Find a Top Dermatologist Near Me in Franklin, NJ – Book an Appointment Instantly

Maria Joyce Rowena Bernabe, MD, is a dermatologist with Dermatology Associates of Central NJ in Old Bridge, Freehold, and Union, New Jersey.

Dr. Bernabe is licensed in family practice. She holds certification in radiation therapy of basal and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Dr. Bernabe is also certified in cosmetic procedures.

Initially trained in the Philippines, Dr. Bernabe graduated from Ateneo de Davao University, Davao Medical School Foundation with a bachelor’s degree in biology and Doctor of Medicine degree. In the United States, she studied in the Ghent Family Medicine Residency Program at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia, where all her electives were in dermatology.

When she’s not working, Dr. Bernabe loves to spend time with her family and friends. She’s an avid reader and enjoys a wide range of music, including classical, jazz, and Filipino music. She enjoys photographing and arranging flowers and growing orchids. Sports are also a favorite, as she enjoys cheering on the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts and baseball’s New York Yankees

Dr. Michael Kurzman is a respected, board-certified dermatologist practicing in Staten Island, New York; near Rossville and Pleasant Plains. From his offices, he specializes in the treatment of skin conditions including acne, psoriasis, mole removal, hyperhidrosis and offers anti-aging treatments involving Botox and fillers.

Dr. Kurzman earned his medical degree from New York Medical College in 1980 after completing his undergraduate education at Yeshiva University. His post-graduate training included an internal medicine internship and residency at Maimonides Medical Center and a dermatology residency at New York Medical College.

A diplomate of the National Board of Medical Examiners, Dr. Kurzman is board-certified by both the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Dermatology. In addition, he is also a fellow of The American Academy of Dermatology. Dr. Kurzman was a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Dermatology at New York Medical College and is the Co-Director of the Division of Dermatology at Staten Island University Hospital.

Dr. Michael Kurzman has been in practice since 1986 serving Staten Island and the surrounding area. He is dedicated to helping patients enjoy youthful, healthy skin. Dr. Kurzman's practice offers a combination of medical dermatology and cosmetic skin care treatments. Our approach to medical and cosmetic dermatology is the same.  He collects as much information as possible, discusses possible procedures, and moves forward with the most straightforward solution tailored to your particular needs and concerns. Dr. Kurzman works closely with each patient to develop an individualized plan of treatment and strives to make your experience easy and comfortable.

Dr. Sheena Desai is a board-certified dermatologist with expertise in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. She received her medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine and completed her dermatology residency at Northwell Health, where she served as Cosmetic Chief Resident. In addition to her MD, Dr. Desai holds an MBA from the Heller School at Brandeis University, providing her with a unique understanding of both patient care and healthcare systems.

Dr. Desai has authored numerous publications in leading dermatology journals and has presented nationally on topics including skin cancer prevention, autoimmune skin conditions, and healthcare policy. Her clinical interests include acne, rosacea, eczema, skin cancer detection and treatment, and minimally invasive aesthetic procedures such as lasers, injectables, and microneedling.

With a warm, thoughtful approach, Dr. Desai is committed to delivering high-quality, personalized care to each of her patients.

She sees patients at MDCS Dermatology in Clifton and Englewood, New Jersey.

Snehal Amin, MD, FACMS, FAAD is co-founder and surgical director of MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, located in Manhattan, Upper East Side, Commack, Hampton Bays and Plainview, NY, Clifton, and Englewood, New Jersey. As a board-certified dermatologic surgeon, he has:

• Provided top-notch patient care and life changing skin transformations
• Published numerous ongoing publications
• Focused on Mohs micrographic surgery, laser resurfacing, pediatric/adult lasers, and facial cosmetic reconstructions

Dr. Amin has:

• Previously served as Director of Mohs, Laser, and Dermatologic Surgery for New York Medical College
• Previously served as the interim Director of Mohs Surgery at Cornell - New York Presbyterian Medical Center
• Received numerous research grants for his groundbreaking work in melanoma, laser medicine, and skin cancer biology

Dr. Amin graduated from Harvard College (magna cum laude)with dual degrees in Biology and Sanskrit. He then:

• Graduated from  Albert Einstein College of Medicine Alpha omega alpha medical honor society
• Served as Chief Resident in dermatology at Cornell’s New York-Presbyterian Hospital
• Became board certified in skin cancer surgery and cosmetic dermatologic surgeries

Dr. Amin currently serves as Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Weill-Cornell Medical College. He is a fellow of both the American College of Mohs Surgery and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery.

Michael Tassavor, MD, MS, is a board-certified dermatologist and attending physician at MDCS: Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery with offices in the Midtown East and Upper East Side neighborhoods of New York City, as well as Smithtown, Commack, Hampton Bays, and Plainview, New York, and Clifton, Marlboro, and Englewood, New Jersey. 

Dr. Tassavor provides medical and cosmetic dermatology care and performs highly specialized Mohs surgery to treat skin cancer.

After earning his Bachelor of Science in molecular and cell biology at the University of Connecticut (UConn) in Storrs, Connecticut, Dr. Tassavor completed a Master of Science in biomedical sciences at Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts.

He continued his schooling at the UConn School of Medicine in Farmington, Connecticut, earning his Doctor of Medicine. He completed a one-year medical internship at Tufts Medical Center in Boston before relocating to New York City for his dermatology residency at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. 

Then, Dr. Tassavor completed his micrographic surgery and dermatologic oncology fellowship training with Brett Coldiron, MD, in Cincinnati, Ohio. 

Dr. Tassavor is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), a resident member of the New York State Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery (NYSSDDS), and on the coding and reimbursement committee of the AAD.

Dedicated to his profession, Dr. Tassavor has published multiple scientific studies in peer-reviewed journals and authored a chapter in a dermatological surgery book.

While in school, Dr. Tassavor gained an interest in working with underserved and vulnerable individuals and continues to use his skills as a physician to provide expert care to those in need.

Marc Zac Handler, MD, is an acclaimed lecturer and a board-certified academic dermatologist at Kessel Dermatology in Hamilton Square, New Jersey. He is a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. Dr. Handler is also an assistant clinical professor in dermatology at Rutgers University New Jersey Medical School. 

He served as a Fellow in the United States House of Representatives and crafted cost-neutral legislation to combat HIV infection. He has received the Congressional Recognition Award three times from bipartisan House members for his work on health care policy and was named a Nebraska Admiral, by the Governor of the State of Nebraska, in recognition of service to the community. He has experience with medical news production, having worked with Sanjay Gupta, MD, at CNN’s medical unit, assisting with medical programming. Additionally, he has been a medical contributor for the Discovery Health program, “Dr. G: Medical Examiner.”

Dr. Handler is a recipient of the prestigious Tatotsu Imaeda, MD, PhD, Academic Scholar Award for his extensive academic work, which includes greater than 30 peer-reviewed publications and five book chapters. Dr. Handler is the only person to be the first author of back-to-back cover articles in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, the leading American journal specializing in dermatology.

Focused on improving health care access both locally and abroad, Dr. Handler has provided volunteer medical care with Project MediShare in earthquake-stricken Port-au-Prince, Haiti. His experience in Haiti led to an invitation to assist the House Foreign Affairs Committee, in Washington, DC, on USAID expenditures. He has since been a volunteer physician at the HIV hospital in Accra, Ghana, and a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in Hoboken, New Jersey. 

Dr. Handler has been an invited guest lecturer around the globe, including Montenegro, New York, Miami, Kuwait, Iran, and Jordan. Dr. Handler holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of California, San Diego, and received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Nebraska. Dr. Handler completed a research fellowship in pediatric dermatology at the University of Miami with department chairman Dr. Lawrence Schachner, author of Pediatric Dermatology. He completed his residency in dermatology at Rutgers University with Dr. Robert A. Schwartz, providing needed care for the underserved patients of Newark, New Jersey, and military veterans at the East Orange Veterans hospital. He was selected to serve as the program’s Chief Resident during his senior year. He completed a Mohs micrographic surgery and procedural dermatology fellowship at Skin Laser & Surgery Specialists of NY and NJ under the direction of Dr. David J. Goldberg.

Jennifer Smith, MSN, APN, FNP-BC, is a credentialed and board-certified family nurse practitioner at Kessel Dermatology in Hamilton Square, New Jersey. She has been a dedicated provider with our practice since 2016. She is certified to practice in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. 

Jennifer graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Thomas Jefferson University. She went on to graduate summa cum laude with a Master of Science in Nursing. 

Jennifer is a member of the National Academy of Dermatology Nurse Practitioners. She has attended numerous conferences and meetings hosted by the American Academy of Dermatology. Jennifer has also advocated for restrictions on tanning bed use by minors on a state-wide level.

Jennifer has had a life-long passion for dermatology and specializes in all skin conditions. She treats patients in person and via telemedicine.

Jennifer is appreciated at Kessel Dermatology for both her knowledge of the field of dermatology and her gentle and kind demeanor.

Efrain Morales, MSN, APN, FNP-BC, is a credentialed and board-certified family nurse practitioner at Kessel Dermatology in Hamilton Square, New Jersey. 

Efrain earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science in Nursing from The College of New Jersey. With over 20 cumulative years of clinical experience, Efrain has excelled and held leadership roles in a diverse range of clinical settings, including community health, pediatrics, psychiatry, medical/surgical, oncology, forensics, and critical care.

After obtaining his nurse practitioner accreditation, Efrain trained exclusively in dermatology with Dr. Kessel for an additional two years before becoming a Kessel Dermatology provider. 

Efrain prides himself in his attention to accurate diagnoses and precise and personalized treatment, with an emphasis on the holistic care of the person. He also provides bilingual care for the Spanish-speaking community around Hamilton Square. 

To schedule an appointment with Efrain and the team at Kessel Dermatology, call the office or request an appointment online today.

Recognized as the top doctor and dermatologist in the Hamilton/Trenton area, Daniel Kessel, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at Kessel Dermatology in Hamilton Square, New Jersey. He is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, Philadelphia Dermatologic Society, New Jersey Medical Association, American Contact Dermatitis Society, Central Jersey Independent Physicians Association, and American Medical Association. He was the director of the Division of Dermatology at Saint Francis Hospital and has been serving the greater community of New Jersey and Pennsylvania for over 30 years. 

Dr. Kessel has been rated among the Top Doctors by New Jersey Monthly Magazine and consistently as the top doctor and dermatologist by the Trentonian. Dr. Kessel serves as a privileged member on the Robert Wood Johnson Hospital staff.

After graduating from Lawrenceville School with academic distinction, Dr. Kessel attended the University of Pennsylvania as a Benjamin Franklin Scholar. He graduated magna cum laude with dual degrees in mathematics and natural science. Dr. Kessel received his medical education at Temple University Medical School and completed his internship in Internal Medicine at Abington Memorial Hospital. Dr. Kessel trained in Dermatology at New York Medical College in New York City. He has conducted clinical research in coordination with the pharmaceutical industry and has authored peer-reviewed articles in the medical literature.

Dr. Kessel has proudly served the New Jersey and Pennsylvania area for more than 30 years and has volunteered his time extensively to offer skin cancer screenings at local hospitals in the community.

Joshua Freedman, MD, MS, is a nationally recognized innovator in the field of dermatology and a board-certified dermatologist at Kessel Dermatology in Hamilton Square, New Jersey. He is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Dermatological Surgeons, American Contact Dermatitis Society, and Florida Society of Dermatological Surgeons. He is a licensed physician in surgery and medicine in New Jersey and Florida.

Dr. Freedman trained as a dermatologist at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, in the prestigious department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, which is ranked among the Nation’s Top Ten Programs (US News & World Report 2015). During his training, he received numerous institutional and national awards for his inventions and innovations in cutting-edge dermatological technology for early skin cancer detection. Dr. Freedman completed his Medical education at Rush University Medical College and his internal medicine internship training at Advocate Illinois Masonic Hospital. While at Rush University, he served as the president of the Medical Student Surgery Group and researched at the Craniofacial Center for Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Freedman graduated from Drexel University with dual master’s degrees in electrical and biomedical engineering and continues to explore new ways to utilize technology to enhance dermatological care.

Dr. Freedman greatly enjoys and continues to seek out volunteer opportunities to give back to his community. He has received grants from the American Academy of Dermatology to support volunteer work in Native American Health Services on reservations in Chinle and Tsaile, Arizona. Dr. Freedman has provided volunteer service for Florida Keys Health Fairs and Camillus House Homeless Shelter. Dr. Freedman served as a student director for the Community Health Clinic in Chicago, which provided weekly free clinical care to the uninsured, and founded a new clinic that continues to serve uninsured Chicagoans today.

Dr. Freedman is originally from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and is happy to return to and serve this area’s medical and surgical dermatological needs.

Joseph White, MMS, PA-C, is a board-certified physician assistant at Kessel Dermatology located in Hamilton Square, New Jersey. He joined Kessel Dermatology in 2008 and has enjoyed caring for the communities in and around Mercer County ever since. 

Originally from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Joseph attended Arcadia University in Glenside, Pennsylvania, where he graduated with a Master of Medical Sciences degree in physician assistant studies. While enrolled at Arcadia University, Joseph completed an emergency medicine rotation abroad at Zacapa Regional Hospital in Guatemala. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Massachusetts, where he graduated magna cum laude and twice received the Academic Achievement Award in the Biology Department. 

To stay up to date with the latest advances in his field, Joseph maintains membership with the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants. 

To request an appointment with Joseph and the team at Kessel Dermatology, call the office or request an appointment online today. 

Melissa Przemieniecki, MSN, APN, FNP-BC, is a credentialed and board-certified family nurse practitioner at Kessel Dermatology in Hamilton Square, New Jersey. Her mission is to provide high-quality dermatology services to individuals living in and around Mercer County. 

Melissa boasts a degree in family practice. She comes to Kessel Dermatology with a decade of experience treating patients across the lifespan, ranging from infants to adults. Melissa graduated from The College of New Jersey with honors and went on to practice emergency medicine after graduating. She has an extensive medical background and brings a unique skill set to the team at Kessel Dermatology. 

Born and raised in Hamilton, New Jersey, Melissa is passionate about serving her hometown community. In her free time outside of the office, Melissa enjoys hiking, fishing, and spending time outdoors with her family.

To schedule an appointment with Melissa and the exceptional team at Kessel Dermatology, call the office or request an appointment online today.

Alena Otero, PA-C, is a certified physician assistant practicing at Kessel Dermatology located in Hamilton Square, New Jersey. She has been a valued member of the Kessel Dermatology team for five years and enjoys caring for the dermatological needs of individuals living in and around Mercer County. 

Alena enjoys practicing both medical and surgical dermatology. she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers College at Rutgers University in 2002 and obtained her Master of Science in Physician Assistant studies at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. She is a member of the Society for Dermatology Physician Assistants and the American Association of Surgical Physician Assistants. She is board-certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is licensed to practice in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

To request an appointment with Alena and the Kessel Dermatology team, call the office or request an appointment online today. 

Savy Guthrie, MPAS, PA-C, is a board-certified physician assistant at Kessel Dermatology located in Hamilton Square, New Jersey. She is state-licensed in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Savy has been a dedicated member of the Kessel Dermatology team since 2006 and has been practicing medicine since 2000. 

Savy holds a master’s degree from The University of Nebraska in Physician Assistant studies, a bachelor’s degree from Drexel University in Physician Assistant studies, and a Bachelor’s Degree from Temple University in physiology. She is a member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants and has attained Diplomate status by completing a rigorous dermatologist-developed course program. She has been recognized as one of the top 500 Morpheus providers in all of North America for 2023 and 2024. 

As a cosmetic injector, Savy combines two decades of dermatology experience, knowledge of facial anatomy, skill, and technical precision with her artistic background to create unmatched natural results. Erasing the line between medicine and artistry, she takes pride in her creativity and views every happy patient as a masterpiece. Savy provides her patients with the most innovative injection techniques by continually attending hands-on training courses by the industry’s leading instructors.

With patient safety and comfort in mind, Savy is one of the first providers in our region to use blunt-tipped microcannulas for the administration of most facial fillers rather than sharp needles. These microcannulas allow for the precise placement of fillers without piercing underlying blood vessels and nerves. In doing so, this advanced technique couples the highest safety with incredible results while yielding less bruising, downtime, and discomfort.

When not seeing patients, Savy is a level II Reiki practitioner, an aspiring fiction author and devoted mother of two. 

To better serve the diverse communities of New Jersey, Savy is fluent in both English and Greek.

To request an appointment with Savy and the team at Kessel Dermatology, call the office or request an appointment online today.

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Dr. Aurash Bina is a board-certified dermatologist with a robust background in medical dermatology and skin cancer screening and prevention. His dedication to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care is reflected in his thorough approach and unwavering commitment to ensuring each patient feels valued, understood, and reassured.

A native Texan, Dr. Bina earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas in Austin. He then went on to receive his medical degree from Touro University in California, subsequently completing his medical internship and dermatology residency at St. John's Episcopal Hospital in Queens, NY. His tenacity and commitment to his field led to his appointment as Chief Dermatology Resident, a role that allowed him to hone his leadership skills and deepen his understanding of diverse skin conditions.

Dr. Bina brings an additional layer of expertise to his practice in the form of cosmetic dermatology. He takes pride in offering the latest in injectables and laser treatments, enhancing not only the health but also the confidence of his patients.

Keeping abreast of the latest advancements in dermatology, Dr. Bina is a proactive learner, always striving to refine his knowledge and techniques. His dedication to the profession extends beyond his practice, as he contributes to the broader understanding of dermatology through presentations and collaborative research efforts.

In his practice, Dr. Bina prioritizes personalized care, developing comprehensive treatment plans that address both immediate concerns and long-term skin health. He believes in fostering an environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their skin health concerns, and he understands the impact of skin health on overall well-being.

Outside of his practice, Dr. Bina maintains a well-rounded lifestyle, remaining active through community sports leagues and spending time with his family and close friends.

Dr. Bina looks forward to welcoming you to the Skin Institute of New York (SINY®) and working alongside you to achieve radiant, healthy skin.

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Vignesh Ramachandran, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology who treats adults and children in full-spectrum general, medical, and cosmetic dermatology conditions affecting the skin, hair and nails. When he was a child, he and his family immigrated to a small town of 16,000 in Ontario, Canada before his educational journey brought him to the United States. Dr. Ramachandran still maintains those small town values, merging relentless hard work with compassion, honesty and humility to care for his patients and community.

Dr. Ramachandran graduated as a Presidential Scholar from the Dean’s Scholars Honors Program at the University of Texas at Austin. He then graduated #1 in his medical school class at the top-ranked Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, where he was inducted into the prestigious Gold Humanism and Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Societies. He went on to complete his internship in Internal Medicine at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, where he was awarded Outstanding Intern of the Year. Dr. Ramachandran then completed his dermatology residency at the world-renowned Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology at New York University. By the end of his three years of residency, he was nationally recognized as a 3-time 'Rising Derm Star’, was an investigator in several clinical trials, published 100 peer-reviewed research papers, and served on national dermatology committees. He culminated his residency training with the Irwin M. Freedberg, M.D. Award for the resident who has done the most to advance Dermatology in the ‘House of Medicine’.

Dr. Ramachandran sees patients at the SINY® Dermatology offices in Bayridge and Forest Hills. He also serves as a Clinical Instructor in the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology at New York University, where he conducts hospital consultations at NYU Langone Hospital Brooklyn and teaches residents.