Katie Rodan

Katie Rodan ( Pregerson, born 1955–1956) is an American dermatologist, entrepreneur, and author. She is co-creator of the acne management system Proactiv, co-founder of multi-level marketing skincare company Rodan + Fields, and operates a private cosmetic dermatology practice in Oakland, California. In 2015, she was listed by Forbes as one of the 50 most successful self-made women in the United States.

Early life

Katie was born Katie Pregerson, the daughter of Bernardine and Harry Pregerson, a microbiology professor and a federal appeals court judge, respectively. Rodan's family is Jewish and she was raised in Los Angeles. She earned her undergraduate degree in history from the University of Virginia and her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Southern California School of Medicine. She completed her internship at Los Angeles County Hospital and in 1987 completed her residency in dermatology at Stanford University School of Medicine, where she was also appointed chief resident. and has a private practice in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.

In 2008, she was named a top doctor in the East Bay by Oakland Magazine. Rodan has been featured in print and broadcast media as an expert in dermatology, particularly cosmetic dermatology. She has been interviewed and quoted in media, including Fox Business News, O Magazine, Women's Health Redbook, Allure, and Cosmopolitan.

In 2002, they launched Rodan + Fields. In 2003, Rodan + Fields was purchased by Estée Lauder. In 2007, Rodan and Fields bought back the brand from Estée Lauder because they felt "over time it became clear to the doctors that Estee Lauder's priority was its larger legacy brands" and not Rodan+Fields.

In 2006, the company moved to direct sales and multi-level marketing. Rodan + Fields uses independent consultants, mostly women, to sell its products. Only two percent of these consultants make more than minimum wage. Its business model has been criticized by consumer advocates as being close to a pyramid scheme