William Gillen, MD

Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon

William Gillen, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon practicing at Absolute Dermatology located in Glen Allen and Chesterfield, Virginia. Dr. Gillen's particular areas of expertise include complete skin cancer removal, using the Mohs technique, and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Gillen earned his Bachelor of Science degree, double majoring in biology and French, from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Virginia, where he graduated magna cum laude. Dr. Gillen then attended the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Medical College of Virginia, located in Richmond, Virginia, where he earned his medical degree. There he also completed an internship in internal medicine and a residency in dermatology, where he served as chief resident in his final year. Then, at the Skin Cancer Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, Dr. Gillen completed a fellowship in Mohs micrographic surgery and procedural dermatology with Dr. Brett Coldiron. Dr. Gillen has contributed to several professional publications, and today he stays up to date with the latest developments in dermatology by maintaining his memberships with the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and the American College of Mohs Surgery. Prior to joining Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center, Dr. Gillen served the Richmond area as a Mohs surgeon and dermatologist at the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center. He currently serves as a clinical assistant professor for the Department of Dermatology at Virginia Commonwealth University, instructing residents in weekly surgical clinics at the VA and participating in surgical lectures and workshops. At Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center, Dr. Gillen treats a variety of dermatological conditions including actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, melanoma in situ, squamous cell carcinoma, skin disorders, troublesome scars, cysts, lipomas and much more. When not at work, Dr. Gillen enjoys cooking for his wife, Tara, and teaching their children, Olivia, Isla, and William to fish and catch lizards. They currently share their home with 2 beta fish and a salamander. To request an appointment with Dr. Gillen, call Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center, or book one online today.

Patricia O'Connor, MD

Board-Certified Dermatologist

Patricia O'Connor, MD, is one of the board-certified dermatologists practicing at Absolute Dermatology located in Glen Allen and Chesterfield, Virginia, practicing general and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. O'Connor grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana, leaving to attend Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. Dr. O'Connor then earned her medical degree from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Medical College of Virginia, located in Richmond, Virginia. There, Dr. O'Connor also completed her internship in internal medicine and a residency in dermatology, serving as chief resident in her final year. She only left Virginia during those 12 years of education to work in Brisbane, Australia, (the melanoma capital of the world) at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research in between her second and third years of medical school. Dr. O’Connor was awarded the Susan Millette scholarship for medical students interested in oncology largely in part because of this research related to cutaneous malignancies. Today, Dr. O'Connor stays up to date with the latest advances in dermatology by maintaining her membership with the American Academy of Dermatology and is active in local associations, including the Virginia and Richmond Dermatology Societies. At Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center, Dr. O'Connor treats a variety of dermatological conditions including acne, rosacea, psoriasis, skin disorders, actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, warts, and much more. She is happy to treat entire families for all of their general and cosmetic dermatologic needs. As a dermatologist, Dr. O'Connor loves that she can make her patients happy, which she understands is not always the case in other fields of medicine. When not at work, Dr. O'Connor enjoys spending time with her husband, Jim, a pulmonary and critical care physician at VCU, their two young children, and corgi, Wallace. To schedule an appointment with Dr. O'Connor, call Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center today, or request one using the online booking tool any time.

Shields Callahan, MD

Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon

Shields Callahan, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon practicing at Absolute Dermatology at the Chesterfield location. Dr. Callahan's particular areas of interest include skin cancer removal with the Mohs technique, high-risk tumors, reconstructive surgery and secondary skin cancer prevention. Dr. Callahan grew up in Roanoke, Virginia and she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Georgetown University in Washington, DC. She then attended medical school at Northwestern University in Chicago, IL. She remained in Chicago for her internship year at the University of Chicago Medical Center where she was nominated for “Intern of the Year.” Following medical school and internship year in Chicago, she completed her dermatology residency at New York University, which is consistently ranked as the country's top dermatology program. While a resident, Dr Callahan was the recipient of the Morris Leider Award for Excellence in Dermatology which is given to the best overall senior resident. After residency, Dr. Callahan returned to Virginia to complete an additional year of specialized training in dermatologic surgery and reconstruction (Mohs surgery) at Virginia Commonwealth University, under the mentorship of Dr. Algin Garrett. Dr. Callahan has contributed to numerous publications, medical journals and text books. She is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Mohs Surgery, and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery. Prior to joining Absolute Dermatology, Dr. Callahan served as the Director of Dermatologic Surgery at Virginia Commonwealth University in the Department of Dermatology, where she oversaw the treatment of a wide range of skin cancers. As an Assistant Professor, she oversaw the surgical training of the dermatology residents with hands-on tutorials, formal lectures and clinical instruction at the bedside. At Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center, Dr. Callahan treats all types of skin cancers, including the most common forms: Basal cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma and Melanoma. In addition to these common types of skin cancer, she also treats more rare tumors, pre-skin cancer lesions (actinic keratoses), sun-damaged skin, cysts, lipomas and irregular moles. Outside of work, Dr. Callahan enjoys running, yoga, traveling, cooking and keeping up with her 4 children and husband. To request an appointment with Dr. Callahan, call Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center, or book online today.

Eliza Hester, PA-C

Certified Physician Assistant

Eliza Hester, PA-C, is a certified physician assistant practicing general dermatology at Absolute Dermatology in Chesterfield, Virginia. At Absolute Dermatology, Eliza treats a variety of dermatological conditions with a special interest in acne, rosacea and atopic dermatitis. She enjoys treating patients of all ages. Eliza is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants, Virginia Dermatology Society and Richmond Academy of Medicine. Eliza attended the University of Virginia, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She then attended Wake Forest School of Medicine, where she received a Masters of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies. Prior to joining Absolute Dermatology, Eliza practiced Family Medicine and Urgent Care. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her two sons and husband, Clay. You will often find her at the playground with her children, trying a different exercise class, or listening to one of her favorite podcasts.

Kristen Keller, PA-C

Certified Physician Assistant

Kristen Keller, PA-C, is a board-certified physician assistant practicing medical dermatology at Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center in Glen Allen, Virginia. She has been practicing dermatology since 2017. Kristen received her Masters of Physician Assistant Sciences from Saint Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania, in 2017. She is board-certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Kristen is also a current member of the Society for Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA). Kristen is well-versed in diagnosing and treating a variety of dermatological conditions. She routinely sees patients who are struggling with dermatological issues like acne, atopic dermatitis, rosacea, and psoriasis, to name a few. Kristen is also skillful in preventative full-body skin examinations and procedures such as biopsies, cryotherapy, and biologic injections. She focuses on patient-engaged treatment options that allow the patient to be involved in their treatment plan. In an effort to provide exceptional care, Kristen treats all of her patients as if they were her own family. Outside of work, Kristen enjoys reading, traveling, working out, and spending time with her family, friends, and dogs. To request an appointment with Kristen, call Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center or book one online today.

Matthew McGrath, PA-C

Certified Physician Assistant

Matthew McGrath, PA-C, is a dedicated dermatology practitioner at Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center, serving patients in Chesterfield and Glen Allen, Virginia. With a passion for skincare that predates his formal education, Matt brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to his practice. Having earned his Master of Medical Science in physician assistant studies from Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Matt's journey into dermatology began long before his academic pursuits. As a histology technician and medical assistant, he developed a deep appreciation for dermatological care, laying the foundation for his career. Specializing in surgical procedures such as biopsies, injections, and excisions, Matt's expertise extends to the management of acute and chronic dermatological conditions. He takes particular pride in conducting thorough skin cancer screenings, ensuring early detection and treatment. An active member of esteemed professional associations, including the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA) and the Richmond Dermatology Society, Matt remains at the forefront of advancements in his field. Originally from upstate New York, Matt has put down roots in Richmond. He recently married his wife Rachel, and they enjoy all things city-living, are shameless Swifties, and share their home with 3 loving cats.

Amanda Schmitt, MD

Board-Certified Dermatologist

Amanda Schmitt, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Absolute Dermatology in Chesterfield and Glen Allen, Virginia, practicing a mix of general medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Schmitt grew up in Charleston, West Virginia. She attended West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia, where she graduated with high honors with her Bachelor of Science in Biology. She then earned her medical degree from Marshall University School of Medicine in Huntington, West Virginia. She went on to complete an internship in internal medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia, in Richmond, Virginia followed by a residency in dermatology at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. Dr. Schmitt returned to Richmond, Virginia following completion of her dermatology training and has been working in private practice ever since. She has extensive experience in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology and has the ability to meet a wide range of dermatologic needs. Dr. Schmitt is experienced at treating both common skin concerns as well as managing complex dermatologic conditions. In addition to medical dermatology, she enjoys practicing both surgical and cosmetic dermatology, excising skin cancers and common skin growths as well as performing cosmetic injections, laser treatments and chemical peels. Dr. Schmitt loves seeing patients of all ages and providing dermatologic care for all members of the family. She wants every patient to leave their visit having had a positive experience, and she takes pride in providing top-notch, compassionate care for her patients. Dr. Schmitt stays up-to-date with the latest dermatologic advances as a member the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgeons. She is also a member of the state and local dermatology societies, Virginia Dermatology Society and Richmond Dermatology Society. When not at work, Dr. Schmitt enjoys spending time with her husband, Dave, chasing after their children, Amelia and Aiden, and taking walks with their two dogs, Artie and Rat.