Physician Assistant

 
Valerie Luethge Stern, PA-C, MPAS is a board-certified physician assistant specializing in dermatology and dermatological surgery. Valerie received her first bachelor’s degree in psychology from UCLA, and her second bachelor’s degree in physician assistant studies from USC, Keck School of Medicine, LAC+USC Medical Center. Valerie went on to receive her master’s degree in physician assistant practice, with a specialization in dermatology from UNMC.
 
Valerie began her career as a physician assistant working at LAC+USC Department of Emergency Medicine. She received specialized training in wound repair and suturing techniques of traumatic lacerations, as well as other dermal and non-dermal emergency illnesses and traumas.
 
Valerie’s history includes working her way through college as a cosmetologist and esthetician: professions she has always had an interest in and a passion for. While working at the LAC+USC ER, Valerie began working part-time in dermatology. Once again, she found herself working in skin care, and enjoying it more and more, in this new position as a PA. It was then she settled on a specialty for her master’s degree work: dermatology.
 
Valerie began working in dermatology full-time, studying and learning from each dermatologist and surgeon she interned with or was employed by. She has had the opportunity to observe, learn and work with many of the best dermatologists in California, giving her the ability to hone in and perfect her skills, knowledge and application thereof. Valerie has been practicing as a physician assistant in dermatology since 1998.
 
Her work experience includes both general and cosmetic dermatology, as well as plastic surgery. She volunteered with the Venice Family Clinic for over six years, and participated in the Gang Tattoo Removal Program, where she performed laser tattoo removal on many individuals who no longer cared to be associated with such affiliations.
 
Her specialized training includes training and certifications in the art and science of Botox® injections, Dysport, Restylane, Juvéderm, and other dermal fillers for fine lines, wrinkles, scars, ontouring of the cheeks, nasal bridges, and lips to name a few. Chemical peeling techniques include improvement for melasma, acne, scar formation, sun damage, and fine lines and wrinkles. These improvements are done by using the appropriate peeling agents or combination thereof, which only comes with years of experience. Valerie has been performing laser skin care since 1998, and since then has had the ability to work with nearly all systems available for skin concerns. Today, she is performing hundreds of laser treatments each month, that include Er:Yag resurfacing, IPL, infrared skin tightening, Nd:Yag, CO2 pixelated resurfacing, diode laser treatments for hair removal and rejuvenation, as well as tattoo removal. Valerie performs hundreds of cellulite treatments, wrinkle reductions, etc., with state-of-the-art radio frequency systems as well. Her knowledge of these systems is key to her success and those of her patients.
 
Valerie keeps up with the latest technology by attending continuing medical education classes in dermatology, skin surgery and cosmetic medicine at all times. She enjoys what she does very much, and is very excited and enthusiastic about the treatment options available to each and every person of all ages, skin types and desired improvements. She will help you achieve and maintain the best cosmetic outcomes for your skin as well as helping you decide what is right for you. Valerie can help you choose procedures and products that are appropriate for acne, rosacea, discoloration, sun spots/sun damage or any combination of these conditions. Her goal is to make your skin look its best – whatever the situation may be!
 
Valerie is a clinical laser educator/trainer for Alma Lasers, Inc. As a laser specialist, she teaches medical offices across the USA in dermatological laser technology and technique. She has worked with the TV show THE DOCTORS, as the behind-the-scene laser expert. She has also taken part on the TV show EXTRA as a laser specialist discussing and performing multiple new and exciting laser procedures.
 
Valerie sits on the admissions board at USC Keck School of Medicine, Department of Physician Assistant Studies, during the student application interview process, interviewing prospective applicants for admissions into the USC PA Program. She also acts as an expert case reviewer in malpractice lawsuits regarding laser treatments in the Los Angeles area.
 
Valerie traveled to China in October of 2008, along with a group of PA-C’s and MD’s, acting as medical ambassadors, whose goals were to help the urban and rural communities of China with access to medical care. The group helped to introduce the use of Physician Assistants into their medical model, as well as teach and assist China’s medical providers in adopting American/Western medical trends, such as the use of PA-C’s to increase the care to the urban and rural populations of this growing country.
 
Valerie hosts a dermatology webcast that features many common general and cosmetic dermatology conditions that can be viewed at http://www.webihealth.com.
Valerie is associated with one of the leading dermatologists of Beverly Hills, Dr. Arnold William Klein, M.D., on Roxbury Drive. Here, she performs general, cosmetic, and laser skin care on patients of all ethnicites, ages and skin types, improving and rejuvenating, while enhancing each and everyone's natural beauty. Alma Lasers™.