DCIE Program

Dr. Aunna Pourang is a graduate of the University of Florida College of Medicine Medical Honors Program and is board-certified in family physician (Mayo Clinic) and integrative medicine (Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine). She is currently a dermatology resident at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.

Her interests include integrative dermatology, complex medical dermatology, global and preventive health, and antibiotic-stewardship.

Dr. Raja Sivamani is a board-certified dermatologist and practices as an integrative dermatologist at Pacific Skin Institute. He is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Clinical Dermatology at the University of California, Davis and Director of Clinical Research and the Clinical Trials Unit.He is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the California State University, Sacramento and an Associate Professor of Dermatology at California Northstate University, College of Medicine.He engages in clinical practice as well as both clinical and translational research that integrates bioengineering, nutrition, cosmetics, and skin biology. With training in both Allopathic and Ayurvedic medicine, he takes an integrative approach to his patients and in his research.He has published over 100 peer-reviewed research manuscripts, 10 textbook chapters, and a textbook entitled Cosmeceuticals and Active Cosmetics, 3rd Edition with a passion for expanding the evidence and boundaries of integrative medicine for skin care.

Dr. Daveluy is a professor and program director at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. He earned a bachelor's in science from Michigan State University. He completed medical school and his dermatology residency at Wayne State University.

He holds special interests in teledermatology, noninvasive skin imaging, skin of color, integrative dermatology, and complex medical dermatology, including hidradenitis suppurativa. He is active on AAD committees, including Performance Measure and DataDerm Oversight. He is the past president of the Wayne County Medical Society and Michigan Dermatological Society. He serves on the board of directors of the HS Foundation and editorial board for the JAAD and JAAD Case Reports and is building a growing body of publications of his own. He lives across the border in Windsor, Ontario, Canada with his husband and two very spoiled dogs

Valerie A Stern, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C is a board certified, SDPA Dermatology Diplomate Fellow practicing integrative dermatology in Beverly Hills. Valerie is part of a collaborative dermatology team with an MD, providing both general integrative dermatology and cosmetic care. She has specialized in dermatology for over 20 years and practices general, surgical, cosmetic and laser dermatology from an integrative standpoint.

Valerie received her degree in Physician Assistant Medicine from Keck, USC School of Medicine, she then obtained her masters degree in dermatology from the University of Nebraska Medical School followed by doctorate degrees in medical science with emphasis on dermatology and physician assistant education from Lynchburg University in Virginia.

Valerie lectures and teaches at USC Keck School of Medicine, Department of Physician Assistant Studies as well as acting as an expert in legal case testimonial during malpractice litigation involving advanced practice providers. Valerie has been an international laser trainer, educator and lecturer for two large laser companies over the past 15 years.

Valerie is passionate about providing the highest quality care to each and every patient she sees. She believes that internal optimization is key to overall health which manifests outwardly onto the skin. Understanding root cause etiology plays a significant role in keeping the skin at its best.

In her free time, Valerie loves to study, learning all she can about environmental interactions and genetic predisposition, focusing on such factors as toxins in our homes, the foods we consume, and the products we put on our skin daily, all of which impact our overall health and well being.

Valerie’s goal is to provide each patient with the education and comprehensive care they deserve through quality interactions using a team approach, helping to achieve success in their skin health goals.

Dr. Peter Lio is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Pediatrics at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. He received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School, completed his internship in Pediatrics at Boston Children's Hospital, and his Dermatology training at Harvard where he served as Chief Resident in Dermatology. Dr. Lio is the founding director of the Chicago Integrative Eczema Center and has spoken nationally and internationally about atopic dermatitis, as well as alternative medicine.

Dr. Song is the director of clinical research at Frontier Dermatology Partners. He is also a clinical instructor at the University of Washington and Silver Falls Dermatology. He specializes in inflammatory skin diseases, including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and hidradenitis suppurativa. Dr. Song is a regular contributor to the dermatology literature and speaks across the country as a key opinion leader.

Sonal Choudhary, MD is a Board certified Dermatologist and fellowship trained Dermatopathologist, who joined the Department of Dermatology in 2016 upon completion of her Dermatopathology Fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Choudhary received her undergraduate degree and medical degree from Vardhman Mahavir Medical College in New Delhi India. She completed a post-doctoral research fellowship at the University of Miami, where she remained to complete her Preliminary Internship in Internal Medicine, as well as her Residency Program in Dermatology. Dr. Choudhary also completed a fellowship in Integrative Dermatology, which concluded in February 2024.

While she offers care for all dermatologic conditions, her areas of clinical interest and research are atopic dermatitis, gut and skin microbiome, integrative dermatology, alternative therapies and approaches (herbs, supplements, functional medicine testing) to inflammatory skin diseases (Hidradenitis suppurativa, Acne, Psoriasis, hair loss), nutrition in cutaneous disease and dermatopathology. She is the director of the adult atopic dermatitis clinic and member of the PCOS collaboration group at UPMC Magee. Given her areas of training, Dr. Choudhary offers a holistic and integrative approach for various skin conditions.

Professional memberships

1. Member of Integrative Dermatology with Integrative Dermatology Certification Program/LearnSkin
2. Fellow of Pittsburgh Academy of Dermatology
3. Fellow of Pennsylvania Academy of Dermatology
4. Fellow of American Academy of Dermatology
5. Fellow of American Academy of Dermatopathology

Education & Training

• MBBS, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
• Clinical Internship, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
• Post Doctoral Fellowship, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
• Internship, University of Miami and Jackson Memorial Hospital
• Residency, Dermatology, University of Miami and Jackson Memorial Hospital
• Fellowship, Dermatopathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
• Fellowship in Integrative Dermatology with LearnSkin

Dr. Rahbar completed undergraduate studies in Neuroscience and Behavioral biology at the University of Pennsylvania and Emory University. Her heart remained in the South, and she chose to continue her medical education at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN. This was followed by a residency specializing in dermatology at the University of Virginia where she served as Chief Resident her final year. Upon completion of training Dr. Rahbar gained experience in private practice in Virginia and telemedicine in NYC before establishing in South Carolina. In Charleston she built and grew a private practice clinic for five years, until she decided to join academic medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina. In addition to providing quality care for her patients, Dr. Rahbar has published in medical journals and spoken at dermatology conferences. Her passion lies in caring for underserved populations, having volunteered internationally in Haiti and Uganda as well as locally in Charleston at the free medical clinic. Dr. Rahbar is also proficient in Spanish, which allows her a unique capability to serve the Hispanic population. In addition Dr. Rahbar has a deep interest in caring for the whole patient, not just symptoms or disease. Having completed a 9 month intensive through the Integrative Dermatology Certificate Program, she then went on to serve as lecturer and facilitator for the same program. Dr. Rahbar is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology. In her free time she loves to spend time outdoors with her friends and family, including her two daughters. She is a certified yoga instructor.

Dr. Hawkes is a board-certified dermatologist and Investigator at the Oregon Medical Research Center in Portland, Oregon. He completed his medical school and residency at the University of Utah. During medical school, he completed a fellowship in translational immunology in the NIH-HHMI Research Scholars Program. He also received a Master’s Degree in Clinical Investigation from Rockefeller University, where he was Chief Clinical Scholar and Principal and sub-Investigator on multiple human research protocols in the Laboratory for Investigative Dermatology. He has held academic appointments in the Departments of Dermatology at the University of Utah, University of California-Davis, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Dr. Hawkes is a current Councilor in the International Psoriasis Council and serves on the NPF Medical Board and Scientific Advisory Committee. He also serves as the official delegate of the AAD as a member of the international guidelines and workgroup committee for urticaria. His research has been funded by the NIH, NSF, NPF, and Dermatology Foundation, and he is the recipient of several teaching awards including NPF Outstanding Educator in Psoriatic Disease and Exceptional Teacher of the Year in the Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai. His primary clinical and research interests include novel immune therapies for inflammatory conditions like psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, HS, alopecia areata, vitiligo, and urticaria.

Dr. Asmi Berry, a board-certified dermatologist, is on a transformative mission to redefine skincare. With a focus on uncovering underlying imbalances that impact skin health, she delved into the principles of Ayurveda—an ancient healing system emphasizing balance and natural remedies. Dr. Berry's unique approach incorporates the power of diet and nutrition, complementing medical and cosmetic treatments. Through personalized care, she addresses both visible signs of skin issues and their root causes, empowering patients to achieve healthy, radiant skin that reflects their unique beauty.

Dr. Berry's credentials include an undergraduate degree from Northwestern University, a Medical Degree from LECOM, Dermatology Residency Training at Orlando Dermatology, a fellowship in Integrative Dermatology, a certification in Ayurvedic Philosophy of Medicine and Nutrition at the BHAGAVAT Culinary School, and an aesthetics and laser fellowship in NYC. As a Clinical Instructor at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, she actively contributes to the field of dermatology. Dr. Berry's expertise has been recognized through publications in esteemed journals and textbooks, along with features in podcasts, magazines, and online articles. Through her innovative approach and passion for holistic care, Dr. Berry invites everyone on a transformative journey towards healthy, radiant skin that reflects their unique beauty, both inside and out.

Dr. DeJarra K. Sims, known by her patients as Dr. DJ,  is a Naturopathic Doctor, published author, and prolific speaker. She received her Bachelor's in Biology from Prairie View A&M University, in Texas, and she completed her doctorate at Sonoran University of Health Sciences in Phoenix (formerly SCNM). She has served as an Assistant Professor and Core Faculty at Bastyr University California teaching Dermatology and Business Practices and as a former Adjunct Clinical Professor at Sonoran University. 

Dr. DJ established her virtual clinic Superhero SkinCare to remind women of their identity and bring out the adventurous, gorgeous superhero that exists within them. To do this, she provides personalized treatment plans to improve the skin, reset the liver, balance hormones, and support digestion.

Dr. DJ is a well-known keynote speaker, who has given talks at medical conferences and even Comic-Con! Her training in improvisational comedy at The Finest City Improv in San Diego and The Second City in Hollywood has helped her create lively and energetic presentations that keep audiences engaged as they learn. 

Dr. Joseph Alban is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Board Certified Herbalist. He has run a private practice in New York City for seventeen years.

Dr. Alban graduated from Touro College’s Graduate Program in Oriental Medicine, obtaining a Masters of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and completed a Doctor of Acupuncture at Five Branches Univerisity. He completed a Chinese Medicine hospital residency in Hunan, China where he trained in acupuncture, Chinese medicine dermatology, and Tui Na medical massage.

He has received the Traditional Chinese Medicine Dermatology Diploma from world-renowned expert Mazin Al-Khafaji. Dr. Alban sits on the board of the International Traditional Chinese Medicine Dermatology Association (ITCMDA). He is also the Traditional Chinese Medicine editor for Learn Skin and on the board for the Integrative Dermatology Symposium. He is the head editor and a contributing author of the ebook An Introduction to Chinese Medicine Dermatology which resulted from a collaboration of the ITCMDA and Learn Skin.

Dr. Jennifer Ornelas is a board-certified dermatologist and pediatric dermatologist. She has conducted translational research investigating botanical extracts as novel treatment options for acne and earned a master’s in clinical and translational research. She is passionate about working with children and adults alike and providing excellent care to all of her patients. She is committed to serving the medically underserved populations of the region and strives to provide culturally competent specialist care in her practice.

Katie Varman, MD FAAD, is a dermatologist who works in private practice in Northern California. She graduated from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, during which she completed an additional year as a Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellow at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. After an intern year in Chattanooga, TN, she returned to UNC-CH for dermatology residency. Dr. Varman specializes in treating inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis with a unique blend of conventional and functional medicine practices. She also has a passion for photo-immunology and seeks to revitalize phototherapy as an indispensable tool in dermatology. She is also a homesteader and enjoys an active farm life with her husband and children.