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Research Home / Research Teams

Research Teams

Our team of physicians

G. Scott Drew, DO, FAAD

G. Scott Drew, DO, FAAD

Principal investigator
Marion, OH

G. Scott Drew, DO, FAAD

Principal investigator
Dr. Scott Drew is a board-certified dermatologist who has practiced in Marion, OH since 1992\. He earned his medical degree from A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, followed by a rotating internship at Normandy Hospitals in St. Louis, MO, a family practice residency in Stratford, NJ, and a dermatology residency at Deaconess Medical Center in St. Louis, MO. Dr. Drew practices medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology, and participates in multiple dermatologic research protocols at five locations in central Ohio. He has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, contributed to scientific symposia, and authored textbook chapters. He is passionate about education, frequently teaching in didactic, bedside, and podium settings, and has lectured extensively across the U.S. and internationally on medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. As a dedicated volunteer, Dr. Drew also serves as Vice President for Dermatologic Services with Power of a Nickel, an organization combining international medical outreach with medical student education. He has participated in more than 20 medical missions in Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, India, Vietnam, Peru, Cuba, and Nicaragua.
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Matthew Zirwas, MD

Matthew Zirwas, MD

Principal investigator
Bexley, OH

Matthew Zirwas, MD

Principal investigator
Dr. Zirwas is passionate about finding the best evidence-based treatment possible for patients. He has published over 180 peer-reviewed medical articles and is one of the authors of the 7th Edition of *Fisher’s Contact Dermatitis*. He received his undergraduate and medical school degrees from University of Pittsburgh, completing his residency there with additional training at Penn State University and Cleveland Clinic. He has two daughters, an African Pygmy Hedgehog, and two Bengal cats. 
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Justin G. Hastings, MD

Justin G. Hastings, MD

Principal investigator
Medina, OH

Justin G. Hastings, MD

Principal investigator
Dr. Hastings, board-certified dermatologist and Ohio native, earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Baldwin Wallace University and completed his medical degree at the University of Toledo College of Medicine. He completed his internship at Mercy Health–St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, followed by a dermatology residency at The Ohio State University. He gained extensive experience in clinical research during his residency, and his work has contributed to multiple peer-reviewed publications. He’s an active member of the American Academy of Dermatology and the Ohio Dermatological Association.
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Rocco T. Serrao, MD

Rocco T. Serrao, MD

Principal investigator
Mason, OH

Rocco T. Serrao, MD

Principal investigator
Dr. Serrao is a board-certified dermatologist and member of the American Academy of Dermatology, in addition to the Ohio Dermatology Association. He received his medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, completing his internship at Kettering Medical Center and his residency at Wright State University. He enjoys training residents and teaching colleagues nationally. He was among the top 150 medical dermatologists in the country, as ranked by Newsweek in 2022 and 2023\.
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Daniel M. Stewart, DO

Daniel M. Stewart, DO

Sub-investigator
Clinton Township, MI

Daniel M. Stewart, DO

Sub-investigator
Dr. Stewart has been the senior clinical investigator at the Michigan Center for Skin Care Research for over 30 years, participating in over 300 clinical trials. He’s been practicing dermatology in Clinton Township for over 50 years, after attending Wayne State University and completing medical school at the University of Health Sciences. He completed internal medicine and dermatology residencies at Wayne State University. He previously served as a professor of dermatology at Michigan State University, a clinical associate professor in the Department of Dermatology at Wayne State Medical School, and the program director emeritus at Trinity Hospital Dermatology Residency Program. Dr. Stewart is the author of many academic publications and presentations and has been named in numerous “Best Doctor” and “Top Doctor” lists, including the HOUR Detroit Magazine list.
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Shannon C. Trotter, DO, FAOCD, FAAD

Shannon C. Trotter, DO, FAOCD, FAAD

Principal investigator
Canal Winchester, OH
Springfield, OH

Shannon C. Trotter, DO, FAOCD, FAAD

Principal investigator
Dr. Trotter hails from Xenia, a small town in Ohio, and fun fact—bicycle capital of the Midwest. After completing her bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of Dayton, she graduated medical school from Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Trotter completed a dermatology residency at O'Bleness Memorial Hospital, followed by a fellowship in cutaneous oncology at Boston University. Currently, she practices with DOCS Dermatology Group and serves as faculty for the OhioHealth Dermatology Residency Program. In addition, she is an Assistant Clinical Professor and Clinical Instructor at Ohio University and host of the podcast, Derm-it Trotter\! Don’t Swear About Skincare. Dr. Trotter has been published in several peer-reviewed articles and has been the recipient of various awards, including the American Academy of Dermatology's Presidential Citation Award and the American Academy of Dermatology’s Patient Hero Award.
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Wendy McFalda, DO

Wendy McFalda, DO

Principal investigator
Clarkston, MI

Wendy McFalda, DO

Principal investigator
Dr. McFalda is a board-certified dermatologist with over 18 years of research experience as a Principal Investigator. She has worked hard to build her practice into a state-of-the-art dermatologic center with a highly-trained staff. Under her guidance, Michigan Center for Research has been awarded many trials in the medical and cosmetic areas. In addition to research, Dr. McFalda also runs her practice and holds her Lumenis preceptorships. She is a sought-after speaker who has lectured for the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, has numerous published articles, and is an attending physician and past director of the Dermatology Residents Clinic at the POH Medical Center. She often speaks for Allergan, Medicis, and Astellas, of which she is a member of the speaker’s bureau.
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Hershel Dobkin, MD, FAAD

Hershel Dobkin, MD, FAAD

Sub-investigator
Bexley, OH

Hershel Dobkin, MD, FAAD

Sub-investigator
Born and raised in Bexley, Ohio, Dr. Dobkin is deeply committed to providing expert dermatological care to his hometown and beyond. After earning his B.S. in Evolution and Ecology from The Ohio State University in 2013, Dr. Dobkin went on to earn his M.D. from Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Hackensack University Medical Center, where he served as Chief Resident in his final year. Dr. Dobkin has been in private practice since 2022, delivering personalized, compassionate care to his patients.
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Raj Chovatiya, MD, PhD, MSCI

Raj Chovatiya, MD, PhD, MSCI

Principal investigator
Chicago, IL

Raj Chovatiya, MD, PhD, MSCI

Principal investigator
Dr. Chovatiya is an Associate Professor at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science Chicago Medical School and Founder and Director of the Center for Medical Dermatology \+ Immunology Research in Chicago. His clinical and research focus includes the intersection of cutaneous immunology and inflammatory disease. He received his MD and PhD in immunology from Yale and completed his residency, postdoctoral research fellowship, and MS in Clinical Investigation at Northwestern University, where he also served as Chief Resident. Dr. Chovatiya has a particular interest in optimizing patient-centered care, understanding chronic disease burden, exploring health and social disparities, and improving care across diverse skin types. He has published numerous abstracts and manuscripts and has been nationally and internationally recognized for his contributions as a clinician, educator, researcher, and leader.
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Jennifer Vickers, MD

Jennifer Vickers, MD

Sub-investigator
Pflugerville, TX

Jennifer Vickers, MD

Sub-investigator
Dr. Vickers is a board-certified dermatologist who sees every patient as an opportunity to improve a life—whether she is treating a baby with a rash, providing a skin cancer screening, or performing a cosmetic procedure. Dr. Vickers is a Texas native and completed her undergraduate degree with High Honors at the University of Texas at Austin. She went on to complete her medical degree at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, receive her residency training from New York Medical College, and fellowship training from Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Dr. Vickers has participated in research involving the use of technology to aid in skin cancer diagnosis and has published articles in several peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Vickers lives in Austin with her two daughters and her husband.
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Ted Lain, MD, MBA

Ted Lain, MD, MBA

Principal investigator
Pflugerville, TX

Ted Lain, MD, MBA

Principal investigator
Dr. Lain is a board-certified dermatologist and Chief Research Officer at DOCS Dermatology Group. He’s led major medical, device, and aesthetic trials at AICR for over a decade. A recognized leader in innovation, Dr. Lain co-founded and co-directs the Science of Skin Summit, an annual conference dedicated to the latest advancements in dermatology. He also co-hosts The Science of Skin Podcast, interviewing industry-leading scientists, executives, and physicians to provide his peers with a 360-degree view of the field.
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Mary G. Veremis-Ley, DO

Mary G. Veremis-Ley, DO

Principal Investigator
Clinton Township, MI

Mary G. Veremis-Ley, DO

Principal Investigator
Born and raised in Michigan, Dr. Veremis-Ley completed medical school at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her residency at Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals in Cleveland, OH. She has won multiple awards throughout her academic, service, leadership, and research training. She was honored with being selected as one of “America’s Top Dermatologists” in 2008, 2015, 2020, and 2023\. She was also chosen as “Best Doctors 2015-2016." In addition to seeing patients at the Midwest Center for Dermatology in Clinton Township, Dr. Veremis-Ley also sees patients at Spa43, where she performs aesthetic procedures as a cosmetic dermatologist, conducts clinical skincare research and sees clinical trial patients as the principal investigator at Michigan Center for Skin Care Research in Clinton Township.
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Michelle Dawson, MD

Michelle Dawson, MD

Sub-investigator
Clarkston, MI

Michelle Dawson, MD

Sub-investigator
Michelle Dawson, MD is a board-certified dermatologist with expertise in cosmetic and medical dermatology. Her areas of interest include dermal fillers, neurotoxins, Kybella, platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP), laser resurfacing, hair loss disorders/treatment, melanoma (and other skin cancers), acne, and rosacea. Dr. Dawson has received numerous advanced training certifications in cosmetics for dermal fillers, neurotoxins, and lasers. She has also brought state-of-the-art non-surgical hair disorder treatments to Michigan and has a deep passion for helping patients suffering from hair loss. She teaches as a clinical assistant professor for the Wayne State University Family Practice residents.
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Our team of researchers

Jon Benson, PA-C

Jon Benson, PA-C

Sub-investigator
Marion, OH

Jon Benson, PA-C

Sub-investigator
Jon Benson is a certified Physician Assistant with 33 years of experience in healthcare, including 28 years in the fast-paced environment of the emergency department. He now specializes in dermatology, focusing on patient-centered care, skin cancer screenings, surgical procedures, and the management of inflammatory skin conditions. Jon earned his Bachelor’s degree in Medical Science from Alderson Broaddus College in Philippi, West Virginia, in 1992\. Outside of the clinic, he enjoys fly fishing, traveling, beekeeping, and gardening.
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Sherri Howard, MMS, PA-C

Sherri Howard, MMS, PA-C

Sub-investigator
Bexley, OH

Sherri Howard, MMS, PA-C

Sub-investigator
Sherri graduated with her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan before continuing her education at Northwestern University, where she earned a Master in Medical Science of Physician Assistant Studies. Sherri loves being able to work with patients in the clinic while also contributing to the advancement of medicine through clinical research. Outside of work, Sherri spends quality time with her husband, their twin babies, and their cat, Teeny.
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Kelly Swanson, PA-C

Kelly Swanson, PA-C

Sub-investigator
Clarkston, MI

Kelly Swanson, PA-C

Sub-investigator
Kelly Swanson is a certified physician assistant at Clarkston Dermatology. She has an undergraduate degree in dietetics from Western Michigan University and became a certified physician assistant with a master’s degree from the University of Toledo. Under the guidance of Dr. McFalda, Kelly sees clinical dermatology patients as well as research participants. Her friendly demeanor and passion for dermatology have made her popular with patients. She loves spending time with her husband and children when not seeing patients. Fun fact: Kelly has a TikTok where she provides educational entertainment. You can check out her videos at @kelswansondermpa.
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Caitlin Lavilla, PA-C

Caitlin Lavilla, PA-C

Sub-investigator
Springfield, OH

Caitlin Lavilla, PA-C

Sub-investigator
Caitlin is a physician assistant and sub-investigator at DOCS Dermatology in Springfield, OH. She is passionate about advancing healthcare and dedicated to improving patient outcomes through compassionate, evidence-based care. Outside of the office, Caitlin enjoys traveling, fitness and music.
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Madelyn McKee, NP

Madelyn McKee, NP

Sub-investigator
Canal Winchester, OH
Springfield, OH

Madelyn McKee, NP

Sub-investigator
Maddy is a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in both medical and cosmetic dermatology. She earned her master’s degree in nursing from the University of Cincinnati and holds certification from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). She’s excited by research’s ability to translate scientific discovery into healthier skin and better lives. In her free time, she likes to read, play with her French bulldogs, and go boating at the lake.
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Sarah Serrao, FNP-C

Sarah Serrao, FNP-C

Sub-investigator
Mason, OH

Sarah Serrao, FNP-C

Sub-investigator
Sarah Serrao is a board-certified family nurse practitioner. She obtained her Family Nurse Practitioner degree from Carlow University. During her master's program, she received the Sister Rose Curran Graduate Nursing Leadership Award, awarded to one family nurse practitioner student with the best academic and clinical performance. Sarah loves bringing cutting-edge treatments to patients who had minimal treatment options in the past.
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Rachael Zuckett, PA-C

Rachael Zuckett, PA-C

Sub-investigator
Canal Winchester, OH

Rachael Zuckett, PA-C

Sub-investigator
Rachael earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Ohio Dominican University in Columbus, OH, and is board-certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. She is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, dedicated to staying current with the latest advancements in dermatology. She is interested in contributing to clinical research that advances understanding and improves patient-centered outcomes. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys spending time with her two kids and husband.
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Haley Thornton, PA-C

Haley Thornton, PA-C

Sub-investigator
Chicago, IL

Haley Thornton, PA-C

Sub-investigator
Haley provides general dermatology services at The Skin Care Center in Chicago and has special interests in acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, biologic treatments, and skin cancer screening. She joined The Center for Medical Dermatology \+ Immunology Research team as a Sub-Investigator to further expand her clinical expertise of cutaneous and inflammatory diseases. She is passionate about providing access to care for patients who may benefit from new and emerging therapies.
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Christine Go, PA-C

Christine Go, PA-C

Sub-investigator
Clinton Township, MI

Christine Go, PA-C

Sub-investigator
Christine is a board-certified physician assistant, holding a Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan and a Master of Medical Science from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. Christine is published in Case Reports in Dermatology, serves on the board of the Michigan Dermatology Physician Assistants, and is an active member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants.
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Andrew Baker, PA-C

Andrew Baker, PA-C

Sub-investigator
Canal Winchester, OH

Andrew Baker, PA-C

Sub-investigator
Andrew is a nationally recognized dermatology clinician and advisor specializing in immunodermatology, precision medicine, and emerging technologies in skin disease and oncology. With nearly 15 years of experience, Andrew bridges molecular science, real-world clinical practice, and scalable implementation. He advises pharmaceutical, biotech, diagnostics, and AI-driven organizations on biologics, genomics, and innovation strategy. A published author and clinical trial investigator, he serves as President-Elect of the Society of Dermatology Physician Associates, representing more than 5,000 clinicians nationwide, and is known for translating complex science into clinically adoptable, high-value solutions.
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Judy A. Yetzer, CNP

Judy A. Yetzer, CNP

Sub-investigator
Medina, OH

Judy A. Yetzer, CNP

Sub-investigator
Judy is a board-certified family nurse practitioner specializing in medical dermatology at Dermatology Partners in Medina and Strongsville, Ohio. She provides comprehensive, patient-centered dermatologic care for individuals of all ages. Judy earned her Master of Science degree from the University of Akron and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The Ohio State University, with postgraduate training in family practice at Case Western Reserve University. With more than three decades of experience as a registered nurse and over 14 years of independent dermatology practice, she brings a depth of clinical expertise and compassionate care to every patient. Judy is also a dedicated educator and has served as a preceptor for numerous nurse practitioner students. She is an active member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the National Academy of Dermatology Nurse Practitioners.
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