Medical Team

Roberta F. Palestine, M.D.

Roberta F. Palestine, M.D. is the founder and director of the Dermatology & Clinical Skin Care Center and has been in practice since 1982. Dr. Palestine is a board certified dermatologist. She received her undergraduate degree from Cornell University, her medical degree with honors from the University of Rochester, and she attended the world-famous Mayo Clinic for her residency in dermatology.

At Mayo, she received the coveted Paul A. O’Leary Award in recognition of excellence in patient care. “Patients have commented on how well I listen. I think that's very important in customizing treatment for each individual patient. I find it satisfying to help people optimize their appearance, because when people look better it makes them feel better and therefore enhances their self-esteem and self-confidence.”

Alison Ehrlich, M.D.

Alison Ehrlich, M.D. is a board certified dermatologist. She received her undergraduate degree from Smith College, her medical degree from George Washington University, and she completed her dermatology residency at the University of Kansas. She received a Masters in Clinical Research from Duke University and completed a clinical research fellowship at NIH.

She specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic contact dermatitis and psoriasis. In addition, Dr. Ehrlich is actively engaged in research focusing on therapies for both allergic contact dermatitis and psoriasis.

Joseph Lee, M.D.

Joseph Lee, M.D. is a board certified dermatologist. He received his PhD., medical degree and dermatology residency training from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He is actively engaged in research at the National Institutes of Health, and has a broad background in skin cancer research and a special interest in surgery.

“As a trained scientist, I look upon diseases from a scientific point of view, but I never lose sight of the patient. That’s because, of the many different ways we can offer treatment, each person responds differently.”

Iris Kedar Rubin, M.D.

Iris Kedar Rubin, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist with specialized training in laser and cosmetic services. She received her undergraduate degree with honors from Stanford University and her medical degree from Harvard Medical School. She completed her dermatology residency training at Harvard Medical School where she served as Academic Chief Resident. She also completed a fellowship in laser surgery and cosmetic dermatology at Harvard Medical School.

Prior to joining the Dermatology & Clinical Skin Care Center, Dr. Rubin was on staff at Massachusetts General Hospital and a faculty member at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Rubin has won numerous awards including the prestigious American Medical Association Foundation's Leadership Award. Dr. Rubin specializes in the treatment of port-wine stains and is actively engaged in research to improve treatment outcomes. Dr. Rubin grew up in Maryland, and is excited to be back and practicing in her home town. She resides in Bethesda with her husband, toddler son and infant daughter..

Geeta M. Shah, M.D.

Dr. Geeta M. Shah, M.D., received her M.D. degree from Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine. She completed her dermatology residency at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland Ohio where she served as chief resident. She is board certified in dermatology.

Dr. Shah completed a fellowship in laser and cosmetic surgery at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Northern California. Her area of expertise includes the use of Botox® and dermal fillers for facial enhancement as well as laser treatment for skin of all colors for treating wrinkles, vessels, brown spots, acne scars, and surgical scars. “After undergoing these treatments, I am always hearing from my patients how great they feel and how it has changed their lives for the better. As an expertly trained cosmetic dermatologist, I can offer my patients the best quality, options, and education for these procedures.”

Arun P. Venkat, M.D.

Arun P. Venkat, M.D. is a board certified dermatologist with specialized training in Dermatopathology. He did his undergraduate degree at the University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated summa cum laude. He received his M.D. degree from Duke University as well as his MBA, and completed his residency at the University of Iowa. He completed a Dermatopathology Fellowship at John Hopkins University.

Dr. Venkat received the ASDS Cutting Edge Research Grant focusing on the prognosis of cutaneous malignant melanoma. He has published many articles on dermatology and various subspecialties. He specializes in dermatopathology as well as practicing general dermatology. He is dedicated to the care of his patients and furthering research in his field.

Thomas C. Yu, M.D.

Thomas C. Yu, M.D., is a board certified dermatologist. He received his medical degree with honors at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and completed his internship in internal medicine at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. Dr. Yu received his residency training in dermatology at Columbia University's St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Medical Center, where he served as Chief Resident. He then completed his fellowship in Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Surgery at Columbia University’s Center for Laser and Dermatologic Surgery.

He is the author of multiple articles and book chapters regarding cutaneous oncology, reconstructive surgery, and dermatologic surgery.

Jennifer I. Whitman, PA-C

Jennifer Whitman, PA-C is a board certified Physician Assistant (PA). She completed her Master of Physician Assistant Studies at Chatham University, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Jennifer comes to the Dermatology Center with over 10 years of clinical practice including prior experience in Dermatology. During her career as a Physician Assistant, she has also worked in the specialties of Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine and Urgent Care. Jennifer especially enjoys treating acne patients, and says her patients find her to be compassionate and very thorough. Jennifer resides in Rockville with her husband Jeff who is an architect.

Amy Gawler, PA-C

Amy Gawler, PA-C is a board certified Physician Assistant. She completed her Master of Physician Assistant Studies at George Washington University in Washington DC. Amy comes to the Dermatology Center with over 15 years of professional experience including Holy Cross Hospital, Children’s National Medical Center and Inova Fairfax Hospital. During her career as a Physician Assistant, she has worked in a variety of subspecialties including general, orthopedic, and plastics and reconstructive surgery. Amy grew up in the metropolitan DC area and now lives in suburban Maryland with her husband and two boys.