Longtime Dermatology Nurse & Lifelong Learner Joins UW Dermatology Faculty

Throughout her career as a Registered Nurse, Stephanie Binick, DNP-FNP, ARNP, DNC, (she/her/hers), has always understood and valued the power of education, both formal and informal, to develop new skills, broaden her knowledge base and gain new perspectives. 

Even as a fresh nursing school graduate, Stephanie’s zest for learning led her to discover a newfound passion for dermatology.  

“On my first day as a dermatology RN in 2008, I read every single informational pamphlet in the clinic,” shares Stephanie. “I was enthralled with the diversity and complexity of dermatologic care, and that was just the beginning!”

This September, after many years supporting our UW Dermatology physicians and caring for patients at the UW Medical Center-Roosevelt Dermatology Center, Stephanie will embark on the next chapter of her career as she transitions into her new role as a Teaching Associate and board-certified Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) within the University of Washington Division of Dermatology.

“We are delighted that Stephanie has chosen to remain at UW Dermatology and put her further training to use with the team that knows and trusts her so well," says Dr. Paul Nghiem, Head of the Division of Dermatology. "Our patients and team will continue to benefit from her dedication and passion for dermatology.”

Stephanie is the very first Teaching Associate and fulltime ARNP to be hired within UW Dermatology. Over the next several years she will work closely with clinical staff and faculty to grow her foundation of dermatologic knowledge, with the intention to take on more advanced and complex duties and eventually begin providing all levels of care independently.

“I have sought out learning and leadership opportunities throughout my career. After about ten years as an RN, I knew that pursuing an advanced degree was the next step,” says Stephanie. “I have thoroughly enjoyed learning with the UW Dermatology Team and advancing my skills as a clinician. As an ARNP, I can further these skills and knowledge while integrating them into my practice.”

Stephanie's Next Chapter 

Originally from Mount Vernon, Wash., Stephanie earned her BA in Sociology from the University of Washington in 2004. She then went on to earn her BS in Nursing from the University of Washington School of Nursing. Straight out of college, Stephanie began working at the University of Washington as a Hospital Assistant, and later as a Nurse Technician and Registered Nurse supporting the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit. In 2008, Stephanie joined the UW Medical Center-Roosevelt Dermatology Center as a Registered Nurse and has since provided exceptional clinic support for the past 14 years.

In 2022, Stephanie graduated with her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from the University of Washington School of Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner Program, and officially joined the Roosevelt Dermatology Center in her new capacity as a Teaching Associate.

Stephanie credits the unwavering support of her family at home and working closely alongside her “Derm Family” of physicians and clinic staff at the Roosevelt Dermatology Center as her motivation to go back to college to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.

“I was extremely fortunate to join Dr. Andrea Kalus during her clinic visits for a team-based care pilot project,” shares Stephanie. “I gained a better appreciation for the patient-provider relationship. Dr. Kalus, of course, is a role model for best practice, and that experience catalyzed my pursuit of the DNP.”

"Working alongside Stephanie Binick has been an absolute joy, high quality patient care is always her goal and she brings calm and the absolute highest level of care to everyone she interacts with," shares Dr. Andrea Kalus, Associate Professor and dermatologist at the Roosevelt Dermatology Center. "I have sought her out for advice myself and am so delighted she is joining our practice!" 

In addition to providing higher-level, collaborative support to several dermatologists for patients with complex dermatologic needs, as a Teaching Associate, Stephanie will also begin leading her clinic’s quality improvement projects, program development and evaluation, and professional development and training initiatives. Her role will also provide opportunities to engage in research focused on evidence-based care and improved patient outcomes.

“I am thrilled to join the UW Dermatology team in this new role! My experience here has shown me that UW Dermatology promotes an environment for exceptional clinical care, research, practice inquiry, teaching, diversity, and inclusion. I share these ideals and am enthusiastic about dermatologic care. I have enjoyed collaborating with this team for most of my nursing practice and am excited to embark on this next step of my journey.”  

Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and career-change guide dog. The Binick family also loves Lego building, Harry Potter, and Star Wars, and have recently tried their hand at geocaching in their neighborhood (although Stephanie admits with limited success!).

Photos by Tiffany Diamond Photography.