Student author pens book for pediatric dermatology patients
Inspired by her sister’s journey with skin conditions, a rising fourth-year student at McGovern Medical School has combined her passion for dermatology and storytelling to create a children’s book designed to help young patients embrace and celebrate their skin.
“My sister grew up with acne and eczema, and I saw how much it impacted her self-esteem. Watching someone I love struggle with how they saw themselves made me realize how deeply skin conditions can affect a person’s confidence,” said Alisha Kashyap, a rising fourth-year McGovern student. “That experience planted a seed in me early on to one day help individuals facing similar challenges and inspired me to pursue dermatology as my career path.”
Since her undergraduate days, Kashyap furthered her dermatology interest by volunteering at Camp Discovery, a camp for kids with chronic skin conditions. There, she met Lily, a camper with ichthyosis whose resilience and spirit inspired the protagonist of Kashyap’s book.
“Her strength, joy, and openness truly moved me,” she said. “She became the heart of this story, and the character in the book is named after her.”
The 54-page illustrated paperback, Loving the Skin You’re In at Camp Dermadillo, was published in February and integrates journaling prompts, affirmations, and discussion questions to engage young readers. It is co-authored by Alanna Bree, MD, a pediatric dermatologist and founder of the nonprofit Made A Masterpiece, who has served as Kashyap’s mentor.
“I approached Dr. Bree with the idea for this book early last year, and together we began the publication process with Stellar Communications. It was such a rewarding experience to have full creative freedom and to collaborate on multiple versions of the story. Balancing the project with my third-year clinical rotations was a challenge, but the experience and the impact it’s had made it more than worth it,” she said.
This past March, Kashyap held a book signing at Camp Dermadillo, a one-day introductory camp for this pediatric population.
“Seeing the kids read the story—some of whom saw parts of themselves in Lily—was one of the most meaningful moments of my life,” she said.
Beyond authorship, Kashyap actively supports student well-being as co-chair of the McGovern Student Wellness and Resilience Committee.
“Alisha’s book is a meaningful reflection of how our students are carrying wellness into the broader community,” said Caitlin McAfee, senior program manager, Wellness and Resilience.
Kashyap said she hopes the book will help not only the young people afflicted with chronic skin conditions but also spread awareness to those around them.
“So often, these kids face stigma, questions, or isolation simply because of their appearance,” she explained. “I want this book to be a reminder that they are beautiful, strong, and worthy exactly as they are. I also hope it fosters empathy and awareness among other children, families, educators, and providers.”
Starting this summer, the book will be distributed nationwide at Camp Discovery locations.
Writing the book, she said, has confirmed her patient-centered approach to medicine.
“I’ve always believed that care should go beyond prescriptions and that self-esteem and mental health are just as important as managing physical conditions,” she said. “I believe in treating every patient with the same compassion I’d show my own family, and I truly see my sister in every child who feels insecure about their skin.”