Kersti Kents knew a medical career was her calling from the age of five. With both parents in the field, her dad a doctor and mom a nurse, there was a certain inevitability to it.
Her initial plan was to become a general practitioner and take over the family practice. During medical school, though, her husband suggested specializing in dermatology. Though enjoying an elective in that discipline, Dr. Kents felt the program was too competitive.
A shift in the emergency room got her hooked on the atmosphere there instead. “In the emergency department you get lots of patients and it’s great place to learn different skills,” recalls Dr. Kents. “I realized that I liked it. I liked the episodic care. I liked the way I got to care for all types of patients with a variety of injuries and illnesses.”
She finished her degree in Family Medicine, then spent another year studying Emergency Medicine. In 2006 she moved to Muskoka to accept an Emergency Department position in Muskoka Algonquin Health Care’s hospitals.
While caring for an injured patient in 2009, Dr. Kents learned about a medical aesthetics practice in town. Intrigued, she began exploring that field.
Dr. Kents started training locally with Dr. Terry Bridle in medical aesthetics, adding sclerotherapy and injection of fillers and neuromodulators to her scope of practice in 2009.
While continuing to work the ER, and raising two children, she also worked part-time for a busy medical spa in Barrie.
In 2016, she launched Medical Aesthetics of Muskoka (MAOM), to deliver cosmetic medicine locally. Recognizing a need for a local dermatology option, she retrained in skin conditions and disorders, completing her Practical Diploma in Dermatology and over a year of expert supervision with two dermatologists in 2018. The next year, MAOM began treating dermatological conditions.
The multi-room facility in Bracebridge is now run by Dr. Kents, two receptionists, two nurses and a medical aesthetician – providing elevated services for a variety of needs.
Outside the practice, community has been a big part of Dr. Kents’ life, which is why she passionately supports the hospitals, youth sports, women’s shelters, animal shelters and more. She even earned a blue belt in jiu-jitsu after seeing how much her kids enjoyed the discipline.
Whatever she does, Dr. Kents brings calm, comfort, and confidence to every procedure or consultation. Her team does the same. “Our team’s medical training, experience and technology help us provide more than just cosmetic care.”
Having grown up in a family practice, Dr. Kents understands the importance of truly caring for everyone she and her team sees.
TEXT CHRIS OCCHIUZZI
PHOTOS SCOTT TURNBULL
