Congratulations to Elisabeth Novak, DMSc, PA-C!
We’re thrilled to announce that Elisabeth Novak, DMSc, PA-C has officially earned her Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree—one of the highest distinctions available to practicing Physician Assistants. This prestigious achievement combines intensive clinical training with advanced academic research. It places PA Novak among the top 2% of Physician Assistants nationwide to earn this honor.
Because of her passion for knowledge and an unwavering commitment to patient care, PA Novak pursued this year-long, rigorous program. Through this training, she deepened her expertise in two of her greatest clinical interests:
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Cosmetic Dermatology
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Patch Testing for Contact Dermatitis (skin allergies)
PA Novak’s achievement speaks volumes about her devotion to clinical excellence, and we couldn’t be more proud of her relentless pursuit of thoughtful, evidence-based care.
Congratulations PA Novak, DMSc!
What This Means for Our Patients
PA Novak, DMSc’s specialized training elevates the level of care we offer at Southern Marin Dermatology, expanding our ability to treat a wide range of concerns with even greater precision and safety. Her expertise includes:
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Evaluating and correcting cosmetic filler migration using live ultrasound guidance
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Dissolving undesired cosmetic filler with precision using hyaluronidase injections
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Mapping facial vasculature for safer, more anatomically accurate filler placement
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Offering advanced diagnostic patch testing in collaboration with GI specialists to help screen for food sensitivities in patients with IBS
These skills allow PA Novak to deliver subtle, sophisticated cosmetic results while expanding her diagnostic offerings to support more integrative and personalized patient care.
Curiosity That Drives Her Work
“Why not know everything you can about something?”
That simple question has been a guiding force throughout PA Novak’s career, fueling her hunger for knowledge and sharpening her analytical approach as a provider.
In her own words:
“My proclivities for patch testing and cosmetics developed early on in my career, and as my passion for these subspecialties continued to grow, so did my quest for excellence in practicing them. Achieving a DMSc degree allowed me to focus intensively on these subjects, elevating and honing my understanding and skills. As a result, I am now able to offer the utmost care to my patients in my fields of expertise.”
PA Novak’s commitment to ongoing education reflects her belief that exceptional care begins with deep, specialized knowledge — and a constant curiosity to keep learning more.
Meet Elisabeth Novak, DMSc
From the very beginning of her dermatology career, PA Novak was drawn to diagnostic challenges — especially in the realm of inflammatory rashes. In this field, pattern recognition, patient history, and medical intuition must align to uncover the root cause.
Since joining Southern Marin Dermatology in 2019, she has become the practice’s go-to expert for rash care and patch testing, earning the trust of patients and colleagues alike.
What Is Patch Testing?
Patch testing is a diagnostic tool used to identify allergic reactions on the skin. By applying small amounts of potential allergens to the skin and monitoring for reactions over several days, providers can pinpoint the triggers behind chronic rashes and persistent skin irritation.
For patients with ongoing, unexplained dermatitis, patch testing offers critical insights that lead to more accurate diagnoses — and more targeted, effective treatments.
Innovation in Medical Dermatology
As part of her doctoral program, PA Novak published a clinical review article on the use of patch testing as a novel screening tool for food sensitivities in patients with IBS.
This cross-specialty approach bridges dermatology and gastroenterology, offering new pathways for diagnosing complex, overlapping conditions. By blending academic research with real-world clinical practice, PA Novak continues to find new ways to offer better outcomes for patients who have long sought answers through traditional care models.
Her work also fosters greater collaboration across different branches of medicine, supporting a more holistic and integrative approach to patient health.
Elevating Aesthetics with Facial Ultrasound
PA Novak’s advanced training also includes facial cutaneous ultrasound — a cutting-edge technique that allows her to visualize filler placement and facial anatomy beneath the skin in real time.
While dermal fillers are commonly used to enhance facial volume and contour, few patients realize how much skill and anatomical knowledge are required to achieve truly natural results. Improper placement or overuse of filler can lead to complications like filler migration or “pillow face,” where the features become overfilled, distorted, or unnatural over time.
With ultrasound technology, PA Novak is able to:
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Visualize exactly where existing cosmetic filler sits — whether placed by her or another provider
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Map facial vasculature to enhance the safety of new filler placements
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Precisely dissolve misplaced or migrated filler when needed
Her approach combines artistry with medical precision, ensuring subtle, anatomically correct results that enhance — rather than alter — the patient’s natural beauty.
For those seeking sophisticated, natural-looking outcomes with the added peace of mind that comes from advanced safety protocols, PA Novak’s expertise represents the gold standard of modern aesthetic care.
Explore our full range of cosmetic filler options at Southern Marin Dermatology →
Scheduling with Elisabeth Novak, DMSc, PA-C
PA Novak is currently welcoming new patients at Southern Marin Dermatology. Located along the water’s edge with sweeping views of Richardson Bay, our clinic offers a calming, light-filled environment designed to enhance your experience from the moment you arrive.
Whether you’re interested in exploring cosmetic treatment options, seeking advanced diagnostic care, or simply looking for personalized advice from a trusted expert, PA Novak, DMSc, is here to guide you with compassion, precision, and the latest in medical and aesthetic innovation.