Beach Cities Dermatology offers leaders in our field and are always striving to bring you the latest in safe, ethical and effective dermatology innovations. With well over two decades of comprehensive dermatology experience, William Wickwire, M.D., Neal M. Ammar, M.D., Geover Fernandez, M.D., M.D., Pascal Ferzli, M.D., Jeffrey K Lander, Adam Aronson, M.D., Catherine Jeter, PA-C, M.D, Fariba Seraj, RN/PA-C, Erik P. Sorenson, MPAS, PA, and Licensed Aesthetician; Jennifer Hamaguchi, are committed to the highest quality of skin care and treatment standards. Certified by the American Board of Dermatology, we offer state-of-the-art Surgical Dermatology, Medical Dermatology, and Cosmetic Dermatology.
William James Wickwire, M.D.
Dermatology and Dermatopathology
EDUCATION:
Chadwick School, Diploma; Williams College, B.A. in Chemistry and Art History; University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, M.D.; Brown University, Internal Medicine; University of Minnesota, Dermatology and Dermatopathology.
MEMBER, FELLOW OR DIPLOMATE:
American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Pacific Dermatology Association, American Medical Association, California Medical Association, Los Angeles County Medical Association, San Bernardino County Medical Association, American Board of Dermatology.
PERSONAL:
Single; enjoys skiing, waterskiing, windsurfing, snowboarding, in-line skating, weight lifting, hiking, mountain biking, arts, theater, fine dining, volunteer activities including Flying Samaritans and National Ski Patrol; lives in Hermosa Beach and Big Bear Lake, California.
Neal M. Ammar, M.D.
Dermatology/Mohs Surgery
EDUCATION:
Rutgers University and the Rutgers Medical School, inducted in the AOA Medical Honor Society and graduated as valedictorian of his medical school class. He scored in the top 1% of the nation on both of his medical board examinations.
Extensively trained in skin surgery and specializes in Mohs skin cancer surgery. A fellow of the American Society for Mohs Surgery and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. He performs an average of 50 mohs surgeries per week and has performed well over 20,000 Mohs skin cancer surgeries to date, many of which require complex facial and cosmetic reconstruction. Dr. Ammar serves as the Director of Cutaneous Oncologic Surgery at CBCC (Comprehensive Blood and Cancer Center), a UCLA affiliated cancer center which is the largest free standing cancer center on the west coast of the United States. There, he heads all aspects of skin cancer treatments and works with a team of surgeons, radiologists, and oncologists to provide patients with the highest possible quality of care utilizing the most advanced and cutting edge techniques.
PERSONAL:
Enjoys soccer, swimming, motorcycle riding
Erik P. Sorenson, MPAS, PA
Licensed Physician’s Assistant
Erik P. Sorenson, MPAS, PA is a board certified Physician Assistant specializing in Dermatology since 2001. With experience in Medical, Surgical, Cosmetic and Laser Dermatology, he has extensive experience in the diagnosis, management, treatment, and prevention of skin disease as well as the improvement of the quality of and maintenance of healthy skin.
Born and raised in Southern California, he is intimately familiar with So-cal living and its effects on our skin. He continuously receives five star reviews from patients and colleagues alike and he is now grateful and humbled with the opportunity to meet the needs of Beach Cities Dermatology’s patients. Erik Sorenson attended Western University of Health Sciences, where he graduated top of his class and received numerous academic awards including National Dean's list, the Presidents Society Award, as well as Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. Erik has written numerous journal articles on a multitude of Dermatology topics. His considerable expertise in a variety of specific fields within the specialty makes him in high demand as a professional speaker and lecturer within the Dermatology community. He has also serves on the advisory boards of some of the most innovative Dermatology companies. Passionate about teaching, he is recognized as a thought leader among his peers.
Erik’s surgical experience is also considerable. Throughout his career, he has performed over 250,000 biopsies, excisions, skin cancer removals, and laser skin procedures. A highly experienced expert in skin cancer, he is very skilled in identifying and treating melanoma, non-melanoma, and other less common forms of skin cancers. He also has a command over some of the most challenging chronic Dermatologic conditions and offers cutting-edge treatments in the management and cure of these ailments. Erik regularly performs a multitude of cosmetic procedures such as Botox, Injectable Fillers, Chemical Peels, and Lasers including: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), Pulsed Dye Laser (V-beam), Diode and Alexandrite hair removal as well as Q switch YAG and Fractionated CO2.
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Erik prides himself on having a reputation of excellence with patients, partnering with them in their care and listening intently to their needs. His lighthearted and friendly yet professional approach to medicine has won the hearts and devotion of many patients that have continued to see him through the years.
Erik is a devoted family man with a wife and two children and enjoys fitness and water sports as hobbies. He is actively involved in a local church and often works closely with youth as a mentor and a positive presence in their lives.
Geover Fernandez, M.D.
Dermatology/Mohs Surgery
EDUCATION:
Graduated from Rutgers Medical School, where he was inducted in the AOA Medical Honor Society and also completed his dermatology residency. Dr. Fernandez is a diplomat of the American Board of Dermatology and a Fellow of both the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and American Society for Mohs Surgery. Dr. Fernandez served as Chief of Dermatology and Mohs surgery at Kaiser Permamente in Bakersfield, CA and is currently the Associate Director of Cutaneous Oncology and Skin Surgery at the Comprehensive Blood and Cancer Center, a UCLA affiliated cancer center. He performs an average of 20 Mohs operations per week and has completed over 10,000 surgeries to date.
Pascal Ferzli, M.D.
Dermatology
Dr. Pascal Ferzli is a Board Certified Dermatologist inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. Dr. Ferzli offers compassionate expert care in medical and surgical dermatology.
With over a decade of clinical experience in the East Coast, he developed his dermatological expertise from working at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and Concord Hospital in Concord, New Hampshire, after training at Cooper Hospital in Camden, New Jersey, and with Dr Warren Heymann et al. in Marlton, New Jersey.
Dr. Ferzli has been actively involved in medical education, teaching both medical students and Family Medicine residents, and guest speaking at Nurse Practitioners conferences. He is the coauthor of several dermatology book chapters and peer-reviewed dermatology journal publications, and was the Assistant Editor of the American Academy of Dermatology’s Dialogues in Dermatology.
His clinical interests including Skin Cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, as well as inflammatory skin conditions (Rosacea, Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema, Allergic Dermatitis, and Skin Infections) and skin lesions (Moles, Lentigines, Seborrheic Keratosis, Actinic Keratosis, Skin Tags, Warts).
He will be seeing patients at the Long Beach, Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, and Irvine clinics starting in January 2018.
Dr. Jeffrey K Lander, MD, PHD
Dermatology/Mohs Surgery
Jeffrey Lander, MD, PhD is a board certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon. Dr. Lander is a native of Southern California. He received his Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at UC, Irvine before completing his medical school and dermatology residency at the University of Minnesota. He has completed an additional one year fellowship in Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology for in-office skin cancer surgery and reconstruction. In addition to skin cancer evaluation and treatment, he is well trained in all aspects of general medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology services including skin exams, benign lesion removal, moles and growths, warts, cysts, pigmentation problems, wrinkles, acne, eczema, rashes, psoriasis, pediatric dermatology, hair and nail disorders, laser surgery, dermal fillers and botox. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology (www.abderm.org) and a member of the American Academy of Dermatology (www.aad.org), American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery (www.mohscollege.org), and American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (www.asds.net).
Dr. Adam Aronson, MD
Dermatology/Mohs Surgery
Dr. Adam Aronson is board certified in dermatology and Mohs micrographic surgery and is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American College of Mohs Surgery. He specializes in surgical treatment of skin cancers, with particular interests in management of high-risk skin cancers, reconstructive surgery after treatment of skin cancer, and anti-aging research.
A Los Angeles native, Dr. Aronson graduated magna cum laude from University of Southern California, where he earned a B.S. degree in Biological Sciences and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society. He received his M.D. degree from Washington University in St. Louis and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.
Dr. Aronson subsequently completed a year of training in Plastic Surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin, before moving on to Dermatology residency at University of Iowa. During his time at Iowa, he was active in research and publishing, and placed in the national Rising Derm Stars resident research competition.
Following his interest in dermatologic surgery, Dr. Aronson travelled to New Zealand to complete an American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) accredited fellowship program in Mohs micrographic surgery and procedural dermatology, including facial cosmetic surgery. During this year, he won the ACMS Fellows-in-Training Clinicopathologic Case Competition.
Dr. Aronson is excited to bring his experience to Irvine. In his free time, he enjoys surfing, skiing, music, and poetry. He is also a licensed falconer.
Catherine Jeter, PA-C
Licensed Physician’s Assistant
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Catherine Jeter is a board-certified Physician Assistant with a specialization in Dermatology. She began her educational journey at Texas State University, where she completed her undergraduate studies. Catherine perused further education at Barry University in Miami, where she earned her degree in Physician Assistant studies. Catherine sought additional training and expertise in Dermatology. She successfully completed a fellowship at Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in Denver, Colorado, where she gained valuable hands-on experience in patient care. During her fellowship, Catherine underwent rigorous training in surgical procedures and biopsies, further enhancing her skills and knowledge in Dermatology. She is known for her thoroughness and attention to detail, ensuring that her patients receive the highest standard of care. Catherine is particularly passionate about delivering natural and aesthetically pleasing results in cosmetic Dermarology, understanding the importance of maintaining the individuality and unique features of each patient.
Fariba Seraj, P.A./R.N.P.
Registered Nurse Practitioner and Licensed Physican's Assistant
EDUCATION:
Cal State Dominguez Hills, B.S. in Health Sciences; UCLA/Drew Post Graduate Medical School Medex Program in Physician Assistant Studies
Received additional training in Dermatology at UCLA Student Health. Additionally she has been trained by Dr. Wickwire and is well-qualified to provide excellent care for various dermatologic problems. She has vast clinical knowledge and experience in treating various common skin conditions including acne, warts, skin cancer and rashes.
In addition to her many years of experience in general dermatology, she also has extensive experience in cosmetic procedures such as Botox and utilizing lasers and light technology such as laser hair removal, Photofacials (IPL), Fraxel procedures and treatment of acne scars. She has expertise with various laser devices, including Vbeam and Smoothbeam, which remain the gold standards for capillary, and acne/scar treatments. She tailors her treatment plans individually for each patient taking into consideration skin type and reactions to the treatments.
The combination of knowledge, experience and skills has made her a great addition to our practice.
MEMBER, FELLOW OR DIPLOMATE:
Certified Nurse Practitioner in the state of California, National Certificate as a Physician Assistant, Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, Dermatologic Nurses Association, California Association of Nurse Practitioners.
Amit Patel, M.S., PA-C
Licensed Physician’s Assistant
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Amit Patel, M.S., PA-C is a compassionate and dedicated board-certified Physician Associate specializing in Dermatology. With comprehensive training and experience in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology, Amit possesses the expertise to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, including skin cancers, acne, rosacea, warts, cysts, pigmentation disorders, eczema, psoriasis, inflammatory rashes, hidradenitis suppurativa, etc. His clinical interests include skin cancer prevention and treatment, evaluation of skin lesions, eczema, psoriasis, acne, botox, and lasers. He is passionate about providing individualized, empathetic care to his patients, and prioritizes empowering them with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their health.
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EDUCATION:
University of Arizona, B.S. in Physiology; Arizona State University, M.S. in Science of Health Care Delivery; Boston University School of Medicine, M.S. in Physician Assistant Program.
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MEMBER, FELLOW OR DIPLOMATE:
Certified Physician Associate in the State of California, Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, California Dermatology Physician Assistant Society, National Eczema Association, International Hyperhidrosis Society
PERSONAL:
Enjoys Basketball, Surfing, Espresso, Mindfulness, and spending time with family and friends
Jennifer Hamaguchi
Licensed Aesthetician
Jennifer Hamaguchi is a licensed aestheticians with training in microdermabrasion, superficial chemical peels, and facials. She have vast experience with all skin types is are able to customize a skin care regimen for your needs