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Meet Our Providers
Our team of board-certified dermatologists and experienced providers combines medical expertise with genuine compassion to deliver exceptional care tailored to your unique needs.
Al Damavandy, MD, FAAD, FACMS
Board Certified Dermatologist & Mohs Surgeon
Specialty
General Dermatology and Mohs Surgery
About
Board-certified dermatologist Al Damavandy, MD provides the highest quality medical and cosmetic skin care available to patients of all ages. As a skin cancer expert who specializes in Mohs micrographic surgery and skin reconstruction, Dr. Damavandy uses his expert training in dermatological oncology, Mohs micrographic surgery, and procedural dermatology at District Dermatology in McLean, Virginia. Dr. Damavandy underwent rigorous fellowship training in Mohs micrographic surgery and procedural dermatology at one of the most prestigious programs in the country at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA. Before his fellowship, Dr. Damavandy attended the accelerated, seven-year dual BA/MD program at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. There he earned his undergraduate degree in biology, summa cum laude, and graduated as the valedictorian of his medical school class. Dr. Damavandy went on to complete an internship in internal medicine at Harvard Medical School’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA. He completed his
residency training in dermatology at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC, where he served as Chief Resident in his final year. Dr. Damavandy lectures nationally on the topics of cutaneous oncology and reconstructive surgery and has served in national leadership positions in the field of dermatology. He has also authored several manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, as well as book chapters. He is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and the American College of Mohs Surgery, as well as the Phi Beta Kappa, Alpha Omega Alpha, and Gold Humanism Medical Honor Societies. He has also been listed on the Top Doctors list of the Washingtonian and Northern Virginia magazines multiple times. He has been recognized multiple times as a Top Doctor by Washingtonian, Northern Virginia, Arlington, and DC magazines Dr. Damavandy is passionate about preventing and curing skin cancer gently and compassionately. His work at District Dermatology uses a patient-centered approach and displays his dedication to providing world-class care and comprehensive treatment solutions.
Clinical Interests
General Dermatology and Mohs Surgery
Education & Training
Bachelor Degree: George Washington University; MD: George Washington University; Internship: Harvard Medical School’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Fellowship: University of Pennsylvania
Sanna Ronkainen, MD, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Specialty
General Dermatology
About
Sanna Ronkainen, M.D, F.A.A.D. is a board-certified dermatologist. Dr. Ronkainen is a Northern Virginia native, born and raised in Fairfax County. She graduated from St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School in Alexandria, and earned her B.A. in Biochemistry and Cell Biology at Rice University in Houston, Texas. Upon graduation from Rice, she was awarded a Thomas J. Watson Fellowship--a grant to pursue research through travel in a topic of personal interest--studying type 1 diabetes. During her fellowship she traveled to Argentina, Tonga, India, Hong Kong, South Africa, and Tanzania. She returned to Washington, DC for medical school at Georgetown University, where she graduated cum laude and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society as recognition of her academic excellence. Dr. Ronkainen then completed a five-year combined residency in Dermatology and Internal Medicine at the University of Minnesota, where she participated in the global health track and served as Chief Resident during her final year. During her residency she was awarded the Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award and was inducted in the Gold Humanism Medical Honor Society for her enthusiasm for teaching medical students. Prior to joining District Dermatology, Dr. Ronkainen served as an assistant professor at Georgetown University School of Medicine and worked at the Medstar Washington Hospital Center Department of Dermatology. Dr. Ronkainen is delighted to serve her home community. She enjoys caring for patients with a wide variety of skin concerns and is committed to developing tailored treatment plans for each of her patients. Dr. Ronkainen has you covered for your skin care needs, whether performing a thorough skin check for concerning growths, managing sudden rashes or chronic skin conditions (like eczema, psoriasis & acne).
Clinical Interests
Acne and acne scarring, anti-aging treatments, injectables (Botox, fillers), laser therapies, rosacea, hyperpigmentation.
Education & Training
Bachelor Degree: Rice University; MD: George Washington University; Residency: University of Minnesota
Monique Chheda, MD, FAAD
Board-Certified Dermatologist
Specialty
General Dermatology
About
Dr. Monique Chheda is a board-certified dermatologist. She is a native of Chicago and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan, where she graduated with honors. She went on to attend the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, where she graduated at the top of her class and was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. She completed her dermatology residency at the University of Chicago, where she also served as Chief Resident during her final year. Dr. Chheda has practiced in both academic and private practice settings prior to joining District Dermatology. She is passionate about providing high-quality, patient-centered dermatologic care and enjoys seeing patients of all ages. Her clinical interests include acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and skin cancer screening and treatment. She has a special clinical interest in the evaluation and management of hair loss disorders, including androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, and scarring alopecias. Dr. Chheda also has experience caring for patients with skin of color and enjoys helping patients develop thoughtful, individualized treatment plans for both common and complex dermatologic conditions. Dr. Chheda has also pursued advanced training in integrative dermatology, an approach that explores the connections between lifestyle, nutrition, inflammation, and skin health. She is particularly interested in helping patients with chronic inflammatory skin diseases incorporate evidence-based lifestyle and dietary strategies alongside conventional dermatologic treatments to support overall skin and systemic health. She is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, where she previously served on the Young Physicians Committee, and she is a published scientific author.
Clinical Interests
Acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, skin cancer screening and treatment, and hair loss disorders
Education & Training
Bachelor Degree: University of Michigan; MD: University of Illinois - Chicago Medical School; Residency: University of Chicago
Olivia Schenck, MD, FAAD
Board-Certified Dermatologist
Specialty
General Dermatology
About
Olivia Schenck, M.D., F.A.A.D. is a board-certified dermatologist. She was born and raised in Harrisonburg, Virginia. She attended Princeton University, where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Molecular Biology and certificate in Chinese Cultural Studies. She earned her M.D. from the University of Virginia School of Medicine, where she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society for her academic achievements. She completed both her preliminary internal medicine residency and dermatology residency at Northwestern University in Chicago, IL, where she served as Chief Resident in her final year. During her residency she received training at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, and Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Prior to joining District Dermatology, Dr. Schenck served as an assistant professor at the University of Virginia School of Medicine’s Department of Dermatology, seeing patients in clinic while teaching residents and medical students. During her time with the department, she served as the Medical Student Clerkship Director for Dermatology and served on the UVA Medical School Admissions Committee. During her years with the department, she earned Patient Experience Provider Awards for her commitment to exceptional quality in patient care. Dr. Schenck is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and has authored multiple manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals in dermatology.
Clinical Interests
Medical dermatology, with a special interest in acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin cancer screening, and women’s health.
Education & Training
Bachelor Degree: Princeton University MD: University of Virginia School of Medicine Residency: Northwestern University
Karlyn Pollack, MD, FAAD
Board-Certified Dermatologist
Specialty
General Dermatology
About
Dr. Karlyn Pollack, M.D., F.A.A.D, is a board certified dermatologist. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Virginia, where she graduated with distinction, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry with a specialization in Biochemistry. Her undergraduate years were marked by a profound interest in research, setting the stage for her future contributions to medical science. Dr. Pollack continued her academic journey at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, where she not only earned her medical degree but also completed her dermatology residency. During her training, she demonstrated an exceptional commitment to advancing dermatological research, dedicating an entire year to investigating the efficacy of melanoma peptide vaccines within the skin. In her final year of residency in dermatology, Dr. Pollack served as chief resident, a role that underscored her leadership skills and dedication to excellence. Following her residency, she pursued a fellowship in Mohs micrographic surgery at the prestigious Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York. This specialized training further honed her surgical skills and deepened her understanding of complex dermatologic procedures. Dr. Pollack is an advocate for collaboration and mentorship. She has actively volunteered with the International Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation, engaging with patients beyond the clinic to better understand their daily challenges. Her commitment to patient care is unwavering, and she is known for her willingness to tackle difficult and complex cases with compassion and expertise. As a member of the Women's Dermatology Society, the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and the American Medical Association, Dr. Pollack remains actively involved in the medical community. Her prolific contributions to the field include over 30 publications and numerous presentations at medical conventions, where she shares her insights and advances in dermatologic research. Dr. Pollack's comprehensive knowledge spans general medical dermatology, cosmetics, and dermatologic surgery, making her a versatile and highly skilled practitioner.
Clinical Interests
Medical, Cosmetic, Surgical
Education & Training
Bachelor Degree: University of Virginia; MD: University of Virginia School of Medicine; Residency: University of Virginia School of Medicine Fellowship: Mohs Micrographic Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Melanie Tawfik, MD, FAAD
Board-Certified Dermatologist
Specialty
General Dermatology
About
Dr. Melanie Tawfik is a board certified dermatologist. She is a native of North Carolina and completed her undergraduate studies and medical school education at Duke University. She completed her internship and dermatology residency at Loma Linda University in Southern California, where she also served as Chief Resident in her final year. She has served as an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Georgetown University prior to joining District Dermatology, training and lecturing dermatology residents and Georgetown medical students. She is passionate about providing the highest quality, evidence-based care for her patients. She sees patients of all ages and her special interests are in pediatric dermatology, acne, rashes, eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancer.
Clinical Interests
Pediatric dermatology, acne, rashes, eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancer.
Education & Training
Bachelor Degree: Duke University; MD: Duke University; Residency: Loma Lina University
