SEQUIM — About seven months after the closure of one of the few dermatology clinics on the Olympic Peninsula, Frontier Dermatology has expanded into Sequim.
Frontier Dermatology opened what it calls a “new, state-of-the-art” clinic on Dec. 7 at 565 Eureka Way, and it will be led by Dr. Heidi Hermes Shantz, “an esteemed dermatologist with long-standing ties to the community.”
The clinic opens at the same site that once housed Harrison HealthPartners Dermatology, whose parent company, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, closed the clinic in mid-May.
“The closure of Virginia Mason Franciscan Health earlier this year left a significant void in the availability of high-quality dermatology services in Sequim, and as a result, we swiftly began discussions with Dr. Hermes Shantz to remedy the situation,” said Dr. E. James Song, co-chief medical officer at Frontier Dermatology responsible for the Washington region, in a press release.
“With this new Frontier Dermatology location, patients in Sequim now have a wonderful opportunity to continue their dermatological care journey with Dr. Hermes Shantz, and we could not be more excited to bring our collective expertise and compassionate care to the residents of this community.”
The new Sequim clinic, Frontier Dermatology representatives said, will provide patients with access to a comprehensive range of dermatological services, including general dermatology for conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis, and select cosmetic dermatology services.
“This expansion underscores Frontier Dermatology’s unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional care to patients where they live, as the new location fills a significant gap between the needs of the community and the current dermatological offerings available,” company representatives said.
In addition, the Sequim location will feature a Mohs lab, offering “cutting-edge” technology for skin cancer removal surgeries.
“As a member of this community for nearly a decade, it has been my dream to expand access to full-spectrum, evidence-based dermatologic care to our residents,” Hermes Shantz said in a press release. “Having local access to dermatology care is important to people in all phases of life.
“Working with Frontier Dermatology, I am excited to contribute to this mission once again.”
Joining Hermez Shantz at Frontier Dermatology is physician assistant Haley Gravely, whom company representatives note has experience in treating a wide range of skin conditions including acne, warts, psoriasis, eczema and skin cancer.
New and existing patients may schedule an appointment with Hermes Shantz or Gravely by calling 360-749-8064 or going online to FrontierDermatology.com.
Frontier Dermatology has 35 locations in Washington state and Oregon, including Port Angeles and Poulsbo.
For more information, visit FrontierDermatology.com.
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Michael Dashiell is the editor of the Sequim Gazette of the Olympic Peninsula News Group, which also is composed of other Sound Publishing newspapers Peninsula Daily News and Forks Forum. Reach him at editor@sequimgazette.com.