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All About Acne: Acne Basics

Acne. All of us know about it, and many of us experience it. In fact, acne, also called acne vulgaris, is the most common skin condition in the United States. Around 40 to 50 million Americans have acne. The majority of those people are teens or young adults, but acne...

School’s Back in Session: Learn The Facts About Acne

What actually causes acne? The primary cause is the fluctuation of hormones. Hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands causing increased oil production. This oil can block pores. Bacteria can grow within the pores causing inflammation and breakouts. This increases...

Lawrence E. Blanchard, III, M.D.

Demo Description


Education:

  • Undergraduate: Duke University, Durham, North Carolina | B.A. English, 1972
  • Medical School: Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri | M.D., 1976
  • Internship: The Jewish Hospital of St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, 1976-1977
  • Residency: Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, 1977-1980

Board Certification:

  • American Board of Dermatology

Special Interests:

Dr. Blanchard has served as President of the Richmond Academy of Medicine, The Medical Society of Virginia, and the Medical Society of Virginia Foundation

Location(s):

  • Reynolds Crossing Office
  • Midlothian Office

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Georgia K. Seely, M.D.

Demo Description


Education:

  • Undergraduate: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina | 1985, B.S. Biology
  • Medical School: East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina | 1989, M.D.
  • Residency: North Carolina Baptist Hospital, Winston-Salem, North Carolina | Internal Medicine, 1989-1992
  • Residency: Medical College of Virginia, Department of Dermatology, Richmond, Virginia, 1992-1995

Board Certification:

  • American Board of Internal Medicine
  • American Board of Dermatology

Special Interests:

Dr. Seely teaches medical students at the Medical College of Virginia, Department of Dermatology. She has an interest in Internal Medicine, as well as general Dermatology.

Location(s):

  • Midlothian Office
  • Nuckols Road Office

Awards:

  • Top Doc Award 2023 - Richmond Magazine
  • Top Doc Award 2022 - Richmond Magazine
  • Top Doc Award 2020 - Richmond Magazine

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Kim M. Panzarella, M.D.

Demo Description


Dermatology Associates of Virginia - Kim M. Panzarella, M.D.

Education:

  • Undergraduate: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. | B.A., 1988
  • Medical School: Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY | M.D., 1993
  • Internship: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, 1993-1994
  • Residency: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, 1994-1997

Board Certification:

  • American Board of Dermatology

Special Interests:

Skin cancer, general dermatology. Sees all ages, infants through elderly.

Location(s):

  • Nuckols Road Office
  • Colonial Heights Office

Q&A:

  • What is your favorite thing about your career?
    The opportunity to see patients of all ages.
  • What are your hobbies?
    I enjoy calm water kayaking and biking with my husband and kids.
  • Do you have any pets?
    I have 3 dogs, 3 cats, 2 rabbits, and a bearded dragon. The dogs and cats are all rescue animals from shelters.
  • Where did you grow up?
    In Allegany, New York, a small town 90 minutes from Buffalo.
  • Where have you lived before moving to Richmond?
    Washington, DC; Boston, MA; Brighton, England; New York City; Cleveland, OH; Austin, TX, and San Antonio, TX. I settled in Richmond in 2003.
  • What are your favorite things about the Richmond area?
    The James River and the Capital Bike Trail.

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Suzanne G. Spadafora, M.D.

Demo Description


Dermatology Associates of Virginia - Suzanne G. Spadafora, M.D.

Education:

  • Undergraduate: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. | B.S. Biology, 1995
  • Medical School: Georgetown University, School of Medicine, Washington, D.C. | M.D., 1999
  • Internship: St. Vincent’s Medical Center, New York, NY, 1999-2000
  • Residency: University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester, Massachusetts, 2000-2003

Board Certification:

  • American Board of Dermatology

Special Interests:

General Dermatology

Location(s):

  • Reynolds Crossing Office
  • Nuckols Road Office

Q&A:

  • What is your favorite thing about your career?
    Monday mornings are never bad because I work alongside a great, caring staff and have wonderful patients!
  • What did you want to be when you were small?
    Space physician like Dr. Bones and Dr. Crusher on Star Trek.
  • What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
    Scuba diving with sharks in the Bahamas.
  • What is the last book you read?
    Die With Zero
  • What’s your favorite movie?
    Aliens
  • What do you do to keep fit?
    Play tennis, cycle, and strength training with Body Pump
  • What was your first job?
    Cashier at Weis Market grocery store

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Christopher T. Aleman, M.D.

Demo Description


Dermatology Associates of Virginia - Christopher T. Aleman, M.D.

Education:

  • Undergraduate: University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia | B.S., 1989
  • Medical School: Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | M.D., 1995
  • Internship: Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia, 1995-1996
  • Residency: Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia, 1996-1999
  • Graduate: KIT Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands | MSc International Health, 2017

Board Certification:

  • American Board of Dermatology

Location(s):

  • Midlothian Office
  • Colonial Heights Office

Interests:

In his spare time, Dr. Aleman enjoys being outdoors fishing, hiking, and whitewater kayaking on the James River. He also enjoys international travel and is active in medical volunteer projects around Richmond and abroad.

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Lisa C. Edsall, M.D. Ph.D.

Demo Description


Education:

  • Undergraduate: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia | B.A. Chemistry, 1991
  • Graduate: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. | Ph.D. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 1999
  • Medical School: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia | M.D., 2004
  • Internship: Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia, 2004-2005
  • Residency: Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia, 2005-2008
  • Fellowship: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, 2009-2010

Board Certification:

  • American Board of Dermatology
  • American Board of Dermatopathology

Special Interests:

Besides her medical practice, Dr. Edsall provides dermatopathology services for the practice. Dr. Edsall is also an associate professor at the Medical College of Virginia, Department of Dermatology.

Location(s):

  • Midlothian Office
  • Colonial Heights Office

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Adam A. Martin, M.D.

Demo Description


Education:

  • Undergraduate: University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia | BSBA, Finance, 2003
  • Undergraduate: University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee | Post-baccalaureate Science, 2004-2006
  • Medical School: University of Virginia, School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VIRGINIA | M.D., 2010
  • Internship: University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, 2010-2011
  • Residency: University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, 2011-2014

Board Certification:

  • American Board of Dermatology

Location(s):

  • Reynolds Crossing Office
  • Colonial Heights Office

Awards:

  • Top Doc Award 2023 - Richmond Magazine

Q&A:

  • What is your favorite thing about your career?
    Great patients and working a team dedicated to providing exceptional care.
  • What did you want to be when you were small?
    Firefighter and Dinosaur Bone Collector
  • What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
    NFL Football & College Basketball
  • If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
    Subway
  • What’s your favorite holiday?
    Halloween, though Christmas is a close second

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Angela M. Sprigle, M.D.

Demo Description


Dermatology Associates of Virginia - Angela M. Sprigle, M.D.

Education:

  • Undergraduate: University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | B.S. Biological Sciences, Minor in Chemistry, 2006
  • Medical School: Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania | M.D., 2010
  • Internship: Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Upland, Pennsylvania, 2010-2011
  • Residency: Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 2011-2014

Board Certification:

  • American Board of Dermatology

Location(s):

  • Midlothian Office
  • Colonial Heights Office

Q&A:

  • What is your favorite thing about your career?
    Balance – having a career that I love but also being able to have time for my family. This is somewhat rare in medicine.
  • What did you want to be when you were small?
    Always a doctor. My mother is a registered nurse, and I think that sparked my interest in medicine.
  • If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
    Ice cream (if that is even a meal)
  • What was the last thing you recorded on TV?
    Probably Grey’s Anatomy when I was in medical school. We don’t even have cable now. With a young child there is no time for TV!
  • What was the first concert you attended?
    8th grade – Backstreet Boys

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Raj Agarwal, M.D.

Demo Description


Dermatology Associates of Virginia - Raj Agarwal, M.D.

Education:

  • Undergraduate: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia | B.A. Economics, Minor in Biology
  • Medical School: University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
  • Internship: Riverside Regional Medical Center, Newport News, Virginia
  • Residency: Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, Virginia

Board Certification:

  • American Board of Dermatology

Location(s):

  • Reynolds Crossing Office
  • Midlothian Office

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Amanda K. Schmitt, M.D.

Demo Description


Education:

  • Undergraduate: West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV | B.S. in Biology, 2005-2010
  • Medical School: Joan C. Edwards Marshall University School of Medicine, Huntington, WV | M.D., 2010-2014
  • Internship: Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, VA, 2015-2016
  • Residency: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 2016-2019

Board Certification:

  • American Board of Dermatology

Location(s):

  • Reynolds Crossing Office
  • Colonial Heights Office

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Alyson V. Ridpath, D.O.

Demo Description


Dermatology Associates of Virginia - Alyson V. Ridpath, D.O.

Education:

  • Undergraduate: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA | B.S. in Biology, 2011
  • Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, VA | Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, 2015
  • Internship: Broward Health Medical Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 2016
  • Fellowship: Skin & Cancer Associates, Harold Rabinovitz MD, Plantation, FL, 2017
  • Residency: OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital , Columbus, OH, 2019

Board Certification:

  • American Board of Dermatology

Location(s):

  • Reynolds Crossing Office
  • Hanover Office

Q&A:

  • What did you want to be when you were small?
    An astronomer or a marine biologist working with dolphins.
  • What was your first job?
    Slow pitch softball umpire for young girls league.
  • Do you collect anything?
    Christmas ornaments!
  • What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever eaten?
    Rattlesnake pierogies
  • What’s your favorite movie?
    Pink Panther with Steve Martin!

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Gabriella J. Melson, M.D.

Demo Description


Dermatology Associates of Virginia - Gabriella J. Melson, M.D.

Education:

  • Undergraduate: Duke University, Durham, N.C. | B.S. Cellular and Molecular Biology, 2012
  • Medical School: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA | Doctor of Medicine, 2016
  • Internship: University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville, VA, 2016-2017
  • Residency: University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville, VA, 2017-2020
  • Fellowship: Boston University Medical Center, Boston, MA | Dermatopathology Fellowship, 2020-2022

Board Certification:

  • American Board of Dermatology

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Carol Byrd, M.D., Laser Specialist

Demo Description


Dermatology Associates of Virginia - Carol Byrd, M.D., Laser Specialist

Education:

  • Undergraduate: University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia, 1972-1976
  • Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia, 1976-1980
  • Internship: Pediatrics, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida
  • Residency: Pediatrics, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida

Location(s):

  • Reynolds Crossing Office

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E. Berkeleigh Ladd, MSN, FNP-C

Demo Description


Dermatology Associates of Virginia - E. Berkeleigh Ladd, MSN, FNP-C

Education:

  • Undergraduate: Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC | BS, 1999
  • Graduate: Walden University, Minneapolis, MN | Masters of Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner, 2016

Special Interests:

Laser Specialist

Location(s):

  • Reynolds Crossing Office

Q&A:

  • What are your hobbies?
    Volleyball, running, and fishing.
  • How would your friends describe you?
    My friends would describe me as kind, loyal to a fault, and competitive.
  • What was the first concert you attended?
    Alanis Morrisette
  • What was the first record album you bought?
    When I was 4 years old my parents gave me a Barry Manilow record and I still have it!
  • What is your favorite childhood memory?
    Growing up we had a place down in the Outer Banks. My family would go down there almost every weekend. My dad would take us driving out on the beach at Oregon Inlet and we would fish all day. I still enjoy going to Oregon Inlet because it has such good memories for me!

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E.M. Hudgins, M.D., Emeritus

Demo Description


Dermatology Associates of Virginia - E.M. Hudgins, M.D., Emeritus

Education:

  • Undergraduate: Roanoke College, Roanoke, Virginia | B.S. Chemistry, 1964
  • Medical School: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia | M.D., 1968
  • Internship: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, 1968-1969
  • Residency: Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia, 1971-1974

Board Certifications:

  • American Board of Dermatology
  • American Board of Dermatopathology

Special Interests:

Dr. Hudgins has retired from medical practice, but serves as a clinical professor at the Medical College of Virginia, Department of Dermatology.

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Joan E. Rountree, M.D., Emeritus

Demo Description


Dermatology Associates of Virginia - Joan E. Rountree, M.D., Emeritus

Education:

  • Undergraduate: Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts | B.S. Pharmacy, 1981
  • Medical School: Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia | M.D., 1989
  • Internship: Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia, 1989-1990
  • Residency: Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia, 1990-1993

Board Certifications:

  • American Board of Dermatology

Special Interests:

Dr. Rountree has retired from private practice. She enjoys spending her time traveling and has recently taken up biking.

Q&A:

  • If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
    Salmon over spinach salad
  • If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?
    1966. My father was still alive and in pretty good health. Would love to talk to him again.
  • What is your favorite childhood memory?
    Going boat riding out of Hopewell Yacht Club with my parents and sister. Took trips to Norfolk and Florida on the boat.
  • What do you do to keep fit?
    Enjoy running and doing weight resistance classes

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Laura L.K. Pratt, M.D., Emeritus

Demo Description


Dermatology Associates of Virginia - Laura L.K. Pratt, M.D., Emeritus

Education:

  • Undergraduate: Cornell University, Ithaca, New York | B.S. Biology, 1984
  • Medical School: Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland | M.D., 1988
  • Internship: Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center, Denver, Colorado, 1988-1989
  • Residency: Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C., 1991-1994

Board Certifications:

  • American Board of Dermatology

Location(s):

  • Colonial Heights Office

Q&A:

  • What is your favorite thing about your career?
    One of the most enjoyable things about my work is the diversity of my patients. I like getting to know each unique individual over time.
  • What are your hobbies?
    I enjoy gardening, skiing, cooking, and just having fun.
  • What’s your favorite holiday?
    Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because it is focused on the family and lacks the high stress and commercialism of Christmas.
  • What was the last thing you recorded on TV?
    Reruns of Star Trek, The Next Generation. When Star Trek, The Next Generation first aired, my husband and I were both in the military. We got hooked on the show because the creativity of the stories was impressive and we could relate to the many leadership challenges that the crew faced. Now we are enjoying them all over again, 20 years later!
  • What’s your favorite type of foreign food?
    I enjoy all types of food. It’s one reason why I like to cook!
  • What is your favorite childhood memory?
    I spent a large part of my childhood growing up on a small farm in New York State. One of my favorite childhood memories is the smell of freshly mowed hay on a beautiful summer day.
  • What was your first job?
    Waitress

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Ashley N. Sullivan, M.D., Mohs Surgeon

Demo Description


Education:

  • Undergraduate: Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts | B.A. Psychology and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, 2005
  • Medical School: New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York | M.D., 2011
  • Internship: Medstar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D.C., 2011-2012
  • Residency: Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 2012-2015
  • Fellowship: Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland | Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology (MDSO), 2015-2016

Board Certification:

  • American Board of Dermatology
  • Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery

Location(s):

  • Mohs Surgery Center
  • Top Doc Award 2021 - Richmond Magazine

Q&A:

  • What is your favorite thing about your career?
    Mohs affords me the better half of the day to talk with patients. I am always amazed at how much I learn from them about travel, culture, food, sports…you name it.
  • Would you rather ride a bike, horse, or drive a car?
    Ride a bike!
  • Who is your favorite author?
    William Styron
  • Have you ever had a nickname? What is it?
    Sully (it was given to me before Monsters Inc. came out).
  • What are your hobbies?
    Pinterest-ing.
  • What was the last book you read?
    The Girl on the Train.
  • Are you related or distantly related to anyone famous?
    I am NOT related to Ed Sullivan…I thought we should probably get that question out of the way to have time to get to the good stuff!

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Julia K. Padgett, M.D., Mohs Surgeon

Demo Description


Dermatology Associates of Virginia - Julia K. Padgett, M.D., Mohs Surgeon

Education:

  • Undergraduate: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill. North Carolina | B.S. in Biology, 1990-1994
  • Medical School: University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA | M.D., 1994-1998
  • Internship: University of Virginia Department of Internal Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 1998-1999
  • Residency: University of Virginia Department of Dermatology, Charlottesville, VA, 1999-2003
  • Fellowship: University of Virginia Department of Dermatology, Charlottesville, VA | Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology (MDSO), 2002

Board Certification:

  • American Board of Dermatology
  • Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery

Location(s):

  • Mohs Surgery Center

Awards:

  • Top Doc Award 2024 - Richmond Magazine
  • Top Doc Award 2022 - Richmond Magazine
  • Top Doc Award 2021 - Richmond Magazine

Q&A:

  • What is your favorite thing about your career?
    I am so honored to have a career that keeps me excited to come to work every day. Mohs surgery is a great combination of surgery, pathology, and reconstruction, each of which I am passionate about. I am blessed to have a fantastic team to help me care for my patients in the best way that I can. There’s nothing else I’d rather do!
  • Would you rather ride a bike, horse, or drive a car?
    Ride a bike! The farther the distance and the higher the hills the better.
  • What’s your favorite type of foreign food?
    I just learned how to make authentic Italian pasta from scratch, along with simple sauces, and my kids and I have a blast preparing this together.
  • What’s your favorite movie?
    The original Star Wars is my favorite, and anything by John Hughes is a close second.
  • What are your hobbies?
    Sports and athletics. We’re an active family, and I love cheering on my kids’ teams. I play squash, I golf with my husband, and I play a little tennis. I really enjoy running and competing in local events.

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Nikoo Cheraghi, M.D., Mohs Surgeon

Demo Description


Dermatology Associates of Virginia - Nikoo Cheraghi, M.D., Mohs Surgeon

Education:

  • Undergraduate: University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MS | B.A., 2009
  • Medical School: University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MS | M.D., 2013
  • Internship: University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA, 2013-2014
  • Residency: New York Medical College, New York, NY, 2014-2017
  • Fellowship: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN | Micrographic Surgery and Dermatology Oncology Fellowship, 2017-2018

Board Certification:

  • American Board of Dermatology
  • Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery

Special Interests:

Dr. Nikoo Cheraghi joined Dermatology Associates of Virginia in 2023 following several years of practice in Minnesota. Dr. Cheraghi received her fellowship in micrographic surgery and dermatology oncology at the University of Minnesota. She is board certified in Dermatology with a specialty in Mohs surgery. Dr. Cheraghi is a Fellow in the American Academy of Dermatology, the American College of Mohs Surgery, and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery.

Location(s):

  • Hanover Office
  • Mohs Surgery Center

Awards:

  • Top Doc Award 2024 - Richmond Magazine

Q&A:

  • What is your favorite thing about your career?
    I am so blessed to be a Mohs surgeon for many reasons. There are very few treatments in this world that offer as high cure rates as Mohs surgery does and I am very grateful to be able to provide such a service. My favorite part of what I do is the time I get to spend getting to know my patients and learning about their lives.
  • What is your favorite holiday?
    Thanksgiving is a big deal in my family. I love gathering together and reflecting on being grateful without the pressure of gift giving. And, you can’t forget about the delicious foods!
  • What’s your favorite type of foreign food?
    I’m biased, but my favorite foreign food is Persian food.
  • What are your hobbies?
    My husband and I enjoy traveling and trying new foods from all over the world. I really enjoy learning about where others have traveled so I can plan my next destination. I also love spending time with my cat, Freckles. He’s the cutest.

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Jennifer D. Bauer, MPA, PA-C

Demo Description


Education:

  • Undergraduate: College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia | B.A. East Asian Studies and Chinese Language, 2000
  • Graduate: Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia | Master of Physician Assistant Studies, 2006

Board Certification:

  • National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)

Location(s):

  • Midlothian Office

Q&A:

  • What is your favorite thing about your career?
    Getting to know my patients
  • What are your hobbies?
    Eating and traveling
  • What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
    Bungee jumping in New Zealand
  • What was the last thing you recorded on TV?
    Game of Thrones
  • If you could join any past or current music group which would you want to join?
    Aerosmith
  • How many languages do you speak?
    3 – Mandarin, Cantonese, English

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