Dermatology Associates

James Yi Gao, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and acne specialist accepting new patients at Dermatology Associates, a private medical practice in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Gao provides patients with personalized and advanced dermatological care and takes ample time to tailor his recommendations.

Dr. Gao grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. He completed his undergraduate degree at Cornell University in  Ithaca, New York, and then attended medical school at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine (CCLCM) in Cleveland, Ohio. 

During medical school, Dr. Gao completed a clinical research fellowship on skin cancer in immune suppressed patients and health disparities at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF).

After earning his Doctorate of Medicine, Dr. Gao completed a one-year preliminary medicine internship at Banner–University Medical Center Phoenix (formerly Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center). He then completed a three-year dermatology residency at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.

After graduating from dermatology residency, Dr. Gao returned to the Valley and joined Dermatology Associates. His clinical interests include medical dermatology, dermatologic surgery, and cosmetic dermatology. He is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for all patients.

His professional affiliations include the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the American Medical Association (AMA), and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS).

Dr. Gao has several hobbies outside of dermatology, such as weightlifting, listening to audiobooks, and music festivals.  

John Chuck Rimer, PA, is a board-certified dermatology physician assistant at Dermatology Associates, a private medical practice in Phoenix, Arizona. Chuck is an integral part of the practice and provides optimal care to all patients.

Chuck began his career in the United States Air Force in 1983. He initially enlisted and served as a Fire Protection Specialist and Emergency Medical Technician. He was later selected to attend the Military Interservice Physician Assistant Program, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.

In 1999, Chuck completed his Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.  

He served all over the world during his military career, finishing as a Physician Assistant at Luke Air Force Base for five years in Family Practice and the Emergency Department.

Chuck retired with 20 years of active service in February 2003. He has been practicing General Dermatology since he retired from the military. 

He is a Diplomate Fellow of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants and an active American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) member. 

Chuck has been married to his wonderful and supportive wife, Michelle, since 1984. He enjoys golfing and spending time with family and friends. 

Kristen Peterson, NP, is a board-certified advanced nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner at Dermatology Associates, a private medical practice in Phoenix, Arizona. Kristen has extensive skin care experience, has practiced in the dermatology field for over 13 years, and treats patients of all ages.  

Kristen received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Arizona State University and her master’s degree from the University of Phoenix, both of which she proudly graduated with honors.

Kristen believes it is essential to educate her patients while developing customized treatment plans to assist them in achieving their desired skin care goals. She enjoys all medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology aspects and treats many skin problems ranging from acne, warts, and psoriasis to eczema.

Establishing a rapport with her patients and their families is very important to Kristen, and she is dedicated to keeping up with the latest advancements in the field of dermatology.

She provides her patients with educational information about skin cancer detection, treatment, and prevention. She explains each diagnosis and provides recommendations along with all of the risks and alternative treatment options.

Kristen also is an expert in performing many aesthetic procedures and anti-aging modalities. Her cosmetic specialties include wrinkle reduction with Botox, plumping the lips with dermal fillers, microdermabrasion, and reversing the signs of aging with fractional IPL laser treatments.

In her leisure time, Kristen enjoys cooking, cycling, hiking, and spending time with her friends, loved ones, and cherished pets.

Rajiv Kwatra, MD, is board-certified in dermatology and micrographic dermatologic surgery. Dr. Kwatra sees patients at Dermatology Associates, a private medical practice in Phoenix, Arizona, and provides them with high-quality, individualized care.

Dr. Kwatra grew up in Tampa, Florida, and Toledo, Ohio. He attended the University of Florida in Gainesville for college, majoring in History.  

After completing medical school at Ohio State University, Dr. Kwatra moved to the valley and interned in internal medicine at St. Joseph’s Hospital. He returned to Ohio State to train in dermatology.

During his residency at Ohio State, Dr. Kwatra developed a strong interest in diagnosing and treating skin cancer. For this reason, Dr. Kwatra underwent additional fellowship training in the surgical treatment of skin cancer using Mohs Surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston.

After completing his fellowship, Dr. Kwatra returned to Phoenix to settle permanently. Since then, Dr. Kwatra has treated approximately 40,000 cases of skin cancer with Mohs surgery. 

Dr. Kwatra is a Fellowship trained in Mohs Micrographic Surgery and skin cancer treatment.

He is a member of the American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS), the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the American Medical Association (AMA), the Phoenix Dermatologic Society, and the Maricopa County Medical Society (MCMS). 

Dr. Kwatra is married to Julie Baskin Kwatra, MD, an obstetrician/gynecologist. They have two daughters.