Hudson Valley Health

Dr. Hara Schwartz, who is board certified in dermatology and internal medicine, specializes in both medical and cosmetic dermatology. After practicing dermatology in Soho and the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Dr. Schwartz now serves the Dutchess County community and practices full time in Fishkill.

Dr. Schwartz graduated from Bryn Mawr College, completed a post-baccalaureate program at the University of Pennsylvania, and received her medical degree from SUNY Stony Brook Medical School. Dr. Schwartz completed two residencies at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. She began with a 3-year residency in internal medicine followed by a 3-year residency in dermatology, where she served as chief resident.

Dr. Schwartz is currently a clinical instructor at Mount Sinai Hospital. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology and the American Board of Internal Medicine, a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, a member of the American Medical Association and the Medical Society of the State of New York.

“The scope of skin care has expanded in recent years, and with it has come an increasing number of unqualified practitioners who are not properly trained, or do not have the medical expertise to treat the skin,” Dr. Schwartz notes.

“Dermatologists receive years of specialty training in the medical, surgical and cosmetic care of the skin, hair and nails.
It is vital for patients to understand the rigorous and unique training needed to become a board-certified dermatologist so that they may select a qualified physician to ensure safe and effective skin care,” she adds.

With a lifetime commitment to the practice of medicine, Dr. Schwartz has built her reputation on practicing quality medicine and making her patients her first priority.
“Practicing medicine is a privilege and I have seen first-hand how medical and cosmetic dermatology can change people’s lives.”

Dr. Schwartz’s artistic talent and creative nature serve her well in creating her signature look for patients -- a rested, relaxed, natural appearance, avoiding an artificial “done” look. This is accomplished with her expertise in the use of lasers, peels, Botox and fillers including Restylane, Perlane, Radiesse, Juvaderm, Sculptra, Cosmoplast and Cosmoderm.

“As people live longer and healthier lives, more and more of them are looking for ways to look as young as they feel.”
Dermatologists can use a combination of procedures to give a non-surgical facelift.
By combining laser treatments with botox and fillers, people can take years off their appearance, while maintaining a natural, youthful look.

“Great skin does not have to be a luxury.” Value is not reflected simply by the price. It all begins with a simple skin regiment including a mild cleanser, daily sunscreen and a retinoid. “I encourage patients to start with the basics.” Each cosmetic visit includes an opportunity to discuss the expectations of each patient. “My job is to educate each patient on the treatment options and use my expertise to guide them in what I believe is truly the best and most appropriate treatment for their needs.”

Dr. Schwartz’s background as a board certified internist makes her a highly qualified medical dermatologist. She is committed to keeping up with the newest diagnostic and treatment options in dermatology. It is through this commitment that she is able to offer her patients the latest and best medical care. Over the last decade our knowledge of the field of medicine has grown immensely. With this knowledge, diseases such as acne and psoriasis can be readily treated.

Education about sun protection and knowledge on how to identify abnormal moles are the best means for reducing skin cancer. “I urge all of my patients to have an annual full body skin examination,” says Dr. Schwartz.
The American Academy of Dermatology recently published its 2007 skin cancer fact sheet.
Included in these facts are the following,
•Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States
•More than 1 million skin cancers are diagnosed annually
•1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime
•One American dies of melanoma every 65 minutes
•Skin cancer has a 95% cure rate when detected and treated early

Dr. Schwartz’s knowledge, experience and commitment to the field of medicine make her one of the finest dermatologists in the tri-state region.