Emily Rush PA-C is a certified Physician Assistant with a strong background in dermatology and emergency medical services. 

A native of Maryland, Emily received her bachelor’s degree from Towson University. 

During her undergraduate years, she gained invaluable experience working as a medical assistant in dermatology for over three years and served as an EMT throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Emily furthered her education by obtaining a Master's of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of New England in Maine in 2024. She is board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

Outside of her professional life, Emily enjoys listening to audiobooks, playing disc golf, and engaging in board games with her seven siblings.

Professional Affiliations:

• American Academy of Physician Assistants
• Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants

Brittany Smith is a board-certified Physician Assistant with a background in Urgent Care as well as Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. She received her Bachelors of Science in Exercise Physiology from UMass Lowell and later went on to work as a Dermatology Assistant for many years.

In 2021, she received her Masters degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

Brittany is passionate about delivering exceptional care and enjoys establishing meaningful relationships with her patients. Her priority is to make patients feel comfortable and to deliver excellent dermatological care.

When not at work Brittany enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, going on adventures, and traveling.

Michelle Ryder, MHP, PA-C is a board-certified Physician Assistant with over 20 years of clinical experience of which the last 10 years have been practicing in the field of dermatology.  She received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology from the University of New Hampshire. She graduated from the Northeastern University Physician Assistant program and also received a Master of Science in Health Professions.

Michelle provides a wide range of medical and surgical dermatologic care for our adult and pediatric patients. She treats patients in our office for skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, hair loss, rashes, skin cancers and pre-cancers in addition to performing skin biopsies and surgical excisions. Michelle is a strong advocate of healthy skin care practices including sun protection for prevention of skin cancer and premature skin aging as well as routine skin cancer screening examinations. She also has 12+ years experience in cosmetic and aesthetic treatments, including advanced skin rejuvenation techniques and injectables (neuromodulators and dermal fillers).

Michelle is board certified by the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants and she has completed the SDPA Diplomate Fellowship training program for Physician Assistants in Dermatology. 

Michelle Ryder sees patients in Portsmouth and Peabody.

Diplomate Fellow, Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants
Member, New England Dermatological Society
Member, American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery
Member, American Academy of Physician Assistants
Member, American Association of Surgical Physician Assistants

Heather Bigos is a certified physician assistant who joins our practice with over a decade of dermatology experience. She was born and raised in the Northwest but moved to New England to be closer to her husband’s family. Heather graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Oregon before attending the Medical University of South Carolina for her degree to practice medicine as a physician assistant. She is passionate about medical dermatology and enjoys seeing both adult and pediatric patients. She treats patients in our Portsmouth and Dover offices for skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, hair loss, rashes, skin cancers and pre-cancers in addition to performing skin biopsies and surgical excisions.

Heather is board certified by the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants and she he has completed the SDPA Diplomate Fellowship training program for Physician Assistants in Dermatology. 

Heather Bigos sees patients in Dover and Portsmouth.

Member, DPA ( Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants)
Member, NHSPA (New Hampshire Society of Physician Assistants)
Member, AAPA (American Associate of Physician Assistants)

Nathan Hand received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Springfield College and became certified as a Physician Assistant in 2005. 

Initially practicing emergency medicine and urgent care, he transitioned into dermatology in 2007 and has been practicing general dermatology exclusively since then. 

He sees and treats patients of all ages for acute and chronic skin conditions, rashes, skin lesions, and skin cancer screenings.

Procedures performed include cryotherapy, injections, biopsies of skin and nails, excisions of benign and cancerous lesions, and pulse dye laser treatment.

When not practicing dermatology, he enjoys spending time with his wife, six children, and the family pets. He is also an avid woodworker and has recently begun learning to play the banjo.

Nathan Hand sees patients in Londonderry and Bedford.

A native of Pennsylvania and a physician assistant with over 10 years of dermatology experience, Rachel is excited to provide individualized dermatologic care for patients of all ages.  As a provider, Rachel is compassionate and continually strives to provide exceptional care as she diagnoses and provides tailored treatment plans for a variety of skin conditions including acne, rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, and warts as well as detecting and treating skin cancer. 

Prior, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Cedarville University where she played collegiate basketball.  Graduate studies brought her to New Hampshire, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences with her Masters of Physician Assistant in 2013. 

Rachel enjoys family adventures with her husband and two kids, running, reading novels, traveling, and cooking.  

Professional Affiliations

• American Academy of Physician Assistants
• New England Dermatology Society
• National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
• Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants