What are the biggest changes or benefits you see in your client’s lives after working with you?
We believe healthcare is about more than just prescriptions—it’s about truly listening to our patients and providing the care they need. Sometimes, that’s reassurance and expert advice after a health check. Other times, it’s preventative medicine, guiding patients toward healthier choices before issues arise.
From treating infections with antibiotics to clearing severe acne with isotretinoin, we tailor care to each patient’s needs. We also offer minor procedures, like removing skin lesions, when they cause distress or affect confidence—especially when NHS options are limited for non-cancerous lesions. Whatever the concern, we are here to help patients take control of their health and well-being.
Looking ahead, is there anything you are particularly excited about?
We are excited to see sk:INSPIRE Medical continue to grow! We have worked hard to build a service that prioritises high-quality, patient-centred care, and we’re always looking for ways to enhance what we offer. One of the things we’re most excited about is our newly launched membership scheme, which allows us to provide more personalised, ongoing care to our regular patients. We are passionate about welcoming both new and returning patients and building long-term relationships with them. Supporting their health journey with continuity of care is something we truly love, and we can’t wait to see this develop as part of our clinic’s growth.
Lastly, tell us some of your favourite spots in St. Albans to enjoy during your spare time.
Being a local, we love spending time at Verulamium Park, especially in the summer, when we can take our two young children for a walk around the pond. It is such a peaceful spot for a family outing! When it comes to dining out, our favourite places to eat are Per Tutti and L'Italiana for delicious Italian food, and Tikka Nation for a great Indian. St. Albans has so much to offer, and we love exploring it with our family.