Meet Our Physician Assistants | As Seen in Cincinnati Magazine
Get to know the incredible Physician Assistants behind the expert care at Mona Dermatology! With years of experience, passion for patient care, and a shared love for both medical and cosmetic dermatology, Jessica Watkins, PA-C and Megan Niese, PA-C bring knowledge, compassion, and precision to every visit.
Jessica Watkins, PA-C Jessica attended the University of Kentucky followed by the Medical University of South Carolina, and has been a certified Physician Assistant since 2009. She began her career working in emergency medicine and family practice before joining the Mona Dermatology team in 2016.
Favorite treatment: Botox and filler
Favorite product: TNS Advanced+ Serum and sunscreen
Megan Niese, PA-C Megan began her career as a Physician Assistant in 2010 and worked in several specialties including trauma surgery/plastic surgery. Through this, she discovered her passion for general and cosmetic dermatology and joined the Mona Dermatology team in 2019.
Favorite treatment: Filler and Fraxel laser
Favorite product: TNS Advanced+ Serum and Silymarin CF
What education and training is required to become a Physician Assistant?
“To become a Physician Assistant (PA), you need to earn a bachelor’s degree, typically with a focus in science. Then, followed by completing a Physician Assistant master’s degree program. PA programs usually take around 27 months to complete. This includes both classroom instruction and clinical rotations, and finally passing the PA National Certifying Examination to become licensed to practice. Most PA programs also require prior healthcare experience with direct patient care.” -Megan
Why did you choose Dermatology as compared to other specialties?
“I am an extremely visual person and love that the skin is an organ we can view almost entirely with our eyes. I can save a life by catching melanoma in its earliest stages. In the office, I perform a wide array of medical and cosmetic procedures, which appeals to a desire to both think and do. Dermatology often lends itself to long term relationships with my patients, of all ages and backgrounds. When growing up I had a hard time deciding whether I wanted to pursue science and health versus art. I have found a profession that combines the two in the best way.” -Jessica
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
“I love taking care of my patients and developing relationships with them. I enjoy the variety that comes with being a medical and cosmetic dermatology PA. Medical dermatology is important to me, especially when it comes to skin cancer screenings, as I myself have been previously diagnosed and treated for melanoma. With my surgical background, I love using my hands to perform surgeries for skin cancers and a wide range of cosmetic procedures such as Botox and filler. As a PA I enjoy autonomy and the ability to collaborate with my peers. Dermatology allows me to enjoy a fast-paced, constantly changing job that keeps me on my toes—but one that I love.” – Megan
What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a career as a PA or in Dermatology?
“Get immersed in health care! In many ways, it is its own language and culture. The more facets you see the better. Volunteer at hospitals or clinics. Shadow health care professionals who are willing. Read, read, read. I gained my experience as a scribe to an ER physician who was an amazing inspiration to me and gave me a front row seat into how medicine really works. Once you become a credentialed professional, take every learning and networking opportunity you can in dermatology and aesthetics. It is a highly competitive field, so be ready to roll up your sleeves!” -Jessica