By Joycelyne Fadojutimi

Dr. Laura Fite with Wallis Dermatology Associates is the only female dermatologist in the Longview/Marshall community. She is happily married to her college Sweetheart, Kent Fite, MD, a radiologist with Medical Imaging Consultants at Christus Good Shepherd. She makes a declaration of their relationship that leaves no doubt as to the extents of their professional and personal relationships:

“We met out first year of medical school. Kent is my biggest fan, but also my best friend,” she says. “I am a better person because of him. He supports me in my career, but also lets me fulfill my role as a mother, which often means less of my time for him.”

Laura stays remarkably busy with her career, but there is no question about her love and devotion to daughters Farrah, almost seven; Frances, four; and Finley almost two. Their three dogs, cat, and aquarium full of tropical fish also get their share of love and devotion.

A native of Lake Jackson, Texas she was raised by parents who gently, firmly impressed on her the invaluable importance of family, faith, and education. She and her two younger sisters learned that schooling is the sure path to career success. Even though she knew she wanted children, there was also the realization she had to be prepared to make it on her own if necessary.

“The importance of having an education and the skills to take care of yourself and a family is something that cannot ever be taken away,” she says. “It will always be there if needed.”

Her vocational choice is in accordance with family tradition. Her extended clan includes seven medical doctors and two cousins who are currently in training. She eagerly headed for medical school to follow in the footsteps of her grandfather, two uncles and an aunt.

She pulled down a Bachelor of Science in microbiology from the University of Texas at Austin before moving onto the University of Houston College of Medicine. She then took her one-year internal medicine internship and three-year dermatology residency training at Baylor, Scott & White Hospital System in Temple.

Considering how the medical field has no “corporate ladder,” trainees’ path to success starts from their first day of medical school before continuing into various fields of medicine. This is an enormous committment for young people who know they will be training for more than a decade, far longer than in other professions.

“It is a huge commitment, especially in your twenties when your other friends have completed school and have their first real job,” she says. “But despite the years of training I would not have done it any other way.”

After resolutely completing her residency to become a board-certified dermatologist Laura commenced practicing medicine in Virginia while husband Kent finished his fellowship training in musculoskeletal radiology. Upon completion of his training, the couple moved to Longview. Since the summer of 2018 she has worked at Wallis Dermatology Associates. The only female dermatologist in this area, she alternates between treating patients in Longview and the practice in Marshall location. Although the hours are eight to five, the rest of her workdays are unpredictable.

“I evaluate a wide range of medical conditions, perform surgical procedures in the office and even cosmetic treatments,” she says. “A patient once asked me if I was the Dr. Pimple Popper of East Texas, and my response was, ‘On many days I am!'”

The clinic treats mainly conditions affecting hair, skin, and nails. Typical daily ministrations are for acne, rosacea, and warts, but there are sometimes more serious problems involving conditions like melanoma, eczema, psoriasis, and such autoimmune diseases as lupus. Besides treating their painful ailments, Laura loves her patients and becomes a friend as well as a doctor.

“I love talking to couples in their eighties who have been married for sixty-plus years and ask for their marital advice, or to ask a ninety-five-year-old their secret to a long life,” she says. “I also see kids in my practice and love telling them I am the ‘nice doctor’ because we don’t (often) give shots to kids.”

She still devotes her career and patients to the Great Healer. Her faith in Jesus Christ, she realizes, is what makes her work of physical salvation possible, and she gives credit to the Lord God for her vocation and the opportunities it gives her to share the healing gifts even as she concentrates on serving her patients and her family.

“I am thankful for each and every day I get to spend on this Earth with my girls, my husband and am grateful to be able to continue to serve the community of Longview,” she says.