In September 1997, Serena Worthel walked into Pariser Dermatology’s McLaw’s Circle office in Williamsburg for a routine skin exam—and walked out with more than she expected. Not only did she get the care she needed, but she also landed a part-time job. That day marked the beginning of a remarkable 27-year journey with Pariser Dermatology.
Having spent the first part of her life in Germany, where she was born and raised, starting over in the United States was both exciting and daunting. She missed her home country, her family, and her friends. But over nearly three decades with Pariser Dermatology, Serena found a new sense of belonging—forming lifelong friendships, many of which now feel like family.
From the Black Forest to Virginia
Serena was born in Hörden, a small town in Germany’s Black Forest, where her father served as the local doctor. In 1964, her family got their first telephone—its number just three digits long. Growing up, Serena often watched her father care for patients, which sparked a deep interest in healthcare. She worked as a registered nurse on a surgical ward in a private hospital in Waldfriede Berlin. “Compassion and empathy make the difference between a great nurse and an average one,” she says.
In 1991, Serena and her husband Lee—who served in the U.S. military—relocated to the United States with their two young children, Sarah and Benjamin. After a few years at “cold” Fort Drum in New York, they moved to Williamsburg, Virginia, in 1995, where they still reside today. Looking to return to medicine in a part-time role, Serena found herself at the right place at the right time.
A Career at Pariser Dermatology
During her appointment at Pariser Dermatology, Serena overheard staff members discussing the challenges of commuting from Norfolk to Williamsburg. She spoke up and offered to apply for a position. After a quick five-minute interview with Dr. David Pariser, she was hired.
Starting part-time in Williamsburg, she soon added days in the Newport News office and eventually worked at the Norfolk and Virginia Beach locations as well. She transitioned to full-time and became a medical assistant. Later, she was promoted to Dermatology Technician, where she found a new passion—performing skin biopsies.
“The more complicated, the better,” Serena says, especially when it came to removing Pilar cysts—benign growths commonly found on the scalp. She developed a unique removal technique she describes as “almost like birthing a baby.” Her method cuts with the help of a punch rather than a scalpel and leaves less of a scar because it requires less sutures. She shared her technique with at least four physician assistants who continue to use it today. When patients needed a biopsy near their eyelids, Serena was often the go-to expert, known for her precision and steady hands.
Mentoring the Next Generation
As Pariser Dermatology grew, so did Serena’s role as a mentor. She trained new Dermatology Assistants and guided them as they advanced to Technician roles. She taught biopsy techniques, practiced suturing on pig’s feet, and—most importantly—instilled the wisdom of knowing when not to proceed with a procedure and refer the patient instead.
Memorable Moments
After nearly three decades, Serena has no shortage of stories. One day in the Williamsburg office, she found herself alone with Dr. David Pariser when the rest of the staff were stuck in tunnel traffic. Unable to print the schedule because she had yet to be assigned a password to the system, she handwrote pages of patient information. When the staff finally arrived, they transcribed everything into the system. Dr. David declared her “a keeper” for her performance under pressure—her “trial by fire.”
Working with a former Pariser dermatologist was another memorable time. He often saw up to 50 patients a day, grabbing two bananas for lunch to eat between appointments. The staff affectionately nicknamed him “the double-handed banana guy.”
Though the commute to Virginia Beach was long, Serena loved her time there. “The staff was more like family,” she recalls. “We’d even go to the beach together after work.” These moments created cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
Advice for Future Clinical Staff
With decades of experience under her belt, Serena offers these words of wisdom for those new to healthcare:
- Always be open to learning. You’ll never know everything.
- Take one day at a time.
- Maintain a clean environment and follow glove etiquette.
- Stay curious. Write down diagnoses you hear and look them up later.
- Ask questions. Just be mindful of timing—providers are often very busy.
A New Chapter
About 15 years ago, Serena discovered a love for art and began beading intricate designs. But when she was diagnosed with neuropathy in her hands, beading became too difficult. Then she came across a video about acrylic pouring—a fluid, abstract art form—and gave it a try. After three years of pouring, a rotator cuff surgery forced her to adapt again.
That’s when she picked up a paintbrush.
Now, Serena enjoys painting seascapes, landscapes, florals, and still life. “It brings me peace,” she says with a warm smile. She shares her work on Facebook and was even commissioned to do a few pieces, but for Serena it’s not about making money. Painting, for her, seems to be more about expression and joy rather than productivity or financial gain. Even though she’s talented enough to earn from it, the moment it feels like “work,” it loses its magic.
Travel remains a big part of Serena’s life. She’s always prioritized returning to Germany every few years for extended visits with loved ones—trips that Pariser Dermatology graciously supported with generous time off. “Otherwise, it wouldn’t have been worth the time and money to go,” she says.
Now retired, Serena looks forward to painting, traveling, and spending time with her granddaughter, Avery. And hopefully, we’ll still see her from time to time at Pariser Dermatology.
