Robert G. Shoss, MD

Dr. Shoss is a board-certified dermatologist. He graduated from and completed his internal medicine internship and residency at the University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio. He initiated his practice in 1976 in the Capital District following completion of his dermatology training at Albany Medical Center. During these 38 years, Dr. Shoss has provided comprehensive medical and surgical dermatological care, skin cancer screening and treatment, as well as aesthetic medicine, including laser and intense pulsed light treatments and facial rejuvenation with Botox and dermal fillers. Recognizing the critical importance of skin care, he oversees esthetician services geared to improve the health and appearance of the skin.

Dr. Shoss has been actively involved in teaching at Albany Medical Center having served in the capacities of instructor, clinical assistant, and currently, clinical associate professor of medicine. He remains involved in the teaching of medical students and residents and also supervises the teaching of physician assistant trainees. His passion for education led to his recognition by The Academy of Family Practice Physicians for his involvement in teaching family practice residents. Dr. Shoss is a Fellow of The American Academy of Dermatology, a member of The American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery, The New York State Society of Dermatology, The Capital District Dermatological Society, The New England Dermatology Society, and The Medical Society of the State of New York. A popular lecturer on subjects related to skin disease, he is a regular guest on local news programs discussing topics related to his specialty.

A former Captain in the U.S. Army Reserves Medical Corps and Eagle Scout, Dr. Shoss is a previous board member of the Bender/St.Peter’s Hospital Hygienic Laboratory and the Bethlehem PTA Endowment Committee. He participates yearly in community activities such as the Albany Jewish Community Center and Albany Medical Center Hospital annual skin screening clinics.

DEBBIE FLAHERTY, MD

Dr. Flaherty joined Albany Dermatology in September 2016. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Dr. Flaherty received her medical degree at St. George’s University Medical School; and subsequently moved to the Capital District to complete her Family Medicine residency training at Ellis Hospital, graduating in 2011.

Board certified in Family Medicine, Dr. Flaherty has held positions in both primary care and urgent care offices, specifically with Community Care Physicians, PC, and Saratoga Hospital.  In these positions, she has treated both acute and chronic illnesses in people of all ages. She has also served as Assistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in the Family Medicine and Community Health Department.

Dr. Flaherty has always had a special interest in disease processes affecting the skin. Her interest in dermatology has brought her to Albany Dermatology where she will focus on the management of both medical and surgical dermatological conditions within her training and expertise. Dr. Flaherty continues to advance her skills through continued medical education.

Dr. Flaherty is a member of the American Academy of Family Medicine and the New York State Academy of Family Physicians. She has an excellent understanding of how skin findings may have a relationship to internal disease. She enjoys developing strong relationships with her patients and working with them to achieve their optimal health.

David Foster, RPA-C

David joined Albany Dermatology in March 2015. He is a 1995 graduate of the Albany Medical College Physician Assistant Program, and worked in a family medicine group for nearly 20 years prior to joining our practice.

As a Physician Assistant who has received specialized training in dermatology, David is licensed and qualified to provide a wide range of medical and surgical services to our dermatologic patients. Proficient in performing biopsies, excisions and cryotherapy, and he is able to order and interpret laboratory blood tests and prescribe medication. He utilizes a range of therapies to treat patients with acne including oral antibiotics, topical treatments and Accutane derivatives. He is also able to prescribe topical and/or biologic treatment for patients with severe plaque psoriasis. David attends conferences regularly to update his medical knowledge and has held continuous board certification by the National Physician Assistant organization.

David is an active member of the local Physician Assistant community. He participates in the education of Physician Assistant and medical students and has volunteered his time to support internships for high school students interested in a Physician Assistant career. Previously a respiratory therapist, he continues to use this background to certify local firefighters.

A US Army veteran and former airborne paratrooper, David is also an active member of his community and school district, and volunteers in the many activities that his children are involved in.

David is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and licensed by the State of New York.

Brittany Buza, PA-C

Brittany joined Albany Dermatology in September 2016. She completed her Master’s degree in Physician Assistant studies at SUNY Upstate Medical University and additionally holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Nazareth College in Rochester, NY.

As a Physician Assistant who has received specialized training in dermatology, Brittany is licensed and qualified to provide a wide range of medical and surgical services to our dermatologic patients. Brittany performs a comprehensive dermatological examination, and diagnoses, treats and prescribes appropriate medical therapy specifically tailored to each individual patient. Brittany is skilled in performing procedures such as punch biopsies and surgical excisions and interpreting the laboratory results.

After completion of her undergraduate studies, Brittany worked as a clinical medical assistant with a urology office; and subsequently as a clinical medical/surgical assistant at a plastic surgeon’s office, where she supported the physician with a range of medical, surgical, cosmetic and esthetic services; and provided skin exams instruction to patients for follow-up care. It was this work experience that inspired her interest in dermatology. During her physician assistant studies, Brittany completed the full range of clinical rotations but again found her experience in a fast-paced dermatology office most inspiring.

Brittany is also trained in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Life Support, and Basic Life Support, and is able to communicate in basic Spanish and Sign Language.

Brittany is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and licensed by the State of New York.

Alyson Tower, Licensed Esthetician

Michelle MC Lea, Licensed Esthetician

Our Esthetic Team of Alyson and Michelle provide cosmetic and esthetic services to teens, women and men in the Albany Dermatology MedSpa.

Alyson joined Albany Dermatology in February 2014. She graduated in May 2005 from the Aesthetic Science Institute in Latham, NY. She brings to the practice nearly 14 years of experience in the esthetic industry and her holistic approach to skin care provides an excellent support to patients receiving medical and cosmetic services. Having previously worked at a Capital Region day spa, Alyson is skilled in providing facials for all skin types, chemical peels and microdermabrasion. She also utilizes lasers for tattoo and hair removal, performs Intense Pulsed Light and skin resurfacing to treat acne, rosacea, scarring and photoaging.

Michelle joined Albany Dermatology in January 2018. A 2005 graduate from the Aesthetic Science Institute in Latham, NY, Michelle brings 14 years of experience in the esthetic industry, having worked as an esthetician and manager at a Capital Region day spa. Michelle provides facials for patients with all skin types, including acne prone or oily; sun damaged or aging; or rosacea prone or sensitive. Michelle also performs a variety of medical grade customized chemical peels and microdermabrasion.

Alyson and Michelle both continually extend their knowledge of the industry by taking continuing education courses, attending trade shows and keeping abreast of the latest trends in esthetic products and procedures.

Feel FREE to call our office today to schedule a VISIA Complexion Analysis and consultation with Alyson or Michelle.

Kathleen Zabinski, LPN

William O’Hara, LPN

Karen Riley, Registered Nurse

The Albany Dermatology (AD) Nursing Team includes Kathy, Karen and Bill. These professionals collectively have 90 years of experience in the field of nursing, nearly 35 years in dermatology, and 30 years specifically with Albany Dermatology. As a result, they bring to the practice a specialized expertise in dermatological nursing and the ability to recognize signs of both skin diseases and skin health concerns.

Kathy, Karen and Bill support Dr. Shoss, Dr. Flaherty, David and Brittany. The team completes detailed patient health histories, assists the medical staff during more complex medical, surgical and cosmetic procedures, and provides necessary support, advice and health education to our patients. The team also manages prescription renewals, including prior authorizations, provides patient care in rooms and completes entry of medical information into our electronic medical records system.

The AD Nursing Team maintains a high standard of patient care within the practice, promoting the concept of safe individualized patient care, and maintaining confidentiality at all times and in all places. Each keep abreast of updated clinical practice guidelines and policies to extend and improve their skills to meet the needs of our patients.