Physician Assistant Rachel Midwinter Joins Dockside Dermatology

Dockside Dermatology opened its doors in December of 2022 with a mission to offer timely access to patient-driven dermatological care.

The addition of physician assistant Rachel Midwinter this spring has allowed Dockside to further that goal.

“Rachel is a gem,” said Dr. Lesley Sutherland, co-owner of Dockside Dermatology, who knew from the get-go that she intended to seek and recruit the best possible providers in the field to expand their business. “I truly go to her when I need help sometimes. She’s been a great addition.”

Midwinter is a Riva, Maryland, native who previously worked in dermatology in northern Virginia. Her return to central Maryland has afforded her the ability to live closer to family and friends and work in a community-focused environment.

“They were highly sought-after doctors here,” Midwinter said of Sutherland and co-owner Dr. Stephanie Clements. “It’s definitely been the best decision I’ve made in a long time.”

From Botox to biopsies, Midwinter provides a wide range of dermatological services. She explained that part of what drew her to this medical specialty was versatility, as well as the opportunity to educate her patients on what skincare regimen, treatment and products might work best for their individual needs.

“I definitely enjoy helping people feel confident,” Midwinter said.

When it comes to skincare, Midwinter advises that a lengthy routine often isn’t necessary. If there’s one product to never skip, it’s sunscreen.

“You get so much sun exposure even just in the car, and that really adds up,” she said.

Dockside Dermatology prides itself on a culture of collaboration and ability to provide comprehensive services.

“I don’t have to tell my patient to go somewhere else – I can pop them in our UV (ultraviolet) light box for a rash, or we can do laser treatment,” Midwinter explained.

With Clements, a Mohs surgeon, in-house, patients of Dockside Dermatology are often able to have skin cancer-removing surgery in the same office where they get their check-ups, a rarity in the medical world.

The ability for all providers at the practice to check in on their patients on surgery day is just another perk of having everything under one roof, Midwinter added.

“We understand patients are busy. I try to think of little ways to make someone’s life easier, so I’ll try to do as much as I can in one visit,” she said.

In less than two years since opening, Dockside Dermatology has doubled the number of providers, subsequently increasing services and support staff to accommodate patients.

“We’re on the trajectory for my vision,” Sutherland said of the practice’s rapid growth, stressing that maintaining Dockside’s high standard of patient care, including the possibility for same-day or next-day appointments, remains a top priority.

In recent weeks, Dockside has added a new Sciton laser to its repertoire. This technology expands Dockside’s laser offerings to include broadband light (BBL) treatments, which improve the skin’s color, and Halo, which targets texture.

“A lot of patients came in asking for it by name,” Sutherland said of Halo.

Dockside Dermatology is located in Millersville at 8601 Veterans Highway, Suite 201. For more information, call 410-934-5400, or visit www.docksidederm.com..