Gretchen Shull PA-C Joins Mentor Team
August 2022
Gretchen Shull PA-C Delivers a Wide Range of Medical Dermatology Services to Patients in the Cleveland, OH Area
Optima Dermatology is excited to welcome our newest board-certified physician assistant Gretchen Shull,PA-C, to our practice in Mentor, OH. Gretchen has been providing patients with a range of medical dermatology services since 2017, and is committed to delivering an exceptional patient experience.
Gretchen received a Bachelor’s of Science in Biochemistry Studies and a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Marietta College in Ohio, and went on to complete her clinical training in dermatology at medical facilities in Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Prior to coming on board at Optima Dermatology, Gretchen worked at Butler Health System in Pennsylvania, where she had completed her first elective rotation in deramatology. Gretchen is a member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants and is skilled at treating patients of all ages for a wide variety of dermatological conditions.
Delivering the Highest Quality of Care
Gretchen’s approach to patient care reflects Optima Dermatology’s commitment to treating every patient the way we would want our friends and family to be treated. Gretchen is committed to delivering the highest quality of care to her patients.
Patients who seek medical dermatology care from Gretchen will receive a personalized and comprehensive treatment plan that addresses their individual needs. Gretchen is committed to going above and beyond to ensure each of her patients has the best experience possible.
We recently had the opportunity to learn more about Gretchen Shull PA-C, her approach, and the path that led her to pursue becoming a physician assistant in medical dermatology.
Q: Where did you go to school? Did you know you wanted to focus on dermatology from the start?
A: Marietta College in Ohio. I was always interested in dermatology, but it wasn’t until my clinical rotations during PA school that I fell in love with the specialty and realized there was no other specialty that I wanted to work in.
Q: Why did you choose dermatology? What did the path to get there look like for you?
A: I chose dermatology because I enjoy the variety of services that it offers. On a typical day I am seeing patients from all ages with conditions ranging from acne to melanoma. I also enjoy the mix of clinical time with procedures. Every day in the office is different. I love knowing that I’ll never get bored with the unexpected nature of what each new day will bring.
During PA school I chose to do my elective rotations in dermatology with Butler Health System in Slippery Rock, PA and Dr. Wagamon in Warren, OH. I fell in love with the specialty during my time spent on these rotations and started applying for dermatology PA jobs while in school. I was lucky enough to be hired by Butler Health System where I developed the skills and knowledge I have today. I’m excited to continue growing and learning as a dermatology PA during my next chapter with Optima Dermatology in Mentor.
Q: What is your number one tip when it comes to taking care of your skin?
A: Wear sunscreen and visit a dermatologist for annual skin exams. Prevention and early intervention is much easier than trying to fix years of damage!
Q: What is your favorite aspect of dermatology?
A: There are so many aspects of dermatology that I enjoy, but I think one of my favorites is the ability to get patients 100 percent clear from their conditions – whether that be skin cancer, psoriasis, acne, hair loss, etc. Through the incredible medications and medical interventions available, many of the issues in dermatology can be completely treated and patients’ lives are transformed.
Q: What is your approach to treating your patients?
A: I like to work collaboratively with my patients to diagnose and treat them in a way that makes them feel comfortable and confident. I never would want my patients to leave a visit questioning a diagnosis or being uncomfortable with a treatment plan, so I strive to ask a lot of questions and form connections with each one of my patients.
Q: What do you like to do when you are not in the office?
I love to spend time with my family. My husband Brock and I just welcomed our first baby in April. I also have a golden retriever who I love like a second child. I also enjoy traveling, spending time outside, and relaxing after a long day with some Netflix and a good glass of wine!
Q: What is one thing you want your patients to know about you?
A: I think it’s really important for patients to remember that their doctors and healthcare providers are people just like them. I may not know everything and have all the answers right away, but I will always do my best to help each one of my patients and treat them the way I’d want my family to be treated.
What to Expect From Dermatological Care From Gretchen and Her Team
If you’re seeking medical dermatological care, Gretchen Shull PA-C and her team at Optima Dermatology offer a wide range of services and have advanced training and experience to ensure the highest quality of care.
View a complete list of our dermatology services, and come in for a free consultation to learn more about our approach to patient care. Gretchen is accepting new patients at our Mentor, OH location. Give us a call at 440-530-9580 to schedule your consultation today!