Meet German Treyger of St. Clair Dermatology

Today we’d like to introduce you to German Treyger

German, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Background:

The American dream is real, and I am fortunate to have grown up watching my parents fight hard to earn a piece of it. Their dedication to offering me a better life than they had was truly inspiring and it is the greatest gift I have been given. My father started as a pizza deliveryman by day and a student by night, eventually becoming an IT server administrator for Raymond James Financial. From him, I learned the virtue of hard work and the value of education. My mother went from washing dishes to managing a medical spa at a demanding dermatology practice. From her, I learned the value of perseverance. I witnessed first-hand that the keys to success are hard work, passion and an unrelenting drive to achieve ones goals. These values, which were instilled within me at a young age, have set the foundation on which I plan to build a successful career in dermatology.

My journey into medicine:

The lights were blinding. The noises were deafening. I was ten years old, my grandfather was having a heart attack, and none of the health care providers spoke his language. I was the only one in this urgent situation who could communicate in both Russian and English; thus, I was the translator. That moment was exciting, it was terrifying, and it lit a tiny spark of passion for medicine within me.

Dermatology

My journey into dermatology began during the summers I spent working at a busy dermatology group under the guidance of three board-certified dermatologists. At eighteen, I joined the practice as a medical assistant, where I gained invaluable insight into the inner workings of a thriving dermatology office.
During my third and fourth years of medical school, I explored various specialties but found myself continually drawn to dermatology. The field’s combination of procedural precision, visual diagnosis, and long-term patient relationships resonated deeply with me.
After graduating from the Beaumont Dermatology Residency in 2020, I embarked on the next chapter of my journey. In September 2023, I founded St. Clair Dermatology with a mission to build strong relationships with our patients by providing unmatched, individualized care. At St. Clair Dermatology, our goal is to create a welcoming, supportive, and compassionate environment where patients feel heard and valued. We believe that exceptional care leads to exceptional results, and our patients’ trust is the cornerstone of our success.
Currently, I am privileged to serve as teaching faculty at Corewell Health, where I help train the next generation of dermatology residents. Sharing my knowledge and passion for the field is a way to give back and contribute to the future of dermatologic care.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey hasn’t been smooth. Coming from an immigrant family, I became the first person in my family to attend college. With that milestone came the responsibility of navigating uncharted territory—applying for FAFSA, taking out student loans, and figuring out the complex path to medical school.

Getting into medical school was a monumental achievement, but it wasn’t enough for me. I set my sights on one of the most competitive residencies: dermatology. This decision wasn’t just about ambition; it was driven by a genuine passion for the field and a desire to make a meaningful impact in my patients’ lives.

Opening my own practice brought its own unique set of challenges. Transitioning from training to entrepreneurship required resilience, adaptability, and the willingness to take risks. Yet, each obstacle strengthened my resolve and taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, compassion, and perseverance.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
St. Clair Dermatology is a patient-focused practice based in Chesterfield, Michigan, dedicated to providing exceptional dermatologic care to residents of Macomb and St. Clair counties. Our mission is simple yet profound: to build strong, trusting relationships with our patients through an unmatched level of individualized care.

At St. Clair Dermatology, we prioritize creating a welcoming, supportive, and compassionate environment where every patient feels heard and valued. We firmly believe that exceptional care leads to exceptional results, and our patients’ satisfaction and trust are the ultimate measure of our success.

I am particularly proud of my team. Over the past year, I’ve witnessed remarkable growth—not only in the practice itself but also in each member of my staff. They have fully embraced and championed our mission, delivering compassionate and personalized care to our patients every single day. Their dedication and shared commitment to excellence make St. Clair Dermatology a truly special place.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Business is all about calculated risk and having the tolerance to embrace it. Leaving a secure position—where I could simply show up, do my job, and go home—to start my own practice was a significant risk. Yet, I didn’t view it that way. To me, it was a bet on myself. And I’ve always believed that when I bet on myself, I will win.

Risk has always been a part of my journey. As an immigrant, I grew up inspired by the greatest risk my parents ever took: leaving their homeland, their jobs, and the lives they had built to start anew in America. That bold decision required courage, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the future, and it’s a lesson that has profoundly shaped my outlook.

Risk isn’t just necessary for the growth of a business—it’s essential for personal growth as well. Every challenge I’ve faced as an entrepreneur has reinforced my belief that stepping outside your comfort zone is the key to achieving something extraordinary.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://stclairdermatology.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stclairderm/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stclairderm
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/dermguygary/