Dr. Heather Pontasch is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in medical, pediatric, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. She will be joining The Woodruff Institute in July of 2022.

She grew-up in Cedar Falls, Iowa and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Luther College with a bachelor of arts in Biology and English. While at Luther, she was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa national fraternity. She went on to attend medical school at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine where she was inducted in the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. She completed her Internship at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, IN and went on to complete her Dermatology residency at University of Michigan.

Dr. Pontasch served as a sub-investigator in clinical psoriasis research while in residency. She also worked to establish a free Dermatology clinic with her fellow residents during her tenure. She has participated in medical missions to Tanzania and Mexico. Dr Pontasch has been a lifelong visitor of Naples, Fl and loves living in this community with her husband and two young children.

She is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Florida Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, and the Florida Medical Association.

EltaMD sunscreens help prevent sunburn and decrease the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun when used with other sun protection measures. EltaMD sunscreens are formulated with transparent zinc oxide and are noncomedogenic, sensitivity-free, fragrance-free and paraben-free.

EltaMD UV Active
• Benefits: Is a Water-resistant (80 minutes) Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ formulated for active lifestyles. Is fragrance-free, oil-free, paraben-free, sensitivity-free, and noncomedogenic.
• Key Active Ingredients: 19.0% Zinc oxide, 4.0% Titanium dioxide
• Best for which skin type: All skin types
• Application: Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel drying, at least every 2 hours.
• Expected results: Delivers broad-spectrum protection against UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays and contains antioxidants to support healthy skin.

EltaMD UV Physical
• Benefits: Is a Water-resistant (40 minutes) Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 (tinted with iron oxide) formulated to withstand water, humidity, and perspiration. Is fragrance-free, oil-free, paraben-free, sensitivity-free, and noncomedogenic.
• Key Active Ingredients: 9.0% Zinc oxide, 7.0% Titanium dioxide
• Best for which skin type: All skin types, especially combination or oily skin
• Application: Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply after 40 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel drying, at least every 2 hours.
• Expected results: Delivers broad-spectrum protection against UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays and contains antioxidants to support healthy skin.

EltaMD UV Replenish
• Benefits: Is a Water-resistant (40 minutes) Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 formulated to restore moisture to dry, stressed skin. This oil-free sunscreen feels light on the skin and is great for daily and active wear.
• Key Ingredients: 10.0% Zinc oxide, 5.5% Titanium dioxide
• Best for which skin type: All skin types, especially dry or sensitive skin
• Application: Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply after 40 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel drying, at least every 2 hours.
• Expected results: Delivers broad-spectrum protection against UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays and contains hyaluronic acid that helps retain moisture in the skin and antioxidants to support healthy skin.

EltaMD UV Elements
• Benefits: Is a Water-resistant (40 minutes) Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 (tinted with iron oxide) formulated to restore moisture to dry, sensitive skin. This oil-free sunscreen feels light on the skin and is great for daily and active wear.
• Key Ingredients: 10.0% Zinc oxide, 5.7% Titanium dioxide
• Best for which skin type: All skin types, especially dry or sensitive skin
• Application: Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply after 40 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel drying, at least every 2 hours.
• Expected results: Delivers broad-spectrum protection against UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays and contains hyaluronic acid that helps retain moisture in the skin and antioxidants to support healthy skin.

We are so excited to share some great news – Dr. Stephen Ducatman, Dr. Craig Eichler, Dr. Frances Hernandez, Dr. Rebecca Lambert, Dr. Kathryn Russell, and Dr. Jonathan Sonne of The Woodruff Institute were chosen as Naples Illustrated’s “Top Doctors 2020.”

The popular Naples lifestyle magazine commissioned Professional Research Services to poll Lee and Collier County physicians for their top recommendations. Physicians with the largest number of nominations from their peers in each specialty received the honor of “Top Physician.”

Please join us in congratulating our renowned physicians for receiving this accolade.

What inspired you to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant?
After completing my degree in Exercise and Sports Science and working as an Athletic Trainer I knew that I wanted to advance my career and be more involved with patient care and management. After volunteering at Shands Hospital I was able to learn about the role of a Physician Assistant and all the opportunities that were available. It wasn’t until my rotations during PA School at UF that I was able to learn how much I enjoyed working in Dermatology.

What are your specialties?
I enjoy the general medical side of Dermatology of diagnoses and treatment of adult skin cancers in addition to cosmetic injectables

What are some of the highlights of your career?
Highlights in my career are finding skin cancers on patients early on so that they are able to be treated and return to their level of function and enjoy life. I also enjoy when I
can help patients cosmetically with the improvement of their deep lines and wrinkles.

What are three things a patient can do to maintain healthy skin?
Wear good sun protection and reapply, avoid smoking and excess alcohol intake, hydrate well throughout the day with water, and take in good natural sources of food.

Do you have advice for preventing the signs of aging without spending a fortune?
The most important is daily SPF protection with a moisturizer, avoid tanning beds, and if possible financially add in a topical retinoid nightly.

What do you include in your own skincare regimen?
I make sure to apply daily my SPF with reapplication along with skin rejuvenating topicals. I also follow a healthy lifestyle and diet regimen.

What are the most common procedures you perform? What are the ones you most commonly recommend?
I commonly perform skin exams, biopsies, Blue Light treatments, acne treatments, Botox/Dysport injections for fine lines, Filler injections for deep wrinkles/lines, and scar management.

What inspires you most in life?
My faith and the blessings that I have been given, life is so precious and I try my best to not take one day for granted.

What do you like to do for fun?
I love the outdoors and enjoying nature, physical fitness, traveling, and spending time with my family and dog (aka fur baby).

What do you like most about working at The Woodruff Institute?
I enjoy the fact that no matter which office you visit everyone is kind, caring, and works well together to take care of patients. The practice also has a wide variety of options to match
anyone’s Dermatological needs.

What’s one thing that everybody needs to know about you?
I try my best in every situation that is placed before me and try to find the good in it.

What makes you want to head to work every day?
I enjoy coming to work surrounded by kind, caring, and hardworking employees. In addition, being able to meet friendly patients in different walks of life and being able to help them

What do you do in (Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers), Florida for fun?
I love to walk the beach at sunrise, being on the water, going for runs on trails, watching local bands play, visiting my local small coffee shop, and exploring new healthy places to eat with my family.

Is there anything you would like to tackle in 2020?
I feel like this year I have learned a lot about life and have overcome obstacles and made it out on the better side.

The Woodruff Institute for Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery has two new team members at its Fort Myers, FL location.

Stephan Levitt, M.D.
Stephan M. Levitt, M.D. is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the skin, hair and nails.

Originally from Rochester, NY, he received his bachelor’s degree in biology summa cum laude from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He continued his education at the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine where he received his M.D. and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. After two years of training in pathology at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York, he completed a three-year residency in dermatology at the MetroHealth Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Levitt is a Fellow of the American Board of Dermatology. He established a successful private practice in dermatology in Nashua, New Hampshire where he lived for 25 years before moving to Florida in 2006. He continued to practice in several offices on the west coast of Florida and has most recently joined The Woodruff Institute for Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery.

Debora Nash, PA-C
Debora comes to the practice with a Master in Physician Assistant Studies from Notre Dame College in Manchester, New Hampshire.

She completed her Bachelor of Science at Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York. In addition, she has a Professional Certificate from Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, as an End of Life Doula.

She is a licensed physician assistant in both Florida and Arizona. She has been a nationally certified physician assistant for 19 years. She has worked in Plastic Surgery, Dermatology, Addiction Medicine, Pain Management and Family/Generic Medicine.

She specializes in skin cancer detection and prevention, cosmetics, including Botox, fillers and lasers. She also enjoys discussing anti-aging daily regimes with her patients.
She hails from the Northeast and relocated to Fort Myers in 2005. Debora has recently relocated back to Fort Myers from Arizona. She enjoys swimming, yoga, meditation, and walking her Yorki-poo rescue dog. Her favorite travel spots are Florence, Italy and the Southwest, specifically Santa Fe and Sedona.

The Woodruff Institute for Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery is now booking same week appointments at its Fort Myers office which is conveniently located at 14440 Metropolis Avenue, Suite 102. Call 844-485-0104 for more information or to request an appointment.

For your convenience, The Woodruff Institute now offers patient care through safe and secure online Teledermatology visits. This “virtual care” mirrors an in-office appointment with the dermatology provider you trust and is available when you need it most.

What is teledermatology?
Teledermatology is the practice of dermatology via videoconferencing. This special type of medical care falls under the general category of telemedicine. In this type of an appointment a patient is linked by videoconference to their dermatology provider in our office and the office visit is completed remotely by two-way video communication.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How does teledermatology work at The Woodruff Institute?
Start by simply calling our office at 239-596-9337. We can walk you through the rest of the process. We use technology that doesn’t require additional downloads or accounts to be created and is so easy it can be used by patients with any level of comfort with technology.

Are teledermatology visits covered by my insurance?
These visits are generally covered by your insurer, subject to the specific provisions of the plan. You may still be responsible for a co-pay or co-insurance.

What type of appointments can be performed using teledermatology?
Ideal issues to be addressed using Telehealth include cases of acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, skin discoloration, rashes, melasma, spot checks, and itchy skin.

Can I choose which doctor I want to see via teledermatology?
You may schedule your Telehealth appointment with the physician or provider of your choice. Please note that some of our providers may not offer the option of Telehealth appointments.

Can I receive prescriptions via teldermatology?
Of course! Our medical records are all electronic. With just a few clicks, we can send any prescriptions to the local pharmacy of your choice.

Click here to request a teledermatology appointment online.

What inspired you to pursue a career as a dermatologist?
Growing up in Naples, the sun has been a part of my everyday life. My father was a charter fisherman out of Chokoloskee, so many of my childhood memories are on a boat. Unfortunately, Irish skin and inadequate protection from the sun are not a great combination. I had my first basal cell carcinoma at the age of 21. I liked many of my rotations, including surgery, internal medicine, and my research in oncology. With my prior exposure to dermatology as a patient, I did an elective dermatology rotation as a third-year medical student. Bingo! Dermatology was the perfect field for me. It allows me to practice in a field that combines many aspects of other fields that I enjoy. It is a very gratifying specialty where I feel I make a difference in the lives of my patients every day.

What are your specialties?
I enjoy seeing a wide spectrum of dermatological conditions, providing medical dermatology, surgical dermatology, and cosmetic dermatology expertise. The ever-improving technology allows me to detect very early skin cancers using dermoscopy with skin examinations. This allows me to then treat and cure skin cancers on a daily basis. At our practice, we use a variety of lasers, fillers, neurotoxins, and other devices to address cosmetic concerns. I pride myself on providing these services with the goal of achieving a naturally youthful appearance.

What are some of the highlights of your career?
My career has been very fulfilling. At New York University, I had amazing and extensive hands-on training as a medical student and was honored to be inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. Residency at Vanderbilt University provided excellent and vigorous training, treating many of the most complex dermatological conditions and performing intricate surgeries. At the end of my chief residency year, I was humbled and thrilled to be elected the departmental Lloyd E. King “Teacher of the Year” award. Since joining The Woodruff Institute, I have had many highlights involving patient treatment which makes each day at work very meaningful.

What are three things a patient can do to maintain healthy skin?
In the morning, apply an antioxidant such as a serum with Vitamin C or E, followed by an SPF of at least 30 (every day!) to avoid and repel DNA damage. Reapply sunscreen throughout the day, especially important to do every 80 minutes while outside sweating and in direct sunlight. At night, apply a thin layer of a retinoid-based product as tolerated to improve texture, tone, and clarity of skin.

Do you have advice for preventing the signs of aging without spending a fortune?
Prevention is key. Regular use of SPF topically and skin protective clothing (broad-brimmed hats, sun shirts, glasses, etc) will reduce the development of wrinkles, sun spots, skin thinning, skin fragility, and many of the other issues that affect skin as we age. In addition, drink plenty of water, eat a well-balanced diet, and get enough sleep.

What do you include in your own skin care regimen?
Every morning I use SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic

antioxidant serum followed by Elta MD Physical tinted sunscreen. At night I use a retinoid three times per week. Dermatologists experience skin conditions just as our patients do, so I also use products to improve my melasma or treat acne when needed. I also wear Coolibar driving gloves every day to keep my hands wrinkle and spot free. Trust me – it makes a world of difference!

What are the most common procedures you perform? What are the ones you most commonly recommend?
Skin cancer treatment is the most common procedure I perform. In addition, I regularly inject fillers, neurotoxins, and perform laser procedures. BBL or IPL for overall even skin tone and a youthful appearance is one of the most commonly recommended procedures from which nearly all patients benefit.

What inspires you most in life?
I went into medicine to help people, and every day I hope to make small improvements that will make our world a better place in which to live. My incredible network of family and friends help keep me motivated and inspired to continue this lifelong pursuit.

What do you like to do for fun?
I love the Florida outdoors and spend a lot of time with my family and dogs. When I am not at work, you might find me exploring on my bike (full disclosure – sometimes my E-bike) or on a kayak. My husband and I are passionate about animals and animal rescue. We help transport and foster dogs in need. Whenever possible, I try to travel to new places and learn from other environments and cultures. In the future, I hope to travel even more and surround myself with rescue animals.

What do you enjoy most about working at TWI?
As a Naples native, I love helping our community be a happier, healthier place to live. I have an incredible team around me, which keeps work very enjoyable.

Q. What inspired you to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant?
After graduating with my bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, I knew I wanted to be in the medical field, but wasn’t sure what route I wanted to take. One day, I accompanied my mother to an appointment, and met a PA for the first time. I instantly realized that I wanted to be a PA.

I love Dermatology because of the wide variety of ways I can help patients. Whether it be detecting a skin cancer, helping a patient regain his/her self-esteem by treating acne, helping to clear a mysterious rash, or helping a patient look naturally refreshed with cosmetic injections, I’m always excited to help.

Q. What are your specialties?
I have over 4 years of experience in Pediatrics, and love seeing patients of all ages from infants to elderly. I enjoy in all aspects of Dermatology including skin cancer checks, acne, psoriasis, eczema, warts, rashes, hair loss, and cosmetic procedures.

Q. What are some of the highlights of your career?
I would say the most memorable highlights of my career have been when I diagnosed melanomas on patients that were not obvious. The fact that they were caught early and were able to be removed before they had spread was so rewarding.

Another highlight was when I treated a teenager with scarring acne. The patient went from always looking at the floor and mumbling to having great eye contact and the biggest smile because he regained his self-esteem.

One time a lady told me that she felt like she looked so tired and old. Her daughter was getting married in a few months, and she felt embarrassed to be in the photos. After filler and Botox treatments, she felt like I had taken 10 years off her face. She was so excited to be in her daughter’s wedding.

Q. What are three things a patient can do to maintain healthy skin?
Sunscreen, moisturization, and retinoids.

Q: Do you have advice for preventing the signs of aging without spending a fortune?
The easiest way to prevent signs of aging is to protect your skin from the sun. Sunprotective clothing, stylish wide-brimmed hats, and the Elta MD line of sunscreens are my favorites.

Q. What do you include in your own skin care regimen?
I start each day by cleansing my face with Cerave Hydrating Cleanser. I use Elta MD Tinted Elements sunscreen, and Jane Iredale BB cream for makeup. At night, I cleanse my face with Cerave Hydrating Cleanser, followed by Elta MD PM Therapy and tretinoin 0.05%.

Q. What are the most common procedures you perform? What are the ones you most commonly recommend?
I perform full skin exams, biopsies, cryotherapy for warts/precancers/keratoses, Botox/Dysport injections, fillers, skin tag removal, blue light treatment, allergy patch testing, keloid treatments, and laser treatments (IPL, ndYag, resurfacing) for dark spots/broken blood vessels/scars/unwanted hair.
I most commonly recommend full skin exams since people often have skin cancers or dangerous moles that have gone unnoticed.

I also often recommend Botox/Dysport injections because it’s the easiest way to prevent wrinkles from etching in or worsening.

Q. What inspires you most in life?
My faith inspires my everyday life. I’m so grateful for all of my blessings, and am eager to pay it forward by taking care of patients.

Q. What do you like to do for fun?
Growing up as the daughter of a retired Air Force officer, I’ve always loved traveling and trying new foods. My husband and I will (and often do) travel for food and coffee. I also enjoy running, photography, and exploring the outdoors with my husband and two young boys.

Q. What do you like most about working at TWI?
All the providers are experienced, intelligent, and ethical. The patient’s health always comes first. The staff is great. Everyone is kind, caring, and works hard as a team to take care of the patient’s needs. It is also an all-encompassing practice complete with Dermatologists, PAs, Mohs surgeons, a plastic surgeon, and aestheticians.

Q. What’s one thing that everybody needs to know about you?
I give all of my patients my full attention and respect. I consider my profession a privilege to be a part of, and work hard to solve my patient’s Dermatological problems.

Q. What makes you want to head to work every day?
I look forward to seeing the smile on a patient’s face whether it’s because I’ve helped to control a rash that’s been plaguing them for years, removed a growth that’s been painful, or helped them feel more confident with a cosmetic procedure.

Q. What do you do in (Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers), Florida for fun?
I love spending time on the water with my family (with sunscreen of course) whether it be watching a beautiful sunset, splashing around at the beach, hunting for seashells, or kayaking. It still amazes me that we can see so much beautiful wildlife every day. There are also so many beautiful running trails sprinkled throughout the area. I enjoy trying new restaurants with my husband since we are foodies.
Recently, I started to learn how to play golf. Definitely a Naples must.

Q. What inspired you to pursue a career as a Juvashape technician? Working in the Dermatology and cosmetic field inspired me to learn something new.

Q. What are your specialties? Juvashape- A radio frequency based, non-invasive treatment for volume loss and skin tightening.

Q. What are some of the highlights of your career? The best part of my job is happy patients. I love comparing patients before and after pictures and seeing their face light up once they see the results.

Q. What are three things a patient can do to maintain healthy skin? Wear SPF to prevent sun damage, use an anti-oxidant serum to help brighten skin and protect against environmental damage, Hydrate! The more water you drink, the happier your skin is.

Q: Do you have advice for preventing the signs of aging without spending a fortune? Protect your skin from the sun!!!!!!

Q. What do you include in your own skin care regimen? Mornings: SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF and Elta MD Elements. Evenings: Obagi Tretinoin .025%, SkinCeuticals AGE Interrupter and Obagi Elastidem eye cream.

Q. What do you like to do for fun? Off-roading in my Jeeps and four wheelers with my son.

Q. What do you like most about working at TWI? The family feel of our practice. Some places can  feel too corporate, but not here at TWI.

Q. What’s one thing that everybody needs to know about you? I love animals!!!

Q. What makes you want to head to work every day? My patients. During the Juvashape treatment process, I really get to know them and look forward to hearing about their lives.