Meet the Doctor
Mary Pentel, MD
Dr. Mary Pentel is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon practicing in Jacksonville and the Beaches area. She specializes in general dermatology, MOHS surgery, cosmetics, and lasers. She has been practicing in the Jacksonville area for over 27 years. Dr. Pentel is the founder and owner of Southside Dermatology, dba Pentel Dermatology & Cosmetics and was featured in Jacksonville Magazine as one of the top dermatologists in the region. Over the years, she has treated thousands of patients and is well-known among them for her vibrant energy, charming humor, and passion for dermatology. She attributes her great success to her commitment to listening and understanding the needs of her patients so that she can customize their dermatologic and cosmetic care.
Skills and Specialties
Dr. Pentel strives to exceed the expectations of her patients in general, cosmetic, and medical dermatology. She is highly trained and skilled in a variety of laser technologies and procedures, in addition to cosmetic injectables. She also performs MOHS surgery to treat skin cancers. She offers comprehensive consultations and enjoys combining aesthetic care with proven science to achieve natural, radiant results.
Dr. Pentel is also a core faculty member at the HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital Dermatology Residency Program. One of her passions is teaching medical students, residents, and preprofessional students. Her practice offers a program for preprofessional students (physician assistants and medical students) to gain experience and clinical hours.
Education and Training
Dr. Pentel completed her undergraduate education in the Honors program at The Pennsylvania State University. She graduated from medical school at the top of her class with membership in the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society from The Pennsylvania State University Hershey Medical Center. After completing medical school, she completed her dermatology residency at Brown University in Providence, RI, where she also served as chief resident.
Professional Memberships
Dr. Pentel is honored to be a member of the following organizations:
- American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)
- American Society for MOHS Surgery (ASMS)
- American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS)
- American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery (ASMLS)
- Jacksonville Dermatological Society
Humanitarian and Volunteer Work
Dr. Pentel is very active in her community and serves in many local organizations, including civic and educational boards. She has also created and held multiple fundraising events. Dr. Pentel also founded Hope for a Better Life, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the lives of adults and children in Northeast Florida.
When she is not in clinics or managing her practice, Dr. Pentel loves to spend as much time as possible with her family. In addition, she always tries to find time for philanthropic work. Dr. Pentel enjoys traveling to different countries to experience the culture and learn about their history.
Meet the Team
Erin Wade, PA-C
Erin obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and her Master of Medical Science degree from Wake Forest University’s PA program in North Carolina. Erin Wade is a certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Erin worked as a dermatology medical assistant for three years prior to attending PA school and completed clinical rotations with a dermatological focus during her PA training.
Erin is invested in providing personalized, comprehensive care for all skin health needs. She has a special interest in skin checks, skin cancer prevention and management, preventative patient education, acne, eczema, psoriasis, and aesthetic procedures such as lasers and neurotoxins.
Erin enjoys keeping up with the Gators’ various sports teams. In her free time, Erin enjoys staying active and spending time with her family and close friends. She loves traveling, weekend getaways, exploring local spots, and indulging in a good book.
Alexandra Salem, LME, CME
Alexandra Salem, LME, CME, is a Licensed Medical Aesthetician and Laser Technician specializing in advanced skincare and aesthetic treatments. With a clinical, detail-driven approach, Alexandra is known for her commitment to patient education, safety, and individualized care. She believes that effective aesthetic care begins with a thorough understanding of each client’s skin concerns and goals, allowing her to deliver thoughtfully selected treatments.
She is highly skilled in laser and energy-based technologies, advanced skincare protocols, and professional chemical peels, with a strong emphasis on patient safety and evidence-based treatment planning. Alexandra values detailed consultations and natural-looking results.
Alexandra has been practicing for over 17 years. She completed her formal education at Florida College of Natural Health, where she received comprehensive training in medical skincare and electrolysis, fulfilling the educational requirements to practice as a Licensed Medical Aesthetician and Laser Technician. Alexandra maintains a strong commitment to continuing education, ensuring her clinical knowledge and technical skills remain current with evolving standards, technologies, and evidence-based practices in medical aesthetics.
She enjoys spending time with her family, exploring farmers’ markets, and going on hikes.
She is obsessed with her cats and considers them her “little therapists when life gets a little too hectic.”
