marqzy

How a 39-Year-Old Dermatologist Turned $180,000 in Licensing Fees into $870,000 in Earnings

Discover How Dr. Anna Chacon Expanded Her Dermatology Practice Across the U.S.

This in-depth guide explores the remarkable journey of Dr. Anna Chacon, a 39-year-old dermatologist who transformed her career by investing $180,000 to obtain medical licenses across all 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This strategic move allowed her to earn $870,000 in 2024 through her private practice and telehealth contracts, with additional income from real estate investments. Her story offers valuable insights for medical professionals, students, and anyone interested in how dedication and smart planning can lead to significant financial and professional success.

Visual Suggestion: Insert an infographic here showing a U.S. map highlighting the states where Dr. Chacon is licensed, with a brief summary of her earnings and investment.

The Spark: Why Dr. Chacon Went Nationwide

Dr. Anna Chacon’s decision to pursue nationwide medical licensing was driven by both personal and professional motivations. In 2020, her father was laid off from his job at a Miami hospital, prompting her to take control of her career by starting her own private dermatology practice in Coral Gables, Florida. The Covid-19 pandemic further shaped her path, as it pushed many medical practices to adopt telehealth—a technology that allows doctors to consult with patients remotely via video calls or other digital platforms.

“I wanted that ability to work from anywhere,” Dr. Chacon shared in an interview with CNBC. “And I also love meeting patients from all sorts of places—even ones I’d never heard of before, like Raton in New Mexico.” I sometimes look up these places and I just get intrigued by it, by the pathologies that I see.” Her passion for connecting with diverse patients and the flexibility of telehealth inspired her to seek licenses across the U.S., enabling her to serve patients in every state and several territories.

This decision aligned with a broader trend. The American Medical Association reported a 154% increase in telehealth visits from 2019 to 2020, a surge driven by the pandemic and relaxed regulations that made it easier for doctors to practice across state lines. Dr. Chacon saw this as an opportunity to expand her reach and impact.

The Investment: Breaking Down the $180,000 Cost

Obtaining medical licenses in multiple states is no small feat. For Dr. Chacon, the process cost at least $180,000, covering licensing fees, travel expenses for required in-person appearances, and administrative tasks like background checks and notarizations. She financed this investment entirely through her own earnings, underscoring her dedication to her vision.

To put things into perspective, the cost of securing a medical license differs considerably from one state to another." According to the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC), the application fee for participating states is approximately $700, with additional state-specific fees ranging from $100 to $300. For example:

State	Application Fee	Additional Notes
Alabama	$75	non-refunded fee
Arizona (Osteopathic)	$400	Higher for osteopathic physicians
Colorado	$273	Standard fee for medical board
Maryland	$790	One of the higher fees

Source: WithAssured - Medical Licensing Costs

Dr. Chacon likely used the IMLC, which streamlines licensing for 41 states, Washington D.C., and Guam, but she also obtained licenses in non-IMLC states and territories like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which added to the cost. Beyond fees, she incurred expenses for travel, document processing, and other administrative tasks, which can accumulate quickly when applying to over 50 jurisdictions.

Visual Suggestion: Insert a bar graph here comparing licensing fees across select states, highlighting the range from $75 to $790.

The Power of Telehealth: Reaching Patients Nationwide

Telehealth was the cornerstone of Dr. Chacon’s success. By leveraging this technology, she could consult with patients across the country without leaving her office in Coral Gables. This allowed her to serve not only urban patients in Florida but also those in rural areas and indigenous communities in Alaska and California, where access to dermatological care is often limited.

The growth of telehealth has been transformative. A 2022 study by the National Library of Medicine found that telehealth usage remained high post-pandemic, with states like California, New York, and Massachusetts leading in adoption. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reported that telehealth visits accounted for 46% of patient discharges in April 2020, up from nearly 0% the previous year. Many of these gains have been sustained, with federal legislation extending telehealth flexibilities through September 30, 2025.

For Dr. Chacon, telehealth meant more than just convenience—it was a way to make a difference. “I love helping patients who otherwise wouldn’t have access to care,” she said. Her ability to connect with patients in remote areas, like indigenous tribes, highlights the social impact of her work.

Visual Suggestion: Insert a line graph here showing the growth of telehealth usage from 2019 to 2025, emphasizing the 154% increase during the pandemic.

Financial Rewards: From $180,000 to $870,000 and Beyond

Dr. Chacon’s investment paid off significantly. In 2024, she earned $870,000 from her private practice in Coral Gables and telehealth contracts across the U.S. This figure doesn’t include additional income from her real estate ventures. She owns a 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home in Pinecrest, Florida, purchased for $1.9 million in 2023, which she rents out for $7,500 per month. She also owns an office building in Coral Gables, bought for $1.1 million in 2022, generating another $7,500 per month from a medical spa tenant.

This financial success comes with a demanding schedule. Dr. Chacon works 80 to 120 hours per week, and her practice operates 24/7 to accommodate patients across different time zones. Her dedication underscores the effort required to achieve such results.

Income Source	Amount
Private Practice & Telehealth	$870,000 (2024)
Pinecrest Home Rental	$7,500/month
Coral Gables Office Rental	$7,500/month
Total Net Worth (June 2025)	Over $6 million

Source: CNBC - Dr. Anna Chacon’s Story

A Personal Mission: Helping Underserved Communities

Beyond the financial rewards, Dr. At the heart of Chacon’s journey lies a deep and unwavering sense of purpose “It’s rewarding to know that I’m making a difference in their lives,” she said about her work with patients in rural and underserved areas. Her efforts to provide care to indigenous tribes in Alaska and California are particularly meaningful. “I get to learn about different cultures and provide care that is tailored to their needs,” she explained.

This commitment adds a human element to her story, making it relatable to readers who value social impact. For students considering a career in medicine, Dr. Chacon’s work shows how professional success can align with a mission to help others.

Visual Suggestion: Insert photos of Dr. Chacon with patients from different states or a map indicating the locations she serves, emphasizing her work with indigenous communities.

Lessons for Medical Professionals and Aspiring Doctors

Dr. Chacon’s journey offers valuable lessons for medical professionals and students alike:

1. Invest Strategically in Licensing: Obtaining licenses in multiple states can expand your practice and income, but it requires significant upfront costs. The IMLC can help reduce some of these expenses for participating states.
2. Embrace Telehealth: It’s a powerful means of reaching more patients, particularly in underserved or remote areas. It’s a growing field with lasting potential.
3. Prepare for Hard Work: Dr. Chacon’s 80–120-hour workweeks highlight the dedication needed for such success. Be ready for a demanding schedule.
4. Plan Financially: Ensure you have the resources to cover licensing costs and sustain your practice during the initial investment phase.

For Indian readers, consider the story of Dr. Priya Sharma, a fictional dermatologist from Mumbai who expanded her practice by offering teleconsultations across India. By registering with multiple state medical councils, she increased her patient base and income, much like Dr. Chacon. While India’s medical licensing system differs, the principle of leveraging technology and regulatory opportunities applies universally.

The Future of Telehealth and Licensing

Telehealth and multi-state licensing are both areas that are rapidly changing. As of 2025, many Covid-era telehealth flexibilities are set to expire on September 30, potentially affecting cross-state practice. However, the IMLC and other compacts continue to simplify licensing for physicians. Staying informed about regulatory changes is crucial for doctors considering a similar path.

Conclusion

Dr Anna Chacon’s journey—from investing $180,000 in nationwide licensing to earning $870,000 in just one year—is a striking example of how vision, determination, and technology can come together to achieve extraordinary success transform a medical career. Her story is not just about financial success but also about making a difference in the lives of patients across the U.S. For medical professionals and students, her experience offers a roadmap for expanding a practice, provided they’re willing to invest the time, money, and effort required.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC)?
   The IMLC is an agreement among 41 U.S. States, Washington D.C., and Guam are working to streamline the licensing process for physicians practicing across multiple states. It offers an expedited pathway for qualified doctors.

2. How much does it cost to get licensed in multiple states?
   IMLC fees are typically $700, with state-specific charges of $100–$300, varying by location. Non-IMLC states and additional expenses like travel can increase costs significantly.

3. What are the benefits of telehealth for medical practices?
   Telehealth expands patient reach, reduces overhead costs, and improves access to care, especially in rural areas. It’s a growing field with strong potential for revenue growth.

4. How can I start offering telehealth services?
   Obtain licenses in the states where your patients are located, either through the IMLC or individual applications. Set up HIPAA-compliant technology and ensure compliance with state regulations.

Call-to-Action

Interested in learning more about nationwide medical licensing or telehealth? Explore these resources:

• Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC)
• American Medical Association - Telehealth

Share your thoughts or experiences with telehealth or multi-state licensing in the comments below. Are you inspired to explore similar opportunities in your career?

Visual Suggestion: Insert a motivational quote graphic here, such as “Invest in your future, and the rewards will follow.”