804.549.4040

*DAV is temporarily not accepting new patient appointments for general dermatology visits. We apologize for the inconvenience but please check back soon for updates to availability.

Medical Dermatology

For many of the diseases we treat, there are different treatment options or surgical services that we can provide.

Some of the most frequent problems our dermatologists treat are skin cancers, psoriasis, acne, warts, and eczema. For many of the diseases we treat, there are different treatment options or surgical services that we can provide.

Dermatology Associates of Virginia takes pride in concentrating on straightforward, cost-effective treatment of medical skin diseases as well as exemplary surgical removal of skin cancers and other skin growths that require treatment.

Our dermatologists form one of the most experienced dermatology teams in the greater Richmond area, with over 250 years of combined experience. We treat patients of all ages, and our dermatologists are among the best in the business. Our practice focuses on the management of skin diseases from the commonplace to the complex.

Compassionate skin experts with decades of experience in treating diseases & cancer

Psoriasis, eczema, acne and warts are just a few of the skin diseases we manage, while pre-cancers and skin cancers occupy a large portion of our procedures. Every year, skin disease diagnosis, treatment, and medications evolve and our dermatologists always stay up-to-date to deliver the best care possible.

Surgically, most cancers and inflamed or contagious skin growths can be removed or treated by us. There may be a few that require referral out to plastic surgery or Mohs Surgery for further treatment. We are excited to have our own Mohs surgeons, Dr. Ashley Sullivan, Dr. Julia Padgett, and Dr. Nikoo Cheraghi.

In-house pathology

In-depth screenings and evaluations

Follow-ups & ongoing skin care maintenance

Reassurance & overall peace of mind

Our Medical Dermatology Physicians

LAWRENCE E. BLANCHARD, III, M.D.

LAWRENCE E. BLANCHARD, III, M.D.

GEORGIA K. SEELY, M.D.

GEORGIA K. SEELY, M.D.

KIM M. PANZARELLA, M.D.

KIM M. PANZARELLA, M.D.

SUZANNE G. SPADAFORA, M.D.

SUZANNE G. SPADAFORA, M.D.

CHRISTOPHER T. ALEMAN, M.D.

CHRISTOPHER T. ALEMAN, M.D.

LISA C. EDSALL, M.D. PH.D.

LISA C. EDSALL, M.D. PH.D.

ADAM A. MARTIN, M.D.

ADAM A. MARTIN, M.D.

ANGELA M. SPRIGLE, M.D.

ANGELA M. SPRIGLE, M.D.

RAJ AGARWAL, M.D.

RAJ AGARWAL, M.D.

AMANDA K. SCHMITT, M.D.

AMANDA K. SCHMITT, M.D.

ALYSON V. RIDPATH, D.O.

ALYSON V. RIDPATH, D.O.

GABRIELLA J. MELSON, M.D.

GABRIELLA J. MELSON, M.D.

Our Advanced Practice Providers

JENNIFER D. BAUER, MPA, PA-C

JENNIFER D. BAUER, MPA, PA-C

RATHI BLANKENSHIP, MPA, PA-C

RATHI BLANKENSHIP, MPA, PA-C

KRISTEN A. ALBRIGHT, PA-C

KRISTEN A. ALBRIGHT, PA-C

MICHELE R. RHOE, MPA, PA-C

MICHELE R. RHOE, MPA, PA-C

SHELLEY B. WOODLEY, DNP, FNP-BC

SHELLEY B. WOODLEY, DNP, FNP-BC

SUZANNE N. WEST, MSN, FNP-BC

SUZANNE N. WEST, MSN, FNP-BC

BROOKE E. HARMON, MPA, PA-C

BROOKE E. HARMON, MPA, PA-C

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is medical dermatology?

Medical dermatology is a specialty that involves evaluating, diagnosing, and treating diseases of the skin, hair, and nails. The medications and procedures utilized in medical dermatology help to control diseases involving the skin using a wide range of options.

What types of skin conditions does medical dermatology cover?
There are a vast number of conditions evaluated and treated by medical dermatologists, including rashes, skin cancers, acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin infections (warts, molluscum, staph), and sun-induced skin diseases.
How are skin conditions diagnosed in medical dermatology?

Medical dermatologists are trained to use a number of techniques to diagnose skin conditions. These include skin biopsies, examination of skin lesions with a dermatoscope, bacterial and fungal cultures, Wood’s lamp exam, and blood tests.

What are the common non-surgical treatments in medical dermatology?
Some common treatments used by dermatologists are ultraviolet light (phototherapy) for psoriasis and eczema, photodynamic therapy for actinic keratoses, topical prescription creams for elimination of pre-cancers and some skin cancers, and medications such as antibiotics and corticosteroids.
Can medical dermatology address cosmetic concerns, such as wrinkles or age spots?
Medical dermatologists are typically trained to help address and treat cosmetically bothersome lesions, such as wrinkles, skin tags, cherry angiomas, and age spots.
How often should I see a dermatologist for routine skin check-ups?
The frequency of routine skin check-ups is based on the patient’s personal history, family history of skin cancer, and if the patient has a large number of prominent moles. Patients who have previously been diagnosed with skin cancer are usually seen every 6-12 months.
What should I expect during a skin cancer screening appointment?

After bringing a patient into an exam room, the medical assistant will ask about the patient’s medical history, including recent surgeries, medications, and allergies. A patient who come in for a skin cancer screening will be asked to get undressed and/or wear a gown, and the provider will then come in to review the patient’s history and examine the patient’s skin up close. Moles and other lesions of concern of the patient are typically inspected using a device called a dermatoscope. If any suspicious or bothersome lesions are present, the provider will often biopsy them during the appointment.

Can medical dermatology treat chronic skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema?
Yes, medical dermatologists are experts in treating chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
How do I know if I need a referral for surgical dermatology services?
After confirming that a lesion is a pre-cancer or a skin cancer (usually via skin biopsy), the medical provider or his / her assistant will inform the patient that further treatment is needed. This may involve referral to a special skin cancer surgeon called a Mohs surgeon or to other surgical subspecialists, such as a plastic surgeon or a surgical oncologist.
What role does preventive care play in medical dermatology?
Prevention is a major part of medical dermatology. This may involve counseling the patient on sun protection and avoiding other things that may harm the skin (e.g. tanning beds). Prevention can also take the form or removing pre-cancerous spots like actinic keratoses and atypical moles, so that these lesions do not have a chance to become skin cancers.
How can I contact a medical dermatologist for an appointment?

An appointment can be made with one of our medical providers by calling 804-549-4030 or by following this link: https://www.dermva.com/contact/

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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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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Rathi Blankenship, MPA, PA-C

Demo Description


Dermatology Associates of Virginia - Rathi Blankenship, MPA, PA-C

Education:

  • Undergraduate: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA | B.S. Human Nutrition, Foods and Excercise, 2005
  • Graduate: James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA | Masters of Physician Assistant Studies, 2007

Board Certification:

  • National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)

Special Interests:

Lead Representative of the Richmond Chapter of the Virginia Association of Physician Assistants

Location(s):

  • Midlothian Office
  • Nuckols Road Office
  • Colonial Heights Office

Q&A:

  • What is your favorite thing about your career?
    I love meeting people and building friendships with patients and their families. My days are enriched by all the amazing things patients teach me, all while practicing my love for dermatology.
  • Aside from necessities, what is one thing you could not go a day without?
    My pampered chef food chopper! I love cooking and that thing is the bomb. It is rare that I make anything without it.
  • Would you rather ride a bike, ride a horse, or drive a car?
    Definitely ride a bike! You can enjoy the scenery, go off the beaten path and get fit at the same time!
  • What are your hobbies?
    I love traveling and seeing the world from different perspectives and through different eyes. Not to mention I love eating and trying new foods!
  • What do you do to keep fit?
    Yoga, yoga, and more yoga! I love that you can practice yoga anywhere. I also love that it fosters inner peace, love and strength! I’m always happy when I’m on my mat.

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Kristen A. Albright, PA-C

Demo Description


Dermatology Associates of Virginia - Kristen A. Albright, PA-C

Education:

  • Undergraduate: Radford University, Radford, VA | B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies, 2003
  • Undergraduate: Jefferson College of Health Sciences, Roanoke, VA | B.S. Physician Assistant Studies, 2006

Board Certification:

  • National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)

Location(s):

  • Midlothian Office
  • Colonial Heights Office

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Michele R. Rhoe, MPA, PA-C

Demo Description


Dermatology Associates of Virginia - Michele R. Rhoe, MPA, PA-C

Education:

  • Undergraduate: Saint Francis University, Loretto, PA | Bachelor of Science in Health Science; Minor in Neuroscience, 2011
  • Graduate: Saint Francis University, Loretto, PA | Master of Physician Assistant Science, 2012

Location(s):

  • Reynolds Crossing Office
  • Nuckols Road Office

Q&A:

  • What two radio stations do you listen to in the car the most?
    I listen to finance podcasts and the Vance Joy Station on Amazon Music or Pandora.
  • What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
    College football is my favorite sport to watch. Golf is my favorite to play.
  • If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
    Sushi
  • Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?
    Coffee!

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Shelley B. Woodley, DNP, FNP-BC

Demo Description


Dermatology Associates of Virginia - Shelley B. Woodley, DNP, FNP-BC

Education:

  • Undergraduate: Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA | BSN, 2001
  • Graduate: Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA | MS, 2004
  • Graduate: Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA | DNP, 2013

Location(s):

  • Reynolds Crossing Office
  • Mohs Surgery Center

Q&A:

  • What is your favorite thing about your career?
    I enjoy providing thorough, patient centered care. I like to individualize treatment plans which involves getting to know the patient and partnering with them. I think this statement sums up my career: if you love what you do then you will never work a day in your life!
  • What did you want to be when you were small?
    A teacher
  • Do you collect anything?
    Christmas ornaments from places we visit when traveling
  • What radio station do you listen to the most in the car?
    Most often, I listen to country music. Since I drive pretty far to work, I listen to many podcasts and audiobooks too!

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Suzanne N. West, MSN, FNP-BC

Demo Description


Dermatology Associates of Virginia - Suzanne N. West, MSN, FNP-BC

Education:

  • Undergraduate: Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA | BSN, 2014
  • Graduate: Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA | MS, 2017

Location(s):

  • Reynolds Crossing Office

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Brooke E. Harmon, MPA, PA-C

Demo Description


Dermatology Associates of Virginia - Brooke E. Harmon, MPA, PA-C

Education:

  • Undergraduate: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA | Bachelor of Science, 2019
  • Graduate: James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA | Master of Physician Assistant Studies, 2023

Q&A:

  • What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
    I love to watch and play tennis. I also get very into college basketball during March Madness. Go Hoos!
  • If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
    Sushi
  • What is your favorite childhood memory?
    Going to Topsail Island, NC with my family every summer
  • What’s your favorite movie?
    Mamma Mia!

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