Dr. David Cotter

As a native Las Vegan, Dr. David Cotter is excited and proud to practice dermatology in his hometown. Dr. Cotter’s many years of clinical and scientific training have equipped him with expertise in medical dermatology, pediatric dermatology, dermatologic surgery, and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Cotter is prepared to help you attain your best skin at Las Vegas Dermatology®.

Dr. Cotter graduated from UNLV with highest honors, and obtained both an M.D. and a Ph.D. in molecular cell biology and physiology at Washington University School of Medicine. Dr. Cotter completed his residency in Dermatology at UCSD School of Medicine, where he served as chief resident. He is an expert in skin disease and has experience treating patients with both common and rare dermatologic diseases. He serves as an assistant clinical professor at the UNLV School of Medicine. Dr. Cotter has published many peer reviewed articles, educates his peers at national meetings, mentors medical students, and actively performs clinical research. His unique background as a physician scientist allows Dr. Cotter to offer his patients the most advanced skin care treatments.

Personal

When he is not working, Dr. Cotter enjoys hiking with his wife and children, practicing martial arts, and exercising. A fossil hunter, and rock collector, Dr. Cotter shares his passion for nature, history, and exercise with his family.

Education

  • Residency in Dermatology, UC San Diego Medical Center, 2016-2019. Chief Resident.
  • Internship in Internal Medicine, University of Nevada School of Medicine-Las Vegas, 2015-2016. Intern of the Year.
  • M.D., Washington University School of Medicine, 2009-2015.
  • Ph.D., Washington University School of Medicine, 2009-2015.
  • Bachelors of Science, Biology, UNLV, 2005-2008, Summa Cum Laude, Department and University Honors

Hyperlinks

https://www.instagram.com/davidcottermdphd/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7DEJ0y6qHTTrMurNqooMoA

More on Dr. Cotter

Areas of Expertise

Diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer

  • Medical, laser, and surgical therapy for skin cancer

Management of inflammatory skin conditions in children and adults

  • Psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, acne, and more

Complex Medical Dermatology

  • Bullous pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris, cutaneous lupus, and more

Pediatric Dermatology

  • Medical and laser treatment of hemangiomas, acne, eczema, and genetic skin diseases

Cosmetic Dermatology

  • Neuromodulators, dermal fillers, lasers, scar revision, and more

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

  • Patch testing

Education

  • Residency in Dermatology, UC San Diego Medical Center, 2016-2019. Chief Resident.
  • Internship in Internal Medicine, University of Nevada School of Medicine-Las Vegas,

2015-2016. Intern of the Year.

  • M.D., Washington University School of Medicine, 2009-2015.
  • Ph.D., Washington University School of Medicine, 2009-2015.
  • Bachelors of Science, Biology, UNLV, 2005-2008, Summa Cum Laude, Department and University Honors

 Selected Publications

  • Kusari A, Cotter D, Hinds B, Paravar T. Non-uremic calciphylaxis in a patient with multiple rheumatologic diseases. Dermatol Online J. 2019 Feb 15;25(2).
  • Eichenfield DZ, Cotter D, Thorson J, Hinds B, Sun BK. Agminated blue nevus with a GNAQ mutation: A case report and review of the literature. J Cutan Pathol. 2019 Feb;46(2):130-133.
  • Cotter DG, Schairer D, Eichenfield L. Emerging therapies for atopic dermatitis: JAK inhibitors. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2018 Mar; 78(3S1):S53-S62.
  • Cotter DG, et al. Ketogenesis prevents nonalcoholic fatty liver injury and hyperglycemia through coenzyme A recycling. J Clin Invest. 2014 Dec;124(12):5175-90.
  • Cotter DG, et al. Impact of peripheral ketolytic deficiency on hepatic ketogenesis and gluconeogenesis during the transition to birth. J Biol Chem. 288 (27): 19739-19749.
  • Cotter DG, Schugar RC, and Crawford PA. Ketone body metabolism and cardiovascular disease. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2013. 304 (8): H1060-76. 

Joe Gurule, PA-C

A licensed Physician Assistant for 37 years, Joe Gurule, PA-C, MS graduated from the University of Oklahoma, and has been in dermatology full-time for over 19 years. Prior to finding his calling in dermatology, Mr. Gurule worked in the fields of adult primary care medicine, urgent care, and neurosurgery. However, it was in dermatology, particularly in the care of our veterans, that Mr. Gurule developed a passion for and continued enthusiasm in care of the skin.

As adjunct faculty at Touro University in Henderson, and the former President and Secretary for the Nevada Academy of Physician Assistants, Mr. Gurule enjoys teaching and training his colleagues. To this end, PA Gurule has given lectures at national meetings including the American Academy of Physician Assistants and Veteran’s Academy of Physician Assistants in addition to lecturing the entire medical staff at the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System. He is a member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants.

Mr. Gurule enjoys treating the more mature patient, with a special emphasis on treating cancers of the skin. Additionally, he was an early adapter to various laser systems and has been trained in the use of our lasers at Las Vegas Dermatology®. As a seasoned practitioner, Mr. Gurule can use his knowledge of internal disease to supplement his diagnosis of diseases of the skin to help in providing you with a healthier and more beautiful life.

Mr. Gurule received his Master’s degree from the University of Nebraska in 2002 in Physician Assistant Studies. On a personal note, he enjoys working on his yard, exercising, and watching sports, spending time with family and keeping healthy and environmentally conscious by biking to work.

Melissa Shipp, LME, CLT

Melissa Shipp joined Las Vegas Dermatology® in 2021 to pursue her true passion of results driven skincare.

Born in Philadelphia and raised in Los Angeles, Melissa moved to the Las Vegas Valley where she raised her beautiful family alongside her husband, a military veteran.

Prior to becoming an aesthetician, Melissa worked in the dermatology world for 15 years. Starting at the front office, she saw firsthand the day-to-day operations which sparked her interest to become more hands on in the treatment room. So, to follow her dream, Melissa went to school graduating from Euphoria of Beauty Arts and Science in 2016 with a diploma in Aesthetics.

After gaining her aesthetics license, she ventured back into the medical field performing laser hair removal treatments for three years. While she enjoyed her career, her strong passion to work within a dermatology practice kept tugging at her so she decided to make a move.

As a Medical Aesthetician at Las Vegas Dermatology®, Melissa relies on her vast knowledge of powerful medical aesthetic procedures to deliver patient results. Using multiple modalities such as Hydrafacial, microneedling, laser hair removal, laser tattoo removal and broad band light therapy; she is able to provide thorough patient care with the empathy and delicacy that she believes is necessary in providing excellent service. She also possesses a wealth of knowledge in medical grade skincare products to aid in amazing patient results for aftercare usage at home.

Melissa has always had a love for providing the best in patient care and wholeheartedly believes in Las Vegas Dermatology®’s mission to provide “For a Healthier and More Beautiful Life.”