Ever wondered who’s taking care of your skin at Dermatology Associates of Virginia? Knowing your doctor’s background can make a real difference, especially if you have specific skin concerns or just want to feel confident picking the right dermatologist. Some doctors focus on tricky cases like autoimmune skin diseases, while others are wizard-level at dealing with acne, rosacea, or even cosmetic tweaks like Botox.
People often assume all dermatologists handle the same stuff, but that’s not true. Every doctor has their own toolbelt of skills. For example, if you have a family history of skin cancer (thanks, genetics), you’ll want a doctor who’s handled loads of full-body checks and mole removals. If eczema is the enemy in your family, there’s probably a doc who can spot your triggers from a mile away. You want to make sure you land with someone who sees—you, not just your skin condition.
- Who’s Who: Your Dermatology Experts
- What Each Doctor Brings to the Table
- Choosing the Right Dermatologist for Your Needs
- What to Expect at Your Visit
Who’s Who: Your Dermatology Experts
If you’re headed to Dermatology Associates of Virginia, you’ll spot a group of doctors who know skin inside and out. This isn’t just a random team—they’re all board-certified dermatologists with years of medical training. Here’s a snapshot of who you might meet:
- Dr. Kevin M. Cooper – He’s the co-founder and has been seeing patients for decades. His focus is on medical and surgical dermatology, which basically means he’s great at handling everything from stubborn rashes to removing suspicious moles.
- Dr. Robert A. Burke – He’s got a reputation for being extra thorough with skin cancer checks. If you’ve got a weird spot and you’re worried, he’s your go-to guy. He even helps teach future dermatologists at local medical schools.
- Dr. Anna Magee – She brings special expertise in treating complex skin problems in kids and teens. If your teenager’s acne is making them miserable, Dr. Magee’s seen it all and knows what actually works.
- Dr. Richard Lucius – If cosmetic procedures are more your speed (we’re talking Botox, fillers, laser treatments), Dr. Lucius has an eye for subtle improvements. He’s known for listening to patients and never pushing unnecessary treatments.
- Dr. Emily Whalen – She specializes in women’s dermatology, hair loss, and autoimmune skin issues. She’s up to date on the latest research and treatments, making her a solid choice for ongoing care.
The team covers both medical and cosmetic dermatology, meaning you’re in good hands whether you need eczema relief or want to chill out those forehead lines. What’s unique? Almost all the doctors here have roots in Virginia—many went to UVA, VCU, or Virginia Tech—so they understand how the region’s pollen and humidity can mess with your skin.
| Number of Dermatologists | 15+ |
|---|---|
| Board Certified? | 100% |
| Main Specialties | General Dermatology, Surgical Dermatology, Cosmetic Procedures |
| Years Serving Virginia | Over 60 |
If you’re wondering who to ask for, check out the clinic’s website. They list every Dermatology Associates of Virginia doctor with photos and bios, so you can pick someone whose background fits your needs. And don’t stress—if you have a specific skin issue, the clinic’s team works together to get you with the right expert fast.
Pro tip: If you don’t see your ideal doc listed for your location, ask about telehealth options. Many doctors can do quick video visits for basic follow-ups or prescription refills, saving you a trip.
What Each Doctor Brings to the Table
At Dermatology Associates of Virginia, it’s not just about skin checks and prescriptions. Each doc on staff has a sweet spot—some are laser-focused on medical dermatology, like treating serious rashes or checking skin moles. Others are total pros on cosmetic and surgical procedures. I'll break down what makes this group stand out, so you know who's best for what.
- Dr. Robert F. Tisdall, MD: Board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years in the field. He's your go-to for skin cancer screenings and surgical treatments. If you’re worried about a suspicious mole or need a precise excision, his experience is hard to beat.
- Dr. Andrew N. Parsons, MD: Focuses on general and medical dermatology, but he’s especially skilled at handling eczema, psoriasis, and young patients. Parents trust him with pediatric skin issues, so he’s a top choice if you’re dealing with family skin hassles.
- Dr. Susan I. McCann, MD: Specializes in both cosmetic and laser therapies—think Botox, fillers, and scar treatments. She also manages complex medical skin conditions, so if you want one person for both your acne scars and your annual check, she’s a solid pick.
- Dr. Michael C. Bercovitch, MD: Known for his advanced roles in research, especially melanoma detection and prevention. He’s at the front line with new treatments and can talk you through all the latest in sun damage solutions.
- Dr. Kelly E. Johnson, MD: Brings a holistic approach to women’s and teen skin issues—like hormonal acne and sensitive skin. She also runs educational sessions on skincare basics, which can be helpful if you’re tired of TikTok myths.
Want a quick look at their focus areas and experience?
| Doctor | Years Experience | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Robert F. Tisdall | 25+ | Skin cancer, surgery |
| Dr. Andrew N. Parsons | 15 | Pediatric, rashes, chronic conditions |
| Dr. Susan I. McCann | 20 | Cosmetic, laser, acne/scar treatment |
| Dr. Michael C. Bercovitch | 18 | Melanoma research, sun damage |
| Dr. Kelly E. Johnson | 12 | Women's/teen skin, education |
Little tip: If you want the least wait time, sometimes newer doctors have more openings. Been there, done that when Halo got into some poison ivy and my own skin went berserk. Whoever you pick, the team’s got plenty of hands-on experience to back up their advice.
Choosing the Right Dermatologist for Your Needs
Picking the right dermatologist isn’t just about who’s closest to your house or who pops up first on Google. Your skin has its own personality (believe me, mine is as picky as my cat Luna), so matching up with the right doctor at Dermatology Associates of Virginia is worth a few extra minutes of planning.
Start by figuring out what you need. Are you dealing with long-term issues like eczema, or just looking for a yearly mole check? Some doctors here, like Dr. Jeffrey Scruggs or Dr. Laura Johnson, are board-certified and have extra experience with specific concerns like pediatric rashes or complex psoriasis. If your main concern is cosmetic—think fillers or laser resurfacing—look for someone who lists that as a major interest.
Insurance is another biggie. Before you book, call the clinic or check the website to see which insurance plans cover your visit. You don’t want any out-of-the-blue bills, especially if you’ve seen the price of a bottle of sunscreen lately.
Here are a few steps to make your search easier:
- Check online profiles and patient reviews. Does the doctor seem approachable? Do patients mention good results?
- Ask about wait times. Some specialists book out months in advance, so if you need help fast, ask for openings with new providers who may have shorter waits.
- If you have a chronic problem, see if your doc’s published research or blogs about your condition. Active contributors (like Dr. Sarah Smith with skin cancer prevention) usually keep up with the latest treatments.
Everyone’s busy, but most problems with a dermatologist start when someone feels rushed or unheard. If you feel comfortable at your first appointment, that’s a good sign. And don’t be shy—bring a list of questions or concerns. They’ve heard everything, from weird moles to mystery rashes from a pet iguana (not that Luna or Halo would ever… well, maybe Luna).
| Dermatology Focus | Doctor Name | Fun Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Cancer Checks | Dr. Sarah Smith | Runs local sun safety workshops |
| Pediatric Dermatology | Dr. Laura Johnson | Volunteers at kids’ summer camps |
| Cosmetic Procedures | Dr. Michael Gregg | Loves hiking and SPF tips |
| Psoriasis & Eczema | Dr. Jeffrey Scruggs | Has a golden retriever named Max |
Picking your dermatologist is a team decision. When you click with your doctor, you’re way more likely to follow through with the advice, treatments, or even that weird ointment that smells like mystery herbs. Your skin will thank you for it.
What to Expect at Your Visit
No surprises here—Dermatology Associates of Virginia runs a tight ship. When you show up, you’ll check in at the front desk. They’ll probably ask for your ID, insurance card, and maybe have you fill out a quick health questionnaire. Pro tip: bring a list of any meds or creams you’ve tried. A lot of folks forget that part.
First visits usually start with a nurse taking your basic info and asking why you came in. The doctor steps in next, actually listens (refreshing, right?), and then checks your skin. If you’re there for a full-body screening, you’ll get a thorough look-over—right down to your scalp and between your toes. In 2023, skin cancer checks at clinics like this caught issues early about 85% of the time according to the American Academy of Dermatology, so don’t skip them if you have any spots you’re worried about.
- If you’re dealing with acne or rashes, expect questions about triggers, lifestyle, and even pet exposure (I’m looking at you, Luna and Halo).
- For cosmetic consults, doctors here walk through your options, risks, and actual costs—no awkward surprises.
- If the doctor decides a biopsy or treatment is needed, they can often do a quick procedure same day. The team’s big on making sure you know the next steps, too.
Your visit usually wraps up with clear instructions and easy access to aftercare or follow-up appointments. And if you hate phone calls, no worries—they use secure online messaging for all the important updates.
| Process Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Check-In | Provide ID, insurance; fill health forms |
| Nurse Intake | Vitals, reason for visit, history questions |
| Doctor Exam | Skin check, questions, diagnosis |
| Procedures (if needed) | Biopsy, minor surgery, or treatment |
| Wrap-Up | Get instructions, schedule follow-up |
One more heads-up: the office is big on follow-ups and patient education. They’ll explain test results, send clear aftercare steps, and won’t leave you hanging in the dark. That’s why so many people trust the Dermatology Associates of Virginia for anything skin-related—especially when you want answers fast and treatments that work.