Dermatologists at Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, P.C., in University Place / Tacoma and Puyallup, Washington

The dermatologists at Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, P.C., in University Place / Tacoma, in Puyallup, and elsewhere in western Washington are among the most respected and experienced skin care professionals in the United States. Our physicians are board certified and our physician assistants are highly trained and experienced.

What is the difference between a Dermatologist and a Physician Assistant (PA-C)?

The Dermatology department at Cascade Eye and Skin Centers is comprised of both skilled Dermatologists and Physician Assistants (PA-C) providing patients with complete skin care.
Our Dermatologists are board-certified, residency-trained medical doctors (M.D.) specializing is skin care. They receive extensive training dedicated to skin, hair and nails. They can identify potential problems and diagnose a multitude of conditions ranging from minor to life threatening. Dermatologists perform surgery, cosmetic treatments, develop treatment plans, counsel patients, write prescriptions and conduct physical exams.
Physician Assistants or PA-C�®s are health care providers licensed to practice medicine operating under the supervision of a medical doctor (Dermatologist). The scope of their responsibilities include: diagnosing illnesses, cosmetic treatments, developing and carrying out treatment plans, assisting in surgical procedures, suture wounds, counsel patients on healthcare treatment, write prescriptions and conduct physical exams.

Barbara J. Fox, M.D.
Robert F. Findlay, M.D.
Jessica H. Kim, M.D.
June Kim-Gold, M.D.
Brenda F. Kodama, M.D.
Maureen A. Mooney, M.D.
Michael M. Nelson, M.D.
Susan L. Sullivan, M.D.
Thomas K. Hirota, DO, FAAD
Donella S. Curcio, PA-C
Kieu N. Dang, PA-C
Susan Duffy, PA-C
Julie E. Jarvis, PA-C
Carolyn L. O'Brien, PA-C
Alison M. Pruim, PA-C
Suzanne M. Richardson, PA-C
David B. Sprouse, MS, PA-C

Barbara J. Fox, M.D.

Barbara J. Fox, M.D. Dr. Barbara, as she is called in our office, received her Bachelor of Arts degree with Phi Beta Kappa honors at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. She then graduated from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, where she was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. She was a pediatric intern at Madigan Army Medical Center and then became the first woman to complete a dermatology residency at Letterman Hospital in San Francisco.

Dr. Fox is board certified, has held several academic teaching positions, and has published numerous articles and book chapters for medical publications. She is especially beloved by her patients for her warm and caring bedside manner.

Dr. B is also a gifted classical musician. After high school, she toured Europe with a symphony orchestra. She has coached several state championship "Odyssey of the Mind" creativity competition teams and took her team of middle schoolers to the International OM competition in Germany. Dr. Fox is a dedicated quilter and has won several blue ribbons at the Puyallup fair.

Robert F. Findlay, M.D.

Robert F. Findlay, M.D. Dr. Findlay received his Bachelor of Pharmacy degree, with honors, from North Dakota State University and graduated from Washington University Medical School in St. Louis. His postgraduate training includes a dermatology residency at Letterman Army Medical Center in San Francisco, followed by subspecialty training in dermatopathology at the prestigious Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Washington, D.C. He is board certified in dermatology, with special training and certification in skin pathology. Dr. Findlay has retired from his patient practice, but remains active as Cascade's dermatopathologist.

Dr. Findlay is a fine skier and enjoys hunting and fishing. He has been married to his wife Natalie for over 30 years.

Jessica H. Kim, M.D.

Jessica H. Kim, M.D. Dr. Kim received her Bachelor of Arts Degree with honors from Cornell University, College of Arts and Sciences in Ithaca, New York and received her Medical Degree from the University of Maryland, School of Medicine. She completed her internship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center before serving as a General Medical Officer for the US Army, completing tours in Korea and at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. She returned to Walter Reed Army Medical Center for dermatology residency. After serving as the Assistant Chief of Dermatology at Madigan Army Medical Center, she joined Cascade Eye & Skin Centers department of Dermatology.

Dr. Kim is board certified in dermatology and has been published in various medical journals. She was recognized as Teacher of the Year at Madigan Army Medical Center and has an academic appointment at the University of Washington, School of Medicine in Seattle, Washington as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine, Dermatology Division. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and Women's Dermatologic Society. Her areas of expertise include cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery.

June Kim-Gold, M.D.

June Kim-Gold, M.D. Dr. Kim-Gold, as she is called in our office, received her undergraduate degree in biology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She then went on to receive her medical degree at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. She completed an internal medicine internship, as well as a dermatology research fellowship at Stanford University Medical Center. A dermatology residency was completed at the University of New Mexico and complemented by an ACMS (American College of Mohs Surgery) advanced dermatologic surgery fellowship at Yale School of Medicine.

Dr. Kim-Gold joins Cascade after serving as an attending physician for the VA Connecticut Health Care System in West Haven, CT and for Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in San Jose, CA. She also served on the faculty of Yale School of Medicine, department of dermatology, as a clinical instructor.

Dr. Kim-Gold is board certified and a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology. In addition, she is a member of the American College of Mohs Surgery, American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, Women's Dermatologic Society, and the American Medical Association. Her main areas of practice are medical and surgical dermatology with a focus in Mohs micrographic surgery.

Brenda F. Kodama, M.D.

Brenda F. Kodama, M.D. Dr. Kodama attended the University of Hawaii in Honolulu, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree with high honors and was elected into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. She continued her medical education at the University of Hawaii. After medical school, she completed a medicine internship and then served for several years as a flight surgeon in Germany for the United States Army. Dr. Kodama performed her residency training in dermatology at Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center in Colorado. She is board certified in dermatology, and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. She is a member of the Washington State Medical Society, Pierce County Medical Society, and South Puget Sound Dermatology Society.

Dr. Kodama enjoys clinical and surgical dermatology as well as cosmetic and laser procedures. She serves as principal investigator conducting clinical research in dermatology.

Dr. Kodama enjoys spending time with her husband Hugh, their three children, and her pug dog named Mugsy The Pugsy. On weekends she can be found working in her garden and collaborating with fellow Master Gardener friends.

Maureen A. Mooney, M.D.

Maureen A. Mooney, M.D. Dr. Mooney graduated summa cum laude from the University of Minnesota College of Biological Sciences, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Biology. She also attended medical school at the University of Minnesota. She went on to complete her dermatology residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. After her residency, she spent a couple of years in private practice in southern New Jersey. She then went on to complete first a dermatopathology fellowship and then a Mohs' micrographic surgery fellowship.

Dr. Mooney is board certified in dermatology and dermatopathology and is a member of the American College of Mohs' Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology. Her main areas of practice are skin cancer and Mohs' surgery as well as Cosmetic Dermatology.

Dr. Mooney is a fellow of the American College of Moh's Surgery, the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, and the American Academy of Dermatology. She is also a member of many dermatologic societies.

In her spare time she takes care of her twin toddler girls.

Michael M. Nelson, M.D.

Michael M. Nelson, M.D. Dr. Nelson specializes in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology care and is accepting new patients at Cascade's clinics in Gig Harbor and University Place.

Dr. Nelson's undergraduate studies were at the University of Minnesota, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors and high distinction. He earned his MD degree at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, and while there also participated in clinical research through the National Institutes of Health. He then completed a research fellowship and dermatology residency at Washington University in St. Louis.

Dr. Nelson is board certified in dermatology, and is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. He is also a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and the Washington State Medical Association. He enjoys general medical and surgical dermatology, with special interests in acne, psoriasis, and skin cancer.

In his free time, Dr. Nelson can be found exploring the outdoors with his wife, Janell, by foot, bike, and kayak.

Susan L. Sullivan, M.D.

Dr. Sullivan earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree with honors in English and American Literature and Language from Harvard University, where she was also elected to Phi Beta Kappa. She earned her MD at Washington University in St. Louis, and then stayed on there to complete an internship in internal medicine and a residency in dermatology. A board-certified fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, she is a member of the Washington State Dermatology Association, the South Puget Sound Dermatology Society, the Pierce County Medical Society, and the Benton-Franklin County Medical Society.

Dr. Sullivan works at Cascade's Sunrise and University Place locations. Her practice focus is general medical dermatology, with an emphasis on prevention and early detection of skin cancer and management of chronic dermatologic conditions. She strives to provide thorough, patient-centered service. She joins Cascade from California, where she worked for Kaiser Permanente Modesto for four years. Prior to that, she ran a private practice in Richland, WA, for many years while raising her two sons. Dr. Sullivan has enjoyed organizing continuing medical education events in her previous practice communities.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Sullivan has passions for fitness and literacy. She enjoys a variety of athletic pursuits, including swimming, bicycling, running, weight lifting, and yoga. She is now the proud mother of two college-age sons.

Thomas K. Hirota, DO, FAAD

Dr. Hirota enlisted in the US Air Force in 1976, starting as a Weather Specialist then becoming an Instructor at the Weather Specialist School, and then becoming a Primary Care Physician Assistant. He graduated from the USAF PA program in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science Degree from Oklahoma University and served in the Air Force for seven years, deciding that he wanted to be a dermatologist. After receiving his D.O. degree with honors from Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, and after completing a Transitional Internship at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center as the Outstanding Transitional Intern in 1995, he completed his Dermatology Training at the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium in 2000, became a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology in 2000, and has served as Chief of Dermatology at Moncrief Army Community Hospital in South Carolina, Evans Army Community Hospital in Colorado, and at Madigan Army Medical Center here in Tacoma. After retiring from 31 years of active duty, Dr. Hirota has joined Cascade Eye and Skin Centers. He specializes in medical and surgical dermatology care.

At Madigan, he has been recognized as one of the Family Medicine Teachers of The Year three times, and has been an Assistant Professor of Dermatology with the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. He has also served as a Senior Dermatology Provider for both of the Army�®s Teledermatology programs. He is a member of the South Puget Sound Dermatology Society, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, a member of the American Telemedicine Association, and a life member of the Association of Military Dermatologists.

Dr. Hirota is a trained classical guitarist, and plays 6- and 12-string guitars as well. He is trying to learn to play mandolin, and gave up trying to learn 5-string banjo and plays a 12-string banjo instead.

Donella S. Curcio, PA-C

Donnela Curcio Donella is a physician assistant specializing in dermatology. She grew up in Bremerton, WA. Donella received her Bachelor's Degree and swam competitively at the University of Puget Sound.In 2004, she graduated with her Master's Degree from Barry University's Physician Assistant program in North Miami Beach, Florida. She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, and is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, and the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants.

Donella enjoys snowboarding, exercising, boating and traveling to watch her brother compete with the U.S. National Swim Team. She enjoys spending time with her husband, son and dogs.

Kieu N. Dang, PA-C

Kieu N. Dang, PA-C Kieu is a certified Physician Assistant specializing in dermatology. She graduated from the University of Washington School of Medicine's Physician Assistant program, and she is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Prior to joining Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, P.C., she practiced dermatology at the Polyclinic in Seattle. She also has many years of experience in family medicine and oncology.

Kieu's special interests include general dermatology, dermatological surgery, and cosmetic dermatology including lasers, BOTOX® Cosmetic, dermal fillers, and sclerotherapy.

She is a proud member of the South Puget Sound Dermatology Society, Washington Academy of Physician Assistants, Society of Dermatology Physician Assistant, and Washington State Dermatology Association.

Susan C. Duffy, PA-C

Susan C. Duffy, PA-C Susan is a certified physician assistant specializing in dermatology since 2000. She completed her undergraduate degree with honors, Phi Beta Kappa, from Washington State University. She continued her studies, earning a doctorate in chiropractic, cum laude, from Western States Chiropractic College in Portland, Oregon. She worked for several years in private practice as a chiropractor in Kirkland, Washington, until completing her physician assistant training at the University of Washington School of Medicine in 1997. She graduated magna cum laude and began her career in general medicine/family practice before specializing in dermatology.

Susan's primary focus is in general dermatology, along with minor surgeries. She also has a passion for cosmetic dermatology including dermal fillers, Botox and sclerotherapy.

She is a member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, Washington Academy of Physician Assistants, and the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

When not at the office, Susan stays busy with her spouse and children. She enjoys spending time with her extended family and relaxing in the garden.

Julie E. Jarvis, PA-C

Julie E. Jarvis, PA-C Julie E. Jarvis graduated from Wichita State University's Physician Assistant Program with summa cum laude honors in 1997. She has specialized in dermatology since 1999. Before moving to the Pacific Northwest, she practiced in rural Kansas in women's health, family practice and emergency medicine. She is an active member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants as well as state and national physician assistant organizations.

Julie and her husband, Wade Jarvis, are close with their two adult children. She enjoys animals and has a small hobby farm.

Carolyn L. O'Brien, PA-C

Carolyn is Carolyn L. O�Brien a Physician Assistant specializing in dermatology. Carolyn graduated from Grand Valley State University in Michigan with a Masters Degree in Physician Assistant Studies. She is certified by the National Commision on Certification of Physician Assistants, and a member of both the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants. Carolyn previously worked in dermatology in Issaquah, Washington, and is also experienced in family practice and urgent care.

Carolyn is skilled in medical and cosmetic dermatology including Botox and dermal filler injections, as well as lasers and sclerotherapy.

Carolyn and her husband are the parents of three adult children. They enjoy kayaking and cycling throughout the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

Alison M. Pruim, PA-C

Alison M. Pruim, PA-C Alison is a physician assistant specializing in dermatology. She grew up in Anchorage, Alaska. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Oregon in Eugene. She then received her physician assistant degree from Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina in 1999. After PA school she practiced in Emmen, Drenthe, the Netherlands for two years before returning to the state of Washington.

Alison is skilled in general and cosmetic dermatology and performs minor skin surgery. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, the Washington Association of Physician Assistants, the South Puget Sound Dermatology Society, the Pierce County Medical Society, and the Dutch-American Chamber of Commerce.

Alison speaks fluent Dutch and enjoys spending time with her twin daughters, dog, cats, and husband in Gig Harbor, as well as traveling as much as possible.

Suzanne M. Richardson, PA-C

Suzanne M. Richardson Suzanne is a certified Physician Assistant specializing in dermatology. She graduated from the University of Washington School of Medicine's Physician Assistant program in 2003, and she is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Prior to joining Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, P.C., she practiced dermatology in Yakima Washington. She also has experience in family medicine.

Suzanne sees general and cosmetic dermatology patients and she performs minor skin surgery. She is a proud member of the Washington Academy of Physician Assistants, Society of Dermatology Physician Assistant, and Washington State Dermatology Association.

Suzanne enjoys spending time with her husband Wade and two children, Catey and Corbin. As a family they enjoy skiing in the winter and baseball in the summer.

David B. Sprouse, MS, PA-C

David B. Sprouse David is a dermatology physician assistant specializing in medical dermatology, excisional surgery, and tissue biopsies. David has practiced as a dermatology physician's assistant for the past three years, both in New York state and, most recently in Bend, Oregon.

David graduated magna cum laude from the physician assistant program at Jefferson College of Health Sciences in 2005. He also earned a master's degree in human nutrition and exercise physiology from Virginia Tech, in addition to a bachelor of science degree in psychology from Old Dominion University. He is a diplomate of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, a past member of the American College of Sports Medicine and a certified ACSM health and fitness instructor.

After being raised and educated on the East Coast, David fully enjoys the tranquil setting and beautiful mountains of the Pacific Northwest. David takes pleasure in the fresh, healthful air of the great outdoors through hiking and tennis, and also enjoys weight lifting and yoga. He is passionate about nutrition as it relates to the aging process, and devotes his energies toward promoting health and wellness in the patients he serves.

Contact Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, P.C.

Every member of our dermatology staff is committed to improving your health and well-being. Contact Cascade at any time to speak to one of our dermatologists serving University Place / Tacoma, Puyallup, and the surrounding area.

To consult with one of our dermatologists in University Place / Tacoma, Puyallup, or elsewhere, contact us today.