Optima Dermatology & Medical Aesthetics Welcomes Dr. Shonagh Leonard to its Manchester, NH Practice
September 2025
Dr. Shonagh Leonard, DO, Offers Medical, Surgical, and Dermatology Services for Patients of All Ages
Optima Dermatology & Medical Aesthetics is excited to welcome Dr. Shonagh Leonard, DO, to its Manchester, NH dermatology practice. Dr. Leonard brings a passion for patient care cultivated through her experience as a licensed nursing assistant in southern New Hampshire.
Dr. Leonard received her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the University of New England and completed her residency in dermatology at Trinity Health, where she served as Academic Chief Dermatology Resident. She also completed an internship at St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor through the hospital transitional year program. Throughout her education, Dr. Leonard has also taken on multiple leadership roles in support of the academic success of her peers.
Aligning with our mission of treating every patient the way we treat our family and friends, Dr. Leonard takes a patient-centered approach to care and is excited to join Optima Dermatology and Medical Aesthetics in providing industry-leading dermatology care to patients in Manchester.
We recently had the opportunity to learn more about Dr. Leonard, her approach, and the path that led her to become a board-certified dermatologist.
What made you decide to pursue a career in dermatology? What did the path to get there look like for you?
From a young age, I knew I wanted to combine my passion for people and science through a career in medicine. I was a nursing assistant throughout my undergraduate years and gained invaluable hands-on experience that guided me to pursue medical school. During my training, I found value in all clinical experiences, but the ability to create long-term relationships with patients of all ages, the art in procedural and cosmetic dermatology, and the level of critical thinking required for each case made dermatology the clear choice for me.
What is your favorite aspect of being a dermatologist?
I love that each day as a dermatologist is different. I am grateful that my patients and their families put their trust in me to treat their baby’s eczema, manage side effects of chemotherapy agents, perform surgeries to cure skin cancers, and help them feel like their best selves through cosmetic dermatology. Being a dermatologist is the best!
What is your approach to treating your patients?
My approach to dermatology is team-based. I pride myself on listening to the wants and needs of my patients and providing individualized care that allows them to be a part of the decision-making process. I continue to forge relationships with local primary care providers and specialists to provide a comprehensive dermatology experience.
What is your number one tip when it comes to taking care of your skin?
Keep it simple and be proactive. Sunscreen and moisturizer should be part of your everyday routine, and yearly skin checks are a must. With so much skincare information, it can be overwhelming. Utilize your local skin experts to address your specific needs.
What is one thing you want your patients to know about you?
I am so grateful to be returning to New Hampshire to provide care to patients and serve the community that shaped me into the person and physician I am today.
What do you like to do when you are not in the office treating patients?
When I am not in the office, I love spending time with my growing family, trying new restaurants, enjoying fresh air on the seacoast, and reading a good book.
What to Expect From Dermatology Care Delivered by Dr. Leonard and Her Team
Dr. Leonard and her team at Optima Dermatology offer exceptional services, advanced training, and experience to ensure the highest quality of care.
Dr. Leonard is accepting new patients at Optima Dermatology & Medical Aesthetics in Manchester, NH. You can request an appointment online or call (855) 277-9689.