Dermatology Care Led by Local Physicians
Personalized expertise for every patient’s skin
At Peninsula Dermatology, our board certified physicians lead every aspect of care as an independently owned practice. Being physician owned allows us to focus on what matters most: individualized treatments, expert guidance and a compassionate approach tailored to each patient. From routine skin exams to advanced procedures, we combine experience, technology and personal attention to help you achieve healthy, confident skin.
Our History
Our practice, formally known as Dermatology Specialists, was established in 1987 by the well-respected wife and husband team, Dr. Susan Mackel and Dr. Douglas Nelson. Their vision was simple — to serve patients and referring physicians as the premier, trusted resource for medical and surgical dermatologic care. Their commitment to providing direct, compassionate patient care, using state-of-the-art techniques and technologies, in a family-oriented and professional environment, is a practice focus that continues today. Patients and referring physicians from southside Virginia to Richmond, and even to the Northern Neck, quickly recognized us as the practice of choice for the treatment and diagnosis of dermatologic disorders.
In 1998, to best accommodate growing patient needs and to introduce advanced dermatological techniques to the region, Dr. Christine Marcuson, Fellowship trained in Mohs Micrographic Surgery, joined the practice. Momentum has continued for over 30 years: a Williamsburg office opened, specialty trained physicians joined the practice, and the beloved Drs. Mackel and Nelson retired, but their vision and commitment remains constant. Our physicians are all board certified and respected as some of the finest physicians in the region, with expertise in general dermatology as well as in specialty areas such as Mohs surgery, dermatologic laser treatments and skin rejuvenation.
In 1998, to best accommodate growing patient needs and to introduce advanced dermatological techniques to the region, Dr. Christine Marcuson, Fellowship trained in Mohs Micrographic Surgery, joined the practice. Momentum has continued for over 30 years: a Williamsburg office opened, specialty trained physicians joined the practice, and the beloved Drs. Mackel and Nelson retired, but their vision and commitment remains constant. Our physicians are all board certified and respected as some of the finest physicians in the region, with expertise in general dermatology as well as in specialty areas such as Mohs surgery, dermatologic laser treatments and skin rejuvenation.
In 2020 the practice changed it’s name to Peninsula Dermatology Skin Cancer Surgery Center. The name change reflects our practice’s broader healthcare commitment and our expertise in dermatology and skin cancer diagnosis and treatment. With this major milestone in our history we are excited to bring this new brand to life to further realize our vision of providing trusted medical and surgical dermatologic care to our community. We will continue to provide the same friendly, affordable, high quality care that our patients have come to expect only now under the name Peninsula Dermatology Skin Cancer Surgery Center.
Welcome to Peninsula Dermatology Skin Cancer Surgery Center. Thank you for taking the time to learn about our practice. We appreciate your trust in us and consider it our privilege to serve our friends and neighbors with the same high standard of care that we would offer our own families.
AWARD WINNING CARE
Peninsula Dermatology is proud to have been recognized in the Coastal Virginia “Best Of” awards—most recently as Best Skin/Dermatology Practice – Peninsula Gold Winner and Best Med Spa – Peninsula Silver Winner for 2026, following our 2025 wins for Best Skin/Dermatology Practice, Best Med Spa, and Best Cosmetic Surgery Center and continuing our streak as Best Skin/Dermatology Practice since 2019! We are also honored to have been named Best Dermatologist in Newport News and Williamsburg by Virginia Media, and to have been recognized in Virginia Living Magazine’s “Best Of Virginia 2024” as the Best Dermatology Practice in the Eastern Region of Virginia. We’re so grateful for the support of our community!
