Healthy skin is a labor of self-love that takes care, precision, and discipline. At home, that means daily sunscreen and products designed for your skin type. But true skin health also requires the same disciplined, precise care from your dermatologist—those regular skin checks that can catch potential issues early and keep your skin at its best.
If words like discipline and precision sound a bit military, that’s no coincidence. Apex Skin’s founder and chief dermatologist, Dr. Jorge Garcia-Zuazaga, served as a Naval Flight Surgeon for the U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 squadron—VMFA-122, the Crusaders. He now leads Apex Skin’s 15 advanced dermatology locations across Northeast Ohio.
Dr. Olivia Arballo, board-certified dermatologist serving in our Mentor dermatology office, also brings eight years of Army service to her practice.
Together, they share how their military experience shapes patient care—from skin cancer treatment and Mohs surgery to anti-aging solutions—and how those same values of precision, teamwork, and integrity define Apex Skin’s commitment to veteran healthcare and to every patient they serve.
Military-Inspired Values That Shape Our Approach to Dermatology Care
“Discipline, precision, and teamwork are the backbone of how we operate,” says Dr. Garcia-Zuazaga. “In the military, everyone has a mission—and you train, prepare, and execute as a unit. I’ve brought that same mindset to Apex.”
That same discipline matters whether treating complex skin cancer cases or helping patients look and feel their best with advanced anti-aging therapies.
“In the military, you learn quickly that cutting corners is never an option, and that trust—both giving and earning it—is non-negotiable. That same ethos drives the way we lead and practice medicine today. I believe in leading by example, being hands-on, and doing whatever it takes to support the mission. We approach every case with precision, communicate constantly across specialties, and hold each other accountable to the highest standards,” explains Dr. Garcia-Zuazaga. “Whether we’re coordinating complex surgeries, managing chronic skin diseases, or simply reassuring a nervous patient, our team works as one. That shared sense of purpose, that commitment to excellence, is something I’m incredibly proud of.”
Integrity and Teamwork in Skincare
Dr. Arballo explains how her military experience shapes her everyday approach to advanced dermatology:
“All of those values translate directly into my day-to-day practice at Apex Skin: discipline shows in how I conduct myself as a medical professional and keeping up with all of the developments in dermatology. Integrity manifests in having strong moral principles and practicing honesty in everything I do. Teamwork is all about working with many different staff and personalities to ensure we are providing the best care possible.”
Her approach mirrors the compassionate, coordinated care patients experience at Apex Skin. Dr. Garcia-Zuazaga’s perspective aligns closely.
“My time as a ‘flight doc’ involved multiple overseas deployments where I was deeply embedded with my team, supporting aviators and ground crew through high-stakes missions. Integrity and teamwork were central to fulfilling the mission with precision,” says Dr. Garcia-Zuazaga. “Integrity and service really matter when it comes to treating high-risk skin conditions.”
“Integrity means doing the right thing, even when no one is watching—a fundamental principle in both military service and medicine. And collaboration is the engine that drives great healthcare. At Apex Skin, we function as a team. From our front desk staff to our providers, we are aligned in our mission to provide rock-star care to our patients.” — Dr. Garcia-Zuazaga
All of these disciplines—integrity, teamwork, service, precision, and discipline—are essential to helping patients care for the largest organ of their bodies: their skin.
Skincare Excellence: Military Experience Meets Modern Dermatology
“During my time in the army, I got to see a lot of common but also rarer skin conditions like infections in soldiers returning from other parts of the world,” says Dr. Arballo. “My military training also taught me to treat every patient equally and with respect. I learned to communicate effectively with many different people in different situations. I also had the benefit of seeing a lot of skin of color. This experience helps me in diagnosing rashes properly in skin of color and also treating a wide variety of chronic medical conditions.”
The Breadth of Advanced, Holistic Skincare Through the Depth of Military Experience
Dr. Garcia-Zuazaga explains that military experience brings a depth of focus and problem-solving that directly benefits patients at Apex Skin: “Thanks to pop culture, many people think dermatology is just about acne or ‘pimple popping.’ But the truth is, dermatology is one of the most competitive and medically complex specialties in the field. We’re trained to diagnose systemic conditions just by looking at the skin, and we perform a significant amount of surgery, pathology, and reconstruction.”
Garcia continues: “When medical students rotate with me, they’re often surprised by the breadth of what we do in a single day. From diagnosing rare skin diseases to removing complex skin cancers—it’s a specialty that combines deep medical knowledge with precision surgical skills. I feel incredibly fortunate to be in this field.”
That broad scope of experience allows Apex Skin providers to deliver exceptional care to every patient—regardless of skin tone, background, or condition. It also helps advance skin cancer treatment innovation that improves outcomes for patients facing serious diagnoses.
Serving Veterans and Expanding Access to Veteran Healthcare
“At Apex, we believe that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off,” says Dr. Garcia-Zuazaga. “We are committed to honoring and supporting those who served—because they deserve the very best.”
That belief inspired the Purple Heart Project, an initiative offering free scar revision to veterans injured during active duty and struggling with visible scars.
“The Purple Heart Project is one of the initiatives I’m most proud of,” says Dr. Garcia-Zuazaga. “Deep scarring from combat often goes beyond the surface—many of them carry emotional weight. If we can help a veteran feel more confident, reclaim their space in society, and heal inside and out, that’s a powerful way to pay it forward.”
Apex Skin’s veteran healthcare intitaives don’t stop there: “We’re also expanding this program, encouraging more veterans to come in for proactive skin checks. Early skin cancer detection is especially important for veterans who may have had heavy sun exposure during their service. We’re exploring partnerships with VFWs, VA clinics, and other veteran organizations to offer outreach, education, and access to expert care across Ohio.”
Higher Risk of Skin Cancer Among Veterans
Research shows veterans face an increased risk of skin cancer due to prolonged UV exposure during service. The good news? When caught early, recover rates are as high as 99%! That’s why same-day SPOT checks and annual full-body skin cancer screenings are vital—for veterans and civilians alike.
Dr. Arballo emphasizes prevention for everyone: “One of the most common myths is that there is no UV exposure when it’s cloudy. That’s just not true. You need to wear sunscreen every day, regardless of the weather, and be especially cautious during the strongest sunlight of the day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Some people also give up on using sun protection because they didn’t do it in their past, but everything they can do going forward will still help prevent more skin cancers in the future.”
“Apex Skin is definitely the best place to go for diagnosing and treating skin cancers,” says Dr. Arballo. “We are available for same or next day appointments and will perform a biopsy the same day if we are concerned. We are also able to get patients in very quickly for surgery if needed. Our compassion and putting patients first also set Apex Skin apart. I strive to provide every patient that I see with the best care to ensure they are happy with their skin health.”
Mohs Surgery: Military Precision in Skin Cancer Treatment
“For many of my patients, their diagnosis is skin cancer,” explains Dr. Garcia-Zuazaga. “That word alone brings fear and uncertainty. My job is to bring clarity—to walk them through every step, explain their options, and develop a personalized treatment plan together. Sometimes that means being aggressive with Mohs surgery, other times it means exploring non-surgical options. What matters most is being transparent—discussing cure rates, expected outcomes, and empowering patients to make informed decisions.”
What is Mohs Surgery?
“Mohs Micrographic Surgery, or just ‘Mohs,’ provides the highest cure rates and pathology-confirmed results,” says Dr. Garcia-Zuazaga. “And thanks to our highly trained team, we’re able to catch many cancers early, when treatment is simpler and more effective. Early detection truly saves lives.”
During Mohs surgery, the dermatologist removes thin layers of skin from the lesion and examines them in-house under a microscope. Layers are removed and checked until all samples are clear of cancer cells—ensuring full removal while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
This process achieves two major outcomes:
- Total elimination of cancerous cells
- Smaller, faster-healing wounds with minimal scarring
“We take time to explain the procedure in detail and make sure patients feel informed and supported throughout,” says Dr. Garcia-Zuazaga. “I want every patient to feel confident that they are in good hands. Skin cancer is a battle, and we fight it every day—but winning that battle, one patient at a time, is what makes this work so meaningful. And when I get to tell someone, “You are cancer-free,” as they walk out the door—that moment is powerful. It’s why we do what we do.”
What Patients Can Expect at Apex Skin
“I treat every patient like I would treat a family member,” says Dr. Garcia-Zuazaga. At Apex Skin, military values translate to patient-first, results-driven care—built on precision, trust, and compassion.
“To me, medicine is about building bonds,” explains Dr. Garcia-Zuazaga. “In the military, we often operated in less-than-ideal conditions, without the perfect tools or environment—but we always found a way to take care of our people. That kind of adaptability and resilience has shaped how I approach patient care today. I’ve learned that patients don’t just want expertise—they want to be heard, to be reassured, and to know that you’re in the fight with them. That trust is sacred.”
That mindset drives the entire Apex Skin team—from same-day skin cancer treatment and Mohs surgery to aesthetic services and long-term wellness plans. Dr. Arballo adds: “I like to check in with them throughout their visit to make sure they are comfortable and understand what we are discussing. When you build that trust early and continuously, the patient and provider can be an unstoppable team.”
Experience the Precision of Military-Inspired Advanced Dermatology
At Apex Skin, we translate the precision, trust, service, and care learned in the military to shape the team-like experience our patients experience at all 15 of our dermatology offices. Every patient, regardless of background, receives the same top-quality dermatology care, whether they want help with acne, erasing wrinkles, managing chronic or rare skin conditions, or battling skin cancer—we’ve got you covered. Schedule your consultation today and experience the care that blends military precision with personalized dermatology.
Dr. Jorge Garcia-Zuazaga graduated from Marquette University with a degree in Biomedical Engineering. In college, he earned a prestigious National Science Foundation scholarship and served as President of the Latin American Student Association. From Milwaukee, he moved to Ames, Iowa, where he completed his Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering. It was his work with artificial heart valves that led him to consider a career in medicine.
Dr. Olivia Arballo is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at the Apex Skin Mentor office. She was born and raised in Chagrin Falls, OH, and completed undergraduate studies at Miami University of Ohio majoring in Zoology and minoring in Spanish.
