For nearly three decades, The Center for Cosmetic and Clinical Dermatology has served as one of the region’s most trusted and respected practices for medical and aesthetic skin care. Founded in 1996 by Dr. Roni W. Ford, who took over the practice of a retiring local dermatologist, the Center has grown steadily in size, reputation, and services—earning accolades and the trust of generations of patients throughout Gaithersburg and beyond.
When Dr. Anne E. Rothman joined the team in 2006, the practice expanded both its capacity and capabilities. Today, the Center is led by three board-certified dermatologists—Drs. Ford, Rothman, and Andrea Steel—along with dermatology-trained physician assistants Jennifer Whitman and Abby Orlansky, and licensed aesthetician Linda St. Jean. The team offers a full continuum of care, from early detection and disease management to cosmetic treatments and long-term maintenance.
The Center is recognized not only for its clinical rigor but also for its warm and collaborative approach. Each patient receives highly individualized care designed around their goals, concerns, and lifestyle. This commitment to personalization is what sets the practice apart—and it’s made possible by the Center’s status as an independent, physician-owned business. Free from the influence of corporate mandates or private equity firms, the team can spend more time with patients, educate them on their options, and build long-term relationships grounded in trust.
The practice is evenly split between medical dermatology and cosmetic dermatology, providing patients with a comprehensive approach to skin health. On the medical side, the Center diagnoses and treats a wide range of skin conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and various forms of skin cancer. Preventive care is prioritized, especially full-body skin exams and annual skin cancer screenings, which can be critical for early detection and treatment.
The cosmetic dermatology arm of the practice focuses on state-of-the-art techniques to address visible signs of aging, sun damage, scarring, and uneven texture. Popular treatments include Botox®, Dysport®, and a range of dermal fillers to address volume loss and fine lines. Laser services target unwanted hair, visible vessels, and pigmentation, while SkinPen® microneedling enhances skin texture and promotes collagen production. The Genius™ radiofrequency microneedling system—one of the latest technologies on the market—offers a powerful, non-surgical option for improving skin laxity and treating acne scars.
Additional services such as sclerotherapy for leg veins, PRX Derm Perfexion (a non-injectable collagen stimulator), and an extensive menu of aesthetic treatments including facials, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, brow tinting, and waxing round out the Center’s offerings, providing patients with both medical-grade and spa-like options in one setting.
While their treatments are advanced, the providers at the Center are quick to emphasize that healthy skin starts with knowledge, not trends. In recent years, social media platforms like TikTok have become crowded with skincare influencers, many of whom lack the necessary credentials or clinical understanding to provide safe advice. The team regularly sees patients confused or even harmed by viral skincare hacks that promote questionable techniques, such as slugging, using toothpaste as a spot treatment, and overusing pore strips.
By contrast, the Center’s providers are committed to delivering science-based guidance. With decades of collective experience and continued professional development, they are not only experts in dermatology but also educators at heart, empowering patients with the facts they need to make informed decisions about their skin.
The Center’s reputation reflects this philosophy. Repeatedly recognized by Washingtonian magazine, Washington Consumers’ Checkbook, and TopDoctors.com, the practice has become a pillar of the local healthcare community. But recognition aside, it’s the loyalty of their patients and the consistency of their results that speak loudest.
Meet the Providers
Dr. Roni W. Ford has been board-certified in dermatology since 1993. A graduate of Georgetown University School of Medicine, she completed her dermatology residency at the University of Maryland and has led the Center with a deep dedication to integrity, precision, and compassionate care for over three decades.
Dr. Anne E. Rothman, board certified since 2006, earned her medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and holds a Master of Public Health from Columbia University. She completed her dermatology training at the University of Maryland and brings a dual lens of public health and personalized care to her practice.
Dr. Andrea Steel, board-certified in 2022, is a graduate of the UCLA School of Medicine, where she earned honors for academic excellence. She completed her residency in dermatology at the University of Colorado and brings a fresh, evidence-driven approach to both clinical and cosmetic dermatology. At The Center for Cosmetic and Clinical Dermatology, style begins with skin health, and skin health begins with expert care. Expert care. Personalized results.
@cosmeticclinicalder
“We take time to listen, educate, and build lasting relationships with every patient.” – Dr. Roni W. Ford
"Free from the influence of corporate mandates, our team can spend more time with patients, educate them on their options, and build long-term relationships grounded in trust."