Elisabeth Novak, DMSc, PA-C joined Southern Marin Dermatology in 2019 with more than eight years of experience in both medical and cosmetic dermatology. She began her career by completing a competitive dermatology residency at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in New England—an advanced post-graduate program with limited acceptance for Physician Assistants nationwide. She also holds the distinction of Diplomat Fellow with the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, recognizing her commitment to continued education and clinical leadership.
A dedicated student of science and medicine, PA Novak graduated magna cum laude with a Baccalaureate award in Biology and Chemistry. She went on to earn her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Boston, where she was inducted into the Alpha Eta Honor Society. Her early career was shaped through training and clinical practice at Dartmouth, followed by several years in private practice before relocating to the Bay Area.
Over the years, PA Novak’s training and clinical experience cultivated dual passions in complex medical dermatology and aesthetic medicine. Her interest in diagnosing and treating contact dermatitis and eczema was shaped by mentorship under a lead contributor to the North American Contact Dermatitis Society. Her artistic sensibility also drew her to cosmetic dermatology, where she approaches injectables and laser treatments with anatomical precision and thoughtful intent. She is known for creating results that are natural and refined, with patient safety always at the forefront.
In 2025, PA Novak earned her Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree from University of Lynchburg, an advanced academic and clinical doctorate held by fewer than 2% of Physician Assistants nationwide. This milestone reflected the culmination of her clinical experience, analytical rigor, and dedication to lifelong learning. Her doctoral training deepened her expertise in two key areas:
- Facial ultrasound-guided filler treatments for enhanced precision and safety
- Diagnostic patch testing for complex skin and gut sensitivities, including IBS-related symptoms
As part of her doctoral work, she published a clinical review exploring patch testing as a non-invasive screening tool for food sensitivities. Her research bridges academic knowledge with practical care, expanding the tools available to patients with conditions that often fall outside traditional diagnostic models.
Originally from Maryland and New York, PA Novak always felt connected to Northern California, where she has deep family roots. Now based in San Francisco, she enjoys running, boating, snowboarding, watercolor painting, and exploring the Bay Area’s food and wine culture—making it the ideal place to call home, both professionally and personally.
