Murray A. Cotter, MD, PhD
Dr. Cotter grew up in the Detroit area, spending summers here in idyllic Emmet county of northern lower Michigan. After thirteen years of training at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor where he received his BS, MD, and PhD degrees, Dr. Cotter took his residency training in Dermatology at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. He subsequently completed a fellowship in Mohs surgery and cosmetic dermatology at the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF). Dr. Cotter is board-certified in dermatology by the American Board of Dermatology, and is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and the American College of Mohs Surgery. Dr. Cotter is the author of numerous scientific publications, textbook chapters, and holds a US patent.
Dr. Cotter adheres to what he believes is the Golden rule of medicine: treat everyone as if they were your own mother, father, brother or sister. In his spare time, Dr. Cotter is an avid road and mountain cyclist and enjoys skiing, snowboarding, hiking, yoga, traveling and reading.
Christopher A. Messana, DO
Dr. Messana grew up in suburban Detroit and has always enjoyed spending time in the Petoskey area. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan and earned a law degree from Wayne State University School of Law before graduating from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University in Illinois. He completed his residency training in dermatology in the St. Joseph Mercy Health System in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He is a clinical faculty member at the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Messana has given numerous dermatologic presentations at local, national and international medical meetings, and has been published in the dermatology literature. Dr. Messana’s practice involves the full spectrum of medical and surgical dermatology, and he is passionately dedicated to providing excellent and compassionate care to all.
Dr. Messana and his wife Kate were married in Petoskey and enjoy spending time with their family and traveling. The Messanas are avid outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy hiking, cycling, skiing and snowshoeing.
Sherri S. Vazales, MD
Dr. Vazales has been practicing dermatology for thirty years, fourteen of them here in Petoskey. She was born in Michigan but grew up mostly outside of the Chicago area, coming to Petoskey each summer as her family has for almost 100 years. She got her undergraduate degree at Stanford University in California and then her MD degree at University of California San Diego. She and her husband, Brad, a cardiothoracic surgeon, chose to move back to the Midwest to do their residencies at Washington University-Barnes Hospital. She initially joined the facility at Washington University after training, but eventually moved to Pennsylvania in private practice for 13 years. In 1999 she moved to Petoskey with her husband and family and started a practice here. She has seven children and four grandchildren that she loves spending time with when she’s not working. She has been Board Certified in Dermatology since 1983 and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Lisa K. Bowersox, PA-C
“When I spend time with my patients, I have two goals in mind. The first is to be an attentive listener so I can better understand the concerns they have regarding their skin condition, and the second is to provide compassionate care. I treat all my patients the same way I would treat a friend or member of my own family. That’s why I try and communicate in a relaxed manner so patients feel at ease and can easily express their concerns. My hope is that everyone who comes to see us will have a positive experience. Sharing a smile, some laughter or just taking the time to catch up is often a part of the office visit. Sometimes it’s the small things that we do for our patients that have the biggest impact. That and the high quality of care they receive are what I hope they remember.”
Originally from Iowa, Lisa graduated from the University of Iowa with a Batchelor of Science degree. She then moved to Michigan, where she has resided ever since. She completed her Masters degree at Central Michigan University in Physician Assistant Studies with a specialized emphasis in Dermatology. Along with working in the Emergency Department at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, she spent the first two years of her Dermatology career practicing in East Lansing at Doctor’s Approach Dermatology. She has been practicing at Dermatology Associates since 2005. Lisa’s professional memberships include the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), Michigan Academy of Physician Assistants (MAPA), Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA) and the Michigan Dermatology Physician Assistants (MiDPA). She maintains her NCCPA national certification by regularly attending professional conferences and completing continuing medical education courses to remain current on important issues affecting Dermatology today. In her spare time Lisa enjoys playing soccer with the Petoskey women’s soccer league, and enjoys skiing with friends and colleagues at Nubs Nob.
Tina M. Crook, PA-C
Tina attended Cental Michigan University PA program, and began her career in Family Medicine. She practiced Dermatology in Jackson, Michigan for four years prior to joining Dermatology Associates in January 2009 where she has a special interest in pediatric dermatology. Tina is married to Bill who is also a PA-C. Bill, originally from Charlevoix and Tina are happy to have been able to move back to Northern Michigan. She is the mother of three to daughter Adel, a son Owen, and baby Caroline. Tina enjoys spending time with her family, kayaking and gardening.
Deanna L. Geisler, PA-C
Deanna Geisler is an accomplished Physician Assistant who has specialized in Dermatology since 1992. She graduated from Western University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Medicine and is experienced in dermatological surgeries, procedures and diagnosis as well as cosmetic skin care and procedures. She is a teacher, author and speaker in the cosmetic field. She uses her experience and knowledge to guide her in proper treatment plans that are individualized for each person.
Deanna has spent her career in Southfield Michigan and is excited to join Dermatology Associates of Northern Michigan, P.C. in beautiful Petoskey. She has always loved Northern Michigan and is excited to be here to serve Northern Michigan and the greater community.
Karen S. Nigg, PA-C
Karen is an experienced dermatology physician assistant, a graduate from Saint Louis University. She grew up in Michigan and spent much time enjoying northern Michigan. She has a unique background of literally living all over the work as she is a retired Lt.Col from the USAF. She practices both general and cosmetic dermatology. She practiced in the St. Louis area then moved to Petoskey and has worked with Dr. Vazales since 2006. She enjoys getting to know her patients. She enjoys traveling, boating, biking, skiing, reading and enjoying her three daughters and two granddaughters.