Talk to Dr. Mary Pentel for just a few minutes and you’ll quickly realize: This is a woman who absolutely loves her career.
A board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon, she enjoys the procedures for themselves. But, with equal intensity, she loves interacting with her patients, meeting them, chatting with them — old and young, men and women.
“I want people to know that there’s someone here that will listen to you, that will listen to your skin care story and will do everything in her power to help you look your best,” she said.
Her practice is comprehensive. She treats skin cancer, scars, acne, rosacea, melasma, psoriasis and much more. She also offers a full range of cosmetic treatments: anti-aging treatments, skin tightening and lifting, skin of color treatments, body contouring, cellulite treatments and much more.
For those who wish to avoid surgery, she offers alternatives, such as superficial radial therapy and a variety of laser treatments. For acne sufferers who wish to forgo Accutane treatment, Pentel can achieve comparable results using a laser.
“We have pretty much the biggest, largest selection of lasers,” she said. “I have so many lasers! People always ask me what lasers I have. I say, ‘Honestly, it would be better to answer what lasers I don’t have!’”
Pentel said she had always wanted to be a physician, but selected dermatology while doing rotations as a medical student. After completing her dermatology residency at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, she resettled in Jacksonville after visiting her sister-in-law and seeing the beach.
“I like a sunny climate,” she said. “I can never, ever live in Seattle, anywhere where it’s rainy, gloomy. My disposition is better in a sunny climate. I just love the warmth, and I love the beach.”
She also enjoys living in Jacksonville, which she likens to “a big city in a small-town type of environment.”
She joined a practice here in 1998 and two years later opened her own practice (originally called Southside Dermatology, but now doing business as Pentel Dermatology & Cosmetics). She maintains that location at 4727 Sunbeam Road, Suite 102, but a few years ago added a second location, 1807 3rd St. North, Jacksonville Beach.
At the beginning of her career, Pentel was also mom to a toddler and new baby, so she was pleased that her profession proved to be the right fit.
“For a woman, it’s a great lifestyle,” she said. “Because I can do all this stuff, work really hard, go home and still have a nice, balanced family life.”
For students considering a career in dermatology, Pentel recommends finding a mentor, someone in the field who they can shadow. The experience would prove invaluable.
“Just experience the whole aspect of what it is to be in the office doing what they do on a daily basis,” she said.
Dermatology, according to Pentel, is a very competitive field. She recommends students start planning early. Look into which colleges will advance students to medical school. In medical school, find out what to do to advance in residency. Set goals, plan and, she emphasizes, “Ask lots of questions.”
Pentel’s motto is “Look and feel your best at any age.” For those who would like to learn more or schedule an appointment, call 904-880-0622 or go to her website at penteldermatology.com.
