A Vision for Better Care: The Story and Philosophy of Donnelley Dermatology in New York, NY

Dr. Donnelley founded Donnelley Dermatology during the Pandemic, a period that allowed for deep reflection on the future of her medical practice. She envisioned an alternative to the “assembly line” culture of modern medicine, characterized by rushed appointments and the restrictive influence of insurance companies and large hospital systems. Her vision was to reclaim physician autonomy and prioritize quality care over patient volume.

The mission of Donnelley Dermatology is to provide the highest caliber of dermatological care through an unhurried, patient-centric model. By limiting volume to just one or two patients per hour, Donnelley Dermatology ensures quick access to appointments—often same-day or next-day—while allowing for extensive listening, thorough examinations, and collaborative care planning.

Donnelley Dermatology operates on a direct-pay model, which removes the barriers typically imposed by insurance providers. This philosophy emphasizes personalized, high-quality care with transparent, upfront pricing. While Donnelley Dermatology does not interface directly with insurance, patients are provided with the necessary documentation to seek reimbursement according to their specific plans.

The defining feature of Donnelley Dermatology is a unique model of care that centers on the doctor-patient relationship. Dr. Donnelley respects her patients’ time and concerns by addressing multiple issues in a single visit within a beautiful, relaxing environment, supported by an excellent clinical team.

Dr. Donnelley rejects the traditional “big system” approach. Her care at Donnelley Dermatology is distinguished by its personalized nature, the absence of insurance-mandated restrictions, and a focus on long-term skin health goals developed through a true partnership with the patient.

Every day is unique and diverse. The clinical staff handles everything from basic medical and surgical dermatology to complex cases, serving both pediatric and adult patients. On any given day, the team may transition from skin cancer screenings and acne treatments to surgical cyst excisions and aesthetic procedures like microneedling, Dysport, and laser treatments.

Dr. Donnelley wants patients to know that Donnelley Dermatology is a rare find in today’s medical landscape. It combines a unique, patient-first model with her 21 years plus of post-residency experience, a stellar reputation for diagnostic acumen, and a renowned bedside manner.

The biggest success of Donnelley Dermatology is its lack of attrition. Dr. Donnelley takes immense pride in the fact that once patients experience this level of care, they remain with Donnelley Dermatology and frequently refer their friends and family.

Caring, collaborative, and uniquely personalized.

Trust is built by giving patients the floor. Dr. Donnelley ensures they have ample time to voice fears and ask questions. Having been a patient herself, she approaches every interaction at Donnelley Dermatology with deep empathy and kindness, encouraging patients to be active collaborators in their own treatment plans.

Yes. Dr. Donnelley has personally dealt with significant acne, psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis. These personal experiences allow her to truly “walk in her patients’ shoes,” understanding the physical and emotional toll dermatological conditions take on a person’s quality of life.

Dr. Donnelley serves as a volunteer adjunct professor at NYU Langone, supervising residents in the Skin and Cancer Clinic. Her career has been marked by a commitment to service, including participating in free skin cancer screenings and spending a year at a free clinic in rural South Carolina, which remains a core influence on how she runs Donnelley Dermatology.

While she briefly considered a PhD in evolutionary biology, Dr. Donnelley chose medicine to make an immediate, tangible impact on people’s health and well-being. Today, she is motivated by the deep, ongoing relationships she builds with her patients at Donnelley Dermatology.

Though it was on her mind from a young age, she committed to the path during college. A three-year volunteer tenure at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center—for which she won the Mayor’s youth volunteer award—solidified her desire to help others through medicine.

Dr. Donnelley won the Keese Prize at Yale for her medical school thesis in the History and Anthropology of Medicine, which continues to be cited. Her skincare expertise has been featured by the Associated Press, and she has contributed to numerous radio shows and national dermatology presentations.

She is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, and a member of the AOA Medical Honor Society and the Acne and Rosacea Society.

Dr. Donnelley has been recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for the last nine years and has been featured in New York Magazine as a Top Dermatologist since 2021. Her accolades also include induction into the AOA Medical Honor Society and various “Top 100” registry recognitions.