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Drawing on more than 25 years of medical experience Clement Banda, MD, RPhS, founder of MD Vein & Skin Specialists in Owen Brown and Columbia, Maryland, transformed his practice into a leading provider of minimally invasive vein and skin procedures. Dr. Banda was an early adopter of laser medicine and surgery, and is now an industry leader with a focus on dermatologic surgery and phlebology, or vein specialty.

Dr. Banda holds a medical degree from the University of Zimbabwe in Harare, Zimbabwe. He made his way to the United States for his post-doctoral training at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, and George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He completed his clinical dermatology training at Queen Mary University of London, in the United Kingdom.

Dr. Banda is a diplomate of the American Board of Laser Surgery, the American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine, and the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons. He is also an active member of the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.

He has been profiled on American Health and Beauty and featured in Howard Magazine and Baltimore Magazine.

When he’s not working with patients, Dr. Banda enjoys working on home improvement projects and preparing gourmet vegetarian meals.

Tariq Nayfeh, MD/PhD, FAAOS, is a caring board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon with a specialty in joint replacements. Dr. Nayfeh sees patients at Greater Washington Orthopaedic Group, PA, which has three locations in Silver Spring, Germantown, and Rockville, Maryland. 

As a joint replacement specialist, Dr. Nayfeh is experienced in all ranges of joint replacement, from simple minimally invasive replacements to the most complex revisions. He is proficient in the use of a wide variety of tools and techniques, with many at his disposal. His repertoire includes partial and total robotic knee replacements, as well as custom (Conformis) and cement-less knee replacements. He also performs anterior replacement and custom (Conformis) hip replacements.

In 2006, Dr. Nayfeh was among the first surgeons in the Baltimore-Washington area to successfully perform an anterior hip replacement. Since then, he has gone on to perform thousands more. Additionally, he is also one of the first in the region to regularly perform outpatient joint replacements.

Dr. Nayfeh graduated magna cum laude and received his master's from Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech) in applied mechanics. Subsequently, he enrolled in a dual MD/PhD program at the University of Illinois, graduating with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering as well as an MD. He completed his residency at The Ohio State University and his fellowship in Adult Reconstruction at the Missouri Bone and Joint Center.

Dr. Nayfeh served as the chief of joint replacements at MedStar Harbor Hospital for six years. Before that, he was an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins College of Medicine. Throughout his career, Dr. Nayfeh has been recognized internationally as an expert in joint replacements. He has given lectures and performed numerous surgeries all around the globe. In addition, he has established a referral practice for infected and failed joint replacements and is actively involved in the design of new implants and instruments. Dr. Nayfeh has also lent his abilities to charity; he regularly teaches and performs surgeries in impoverished countries.

Dr. Nayfeh's priority is to utilize the latest safe technology to provide compassionate caring individualized care to all of his patients.

Experienced Dermatology Care Since 1982

Dr. Leon E. Brown is a private practice dermatologist in Takoma Park, Maryland. His practice covers the full range of medical dermatology treatment for his patients with skin conditions ranging from acne to skin cancer and everything in between.  Dr. Brown also has a passion for helping his patients achieve their ideal body image. His patients can now benefit from the CynoSure® SculpSure® body contouring laser. This tool permits non-surgical, non-invasive body shaping for patients at or near their target body weight, but are unable to achieve desired body shape through diet and exercise. Dr. Brown feels this is a new and exciting option for those who see no reasonable non-surgical solution.

Dr. Brown graduated from Norfolk State University before attending medical school at Howard University’s College of Medicine. After completing a residency with District of Columbia General Hospital, Dr. Brown returned to Howard University Hospital for his dermatology residency. He opened his dermatology practice in 1982 and has been serving the residents in Maryland’s Takoma Park area since 1990. Dr. Brown is a member of the American Board of Dermatology, American Academy of Dermatology, National Medical Association, Howard University Medical Alumni Association and he is a medical staff member at Washington Adventist Hospital.

Tariq Nayfeh, MD/PhD, FAAOS, is a caring board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon with a specialty in joint replacements. Dr. Nayfeh sees patients at Greater Washington Orthopaedic Group, PA, which has three locations in Silver Spring, Germantown, and Rockville, Maryland. 

As a joint replacement specialist, Dr. Nayfeh is experienced in all ranges of joint replacement, from simple minimally invasive replacements to the most complex revisions. He is proficient in the use of a wide variety of tools and techniques, with many at his disposal. His repertoire includes partial and total robotic knee replacements, as well as custom (Conformis) and cement-less knee replacements. He also performs anterior replacement and custom (Conformis) hip replacements.

In 2006, Dr. Nayfeh was among the first surgeons in the Baltimore-Washington area to successfully perform an anterior hip replacement. Since then, he has gone on to perform thousands more. Additionally, he is also one of the first in the region to regularly perform outpatient joint replacements.

Dr. Nayfeh graduated magna cum laude and received his master's from Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech) in applied mechanics. Subsequently, he enrolled in a dual MD/PhD program at the University of Illinois, graduating with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering as well as an MD. He completed his residency at The Ohio State University and his fellowship in Adult Reconstruction at the Missouri Bone and Joint Center.

Dr. Nayfeh served as the chief of joint replacements at MedStar Harbor Hospital for six years. Before that, he was an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins College of Medicine. Throughout his career, Dr. Nayfeh has been recognized internationally as an expert in joint replacements. He has given lectures and performed numerous surgeries all around the globe. In addition, he has established a referral practice for infected and failed joint replacements and is actively involved in the design of new implants and instruments. Dr. Nayfeh has also lent his abilities to charity; he regularly teaches and performs surgeries in impoverished countries.

Dr. Nayfeh's priority is to utilize the latest safe technology to provide compassionate caring individualized care to all of his patients.

Ali Hendi, MD, is a widely recognized skin cancer specialist who has been caring for patients in the Washington, DC area for over a decade. A double board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Hendi opened a state-of-the-art surgical facility, dedicated to the treatment of skin cancers, in Chevy Chase, Maryland in 2008. Since then, he has performed over 14,000 Mohs surgeries and reconstructions. He is active in the medical community as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Georgetown University Medical Center. He is involved in resident education at the Washington Hospital Center Dermatology Residency Program.

Dr. Hendi’s academic endeavors also encompass research and publishing, with over 20 peer-reviewed articles and textbook chapters, including Atlas of Skin Cancers. He serves as a reviewer for the journal Dermatologic Surgery and is a frequent speaker at national and international meetings. He has been a primary investigator of two research projects related to melanoma diagnosis and is the inventor of the Hendi-Frazier and Hendi-Roth skin hooks. Additionally, Dr. Hendi regularly appears in television and print media, advocating for regular skin cancer screenings and sun safety.

EDUCATION:

• Undergraduate degree in Microbiology and Immunology, Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa, University of Miami
• Doctor of Medicine, Alpha Omega Alpha, University of Miami School of Medicine accelerated Medical Scholars Program
• Internship in Internal Medicine and Residency in Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh
• Fellowship training in Mohs Surgery, Cutaneous Oncology, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery under Drs. John Zitelli and David Brodland, former presidents of the American College of Mohs Surgery

PROFESSIONAL POSITIONS

• Mohs surgeon and Assistant Professor, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
• Fellow, American Academy of Dermatology
• Fellow, American College of Mohs Surgery

Dr. Alison Ehrlich, a board-certified dermatologist, is the former founding Chair and Director of Clinical Research in the Department of Dermatology at George Washington University.  After many years in academic medicine, she has established her private practice in the Washington D.C. area but continues to specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic contact dermatitis, psoriasis, and other forms of chronic dermatitis.  Her approach is personalized to accommodate the unique needs of patients with complex medical conditions and varied schedules.

Following her residency in Dermatology, she completed a fellowship in Clinical Research and Master's in Clinical Research through a combined NIH/Duke program. She has overseen dermatology at the combined dermatology/rheumatology clinics while at GW. She continues to participate in and lead clinical research studies, and her current research projects focus on psoriasis, allergic contact dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis.  She is active in dermatology leadership and has been president of the DC Dermatological Society, vice-president of The American Contact Dermatitis Society, past member of the board of directors of the Women’s Dermatological Society, The American Contact Dermatitis Society, and past chair of the Access to Care committee for the American Academy of Dermatology.  She is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for The Asthma and Allergy Foundation, and on the board of directors of the Noah Worchester Society and of. She has lectured both within the US and abroad on psoriasis and contact dermatitis and has published extensively on these topics.

Dr. Nguyen is an outstanding doctor who has strong medical and surgical background. She was trained in general practice, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery before dedicating her career into her real passion of Dermatology. She is interested in all aspects of dermatology from acne, eczema, psoriasis, hair loss, excessive sweatiness to skin cancer treatment, skin reconstruction, cosmetic skin rejuvenation, etc. Dr. Nguyen has exceptional skill in surgical dermatology, cosmetic analysis, cosmetic procedures and other skin medical judgement and treatment with outstanding outcomes. She is a compassionate dermatologist, who has genuine friendly and charming personality, who treats patients as her own family. Dr. Nguyen's dedication and passion for dermatology provide our patients the highest standard of skin care services and patient's satisfaction. Vienna Dermatology has achieved 100% patient's approval rate and voted one of the best dermatology clinics in Northern Virginia.

Hyland Cronin, MD is a board certified dermatologist and surgeon who provides the highest quality medical and aesthetic skin care to patients of all ages at Easton Dermatology Associates, a state-of-the-art practice in Easton, Maryland, that serves residents on the Delmarva Peninsula. She specializes in skin cancer, especially surgical treatments including Mohs micrographic surgery and reconstructive surgery.

Dr. Cronin obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. She went on to earn her medical degree at the University of West Virginia School of Medicine in Morgantown, West Virginia. Dr. Cronin completed dual residencies in internal medicine and dermatology at Loyola University and Geisinger Health System, respectively.

In 2010, she completed a fellowship in Mohs Micrographic Surgery under the direction of Dr. Glenn Goldstein at The Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center in Leawood, Kansas. This prestigious fellowship is approved by the American College of Mohs Surgery.

Dr. Cronin is a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, a diplomate of the American Academy of Dermatology and a fellow of the American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology.

Kirra L. Brandon, MD is board certified in both dermatology and pediatric dermatology, and provides care to patients of all ages at Easton Dermatology Associates, a leading dermatology practice in Easton, Maryland, that serves residents on the Delmarva Peninsula. Although Dr. Brandon offers medical skin care services to patients of any age, she specializes in pediatric dermatology. Her specific interests include vascular birthmarks, genetic skin disorders, and pediatric skin and laser surgery.

Dr. Brandon obtained her undergraduate degree in biology from Harvard University, where she graduated with honors. She earned her medical degree at the University of Maryland Medical School, which is where she developed her interest in pediatric dermatology. She completed her internship in internal medicine at Tulane Hospital in New Orleans, followed by her residency in dermatology at Louisiana State University, also in New Orleans.

After finishing her residency, Dr. Brandon completed a year-long fellowship in pediatric dermatology at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. When her fellowship concluded, Dr. Brandon stayed on at the hospital as an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Dermatology.

Dr. Brandon is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. She’s an active member of the Society for Pediatric Dermatology, and has spoken at their national meeting, as well as several other regional conferences designed to educate pediatricians about pediatric skin conditions. Dr. Brandon has also authored multiple publications in dermatology and pediatrics journals.

As a native of Annapolis, Maryland, Dr. Brandon was excited to return to the area with her husband, Gus, an ophthalmologist and fellow Maryland native, and their two young daughters. In her spare time, Dr. Brandon enjoys hiking, swimming, and spending time with her family.

Michael A. Del Torto, MD is a board-certified dermatologist who provides comprehensive medical and aesthetic skincare to patients of Easton Dermatology Associates, a state-of-the-art practice in Easton, Maryland, that serves residents on the Delmarva Peninsula. Dr. Del Torto offers medical treatments for a variety of skin conditions, ranging from acne to skin cancer, as well as a full scope of cosmetic skin services.

Areas of special interest for Dr. Del Torto include skin cancer screening and surgery, acne, psoriasis, and cosmetic dermatology. He uses advanced laser surgery for wrinkle reduction, hair removal, spider veins, and acne scars.

Dr. Del Torto obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he graduated with honors and was a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society. He earned his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine.

Dr. Del Torto went on to complete residencies in both internal medicine and dermatology at the Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC. He also completed a melanoma fellowship at the Washington Hospital Center where he was the study coordinator for cutting-edge research in the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma.

Dr. Del Torto is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. He received the honor of being named a Top Doctor and A Most Compassionate Doctor by his patients and his fellow physicians. He also wrote two textbook chapters on rare dermatological diseases that were published in the NORD Guide to Rare Disorders.

In his spare time, Dr. Del Torto enjoys fishing, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Donald R. Stranahan, Jr., MD is a board-certified dermatologist who provides complete dermatological care to patients of all ages at Easton Dermatology Associates. Dr. Stranahan specializes in skin cancer detection and surgery, and also provides general medical and cosmetic skincare services.

Dr. Stranahan obtained his undergraduate degree in psychology with a concentration in behavioral neuroscience at Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland, where he graduated with honors. He went on to receive his medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where he earned awards for academic achievements, graduated with honors, and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. After completing his internship in internal medicine at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, he completed a residency in dermatology at the University of South Florida School of Medicine in Tampa.

In addition to being a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, Dr. Stranahan is a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the American Medical Association, and the National Psoriasis Foundation. He’s been published in several peer-reviewed journals and has served as a peer reviewer for the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. He’s also been featured in the Who’s Who Registry among executives and professionals in the field of research, medicine, and healthcare.

Dr. Stranahan is a native of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, growing up in Easton and graduating from Easton High School. After completing his residency training, Dr. Stranahan returned home to the Eastern Shore with his wife, Brigitte, also from Easton, and their two children. They’re thrilled to call Easton home once again, where they can be closer to family and friends. When he’s not in the office, Dr. Stranahan enjoys the outdoors, fishing, boating, golfing, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Maren Shaw MD, FAAD is the Medical Director of Charles County Dermatology Associates.    Dr. Shaw completed her undergraduate studies at Spelman College.  She graduated from medical school at the University of North Carolina (UNC) School of Medicine in Chapel Hill.  She completed her internship in pediatrics at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (now Rutger's University).  She completed her dermatology residency at UNC Hospitals Department of Dermatology.  She studied Mohs surgery and performed hundreds of Mohs cases while working at the Chattanooga Skin and Cancer Clinic in Chattanooga, TN under the guidance of Dr. Samuel Banks. 

Most recently Dr. Shaw served as an Assistant Professor at the Howard University School of Medicine in Washington, DC.  In this role, she taught residents and medical students dermatology as well as practiced medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.  She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, a member of the American Society of Mohs Surgeons, the American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons and the National Medical Association.

Dr. Shaw is double board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology in Dermatology and Micrographic Dermatologic (Mohs) Surgery.  Dr. Shaw is honored to deliver personalized thoughtful care for all of your family's skin needs. 

Smitha Kuppalli, MD, is a physician partner at Dermatology & Advanced Skin Care in Columbia, Maryland. She is a board-certified dermatologist and has been with the practice since 2015. 

Dr. Kuppalli received her medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore and completed her residency in dermatology at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. 

Before returning to her home roots in Howard County, she was on faculty at the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville and, more recently, was an assistant professor in the Department of Dermatology at Columbia University in New York, New York. 

Dr. Kuppalli enjoys practicing both general dermatology and cosmetic procedures. She has a special interest in pigmented lesions and has published on various topics, including psoriasis, vitiligo, and pigmented disorders. 

Dr. Kuppalli is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the Women’s Dermatologic Society, and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

Aerlyn Dawn, MD, is an experienced Mohs surgeon serving patients at Dermatology & Advanced Skin Care in Columbia, Maryland. 

Dr. Dawn attended Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusets, for his undergraduate studies and received his medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina. 

After his internship at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, he completed his dermatology residency at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Then, he completed a fellowship in Mohs surgery and procedural dermatology. 

Dr. Dawn has authored numerous scientific articles and book chapters and has presented at national dermatology and dermatologic surgery meetings. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology and a member of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the Dermatology Foundation, and the Skin Cancer Foundation. 

Dr. Dawn has extensive experience in Mohs surgery for skin cancer and reconstructive surgery. He joined Dermatology & Advanced Skin Care in 2011.

Meredith Sagal, CRNP, FNP-C, DCNP, is a board-certified dermatology nurse practitioner at Dermatology & Advanced Skin Care in Columbia, Maryland.

Meredith graduated cum laude from Villanova University in Pennsylvania with her bachelor’s degree in nursing. After graduating, she began her career as a trauma intensive care nurse at the world-renowned R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Meredith then attended Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, obtaining her master’s degree in nursing.

Meredith has attained a vast medical knowledge base throughout her many years of providing medical care in areas such as emergency medicine, trauma, orthopedics, and surgical intensive care.

She has been practicing at Dermatology & Advanced Skin Care since 2020 and has worked in dermatology since 2017. She treats various dermatologic conditions and performs skin cancer screenings, biopsies, and cosmetic procedures. Meredith has advanced training in Botox, dermal fillers, laser, and medical-grade skin care product lines. She is particularly interested in treating acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

Meredith strongly believes in working closely with her patients to develop an individualized treatment plan to fit each patient's unique needs and individual goals.

In Meredith’s free time, she enjoys visiting Walt Disney World, even running half marathons there with her husband! She also still finds time to serve in the volunteer fire service as a firefighter/emergency medical technician in Baltimore County, MD.

Meredith is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, Sigma Theta Tau, the Dermatology Nurses Association, and the Society of Dermatology Nurse Practitioners. She recently passed the Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioner exam, making her one of ten DCNPs in the state of Maryland and the only DCNP in the Baltimore region!

Nicholas Girardi, MD, is a physician partner at Dermatology & Advanced Skin Care in Columbia, Maryland. Dr. Giradi has offered various dermatology services at the office since 2018. 

Dr. Girardi graduated from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society recognized him in medical school for his achievements. He moved to Washington, DC, to earn a master’s degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in physiology and biophysics. 

Dr. Girardi completed his dermatology residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, where he was the chief resident. He has published in professional journals and presented at several professional conferences. 

Dr. Girardi enjoys practicing all aspects of dermatology, including diagnosing and treating melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, acne, psoriasis, and eczema. He is also skilled in cosmetic procedures such as using Botox, peels, and lasers.

Dr. Girardi looks forward to working with new and existing patients.

Cheryl Bansal, MD is a premiere dermatologist, surgeon, and founder of Medical & Aesthetic Dermatology. She provides central Maryland with the latest medical technologies and expert dermatologic services. From medical to cosmetic procedures, Dr. Bansal takes the time to make sure each patient’s experience with her practice is one of satisfaction and education. It’s Dr. Bansal’s mission that patients leave her office feeling confident and pleased with their individual care and treatment plan.

Before becoming the youngest board-certified dermatologist the year she graduated, Dr. Bansal was accepted into the prestigious combined BA/MD program at Lehigh University and Drexel University College of Medicine, and completed her undergraduate studies in three years. She completed her Dermatology residency at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC, where she was elected Academic Chief Resident.

Dr. Bansal's research has been published in academic and medical journals around the world, and she has helped with humanitarian efforts in hospitals and clinics around the world. Dr. Bansal has also worked with the Baltimore Orioles to promote skin cancer awareness and sun safety.

Since opening her private practice in 2011, Dr. Bansal has gone on to expand the practice to include several mid-level providers and a cosmetic nurse under her leadership, as well as a fully trained staff to help with patient needs. She provides a full range of dermatologic, medical, cosmetic, and surgical services to patients of all ages, including pediatric, disabled, and elderly dermatologic care. Dr. Bansal dedicates her time to building her practice to best serve her patients and the Howard County community.

Dr. Bansal lives in Ellicott City with her husband and two children.