dermatologists
learn more about the board certified dermatologists at our office
What does board certified mean?
Because there are physicians that practice dermatology without any formal training or credentialing in the field of dermatology, it is important to understand what board certification means. A dermatologist who has been “board certified” has undergone the strict training required by the American Board of Dermatology.
It starts with the physician doing 1 year of approved post-graduate training, followed by three years of specialized training in the study and treatment of skin, hair, and nails at an accredited ACGME dermatology residency program. Only following this training is the physician eligible to sit for a board examination which extensively tests if he/she has acquired the expertise necessary to practice dermatology.
To be an ABMS board-certified dermatologist, the physician must pass this exam and maintain certification through a series of exams and assessments throughout their lifetime. This process is designed to ensure that dermatologists are qualified to provide care to hospitals, insurers, the government, and dermatology patients alike.
Want To Verify A Certification?
Transparency is important to us. Click on the link below to be directed to the website of the American Board of Medical Specialties. Once on the website, you can verify board certification for any doctor by creating a free account using an email address. Then search by the last name and if necessary, state or city. If a doctor you’re considering seeing is not listed, they are not board certified by the American Board of Medical Specialities.
Dr. Sophia V. Mai, MD
Dr. Sophia V. Mai was born to Vietnamese immigrants in the small town of Morgan City, Louisiana and moved to New Orleans shortly thereafter. She attended Benjamin Franklin High School, followed by Xavier University where she received a B.S degree in Biology and English. She received her medical degree at LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans, where she was elected into Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society in her junior year, becoming one of two students selected as a scholarship recipient, recognizing her outstanding academics and service to the community.
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At graduation, Dr. Mai was presented with the Dean’s Award in recognition of her leadership. Following medical school, she began internship in Beverly Hills, California at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center where she was introduced to cosmetic dermatology. In 2013 Dr. Mai returned to New Orleans and completed residency training in Dermatology at LSU. In addition to private practice, Dr. Mai serves the local veteran population as a staff dermatologist at the VA Medical Center, and remains active in academics, teaching dermatology residents and medical students, as an associate clinical professor of LSU School of Medicine. Dr. Mai also spends part of her week performing cosmetic procedures and hair restoration as the only dermatologist at Khoobehi & Associates, a prominent plastic surgery center in Metairie, LA and New Orleans.
Dr. Mai is Board Certified by the American Board of Dermatology, a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, a member of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, and the LA Dermatologic Society.
Dr. Mai has special interest in aesthetic dermatology and treating skin of color. She is a stern believer of using sun protection, retinoids, and utilizing early, preventative skincare and procedures to promote healthy skin and slow the signs of aging. Dr. Mai is fluent in Vietnamese. She is married to Dr. Taylor Hilton and enjoys working alongside her husband and mother-in-law. In her spare time, she enjoys pilates, compiling recipes, dining out, digital photography, and traveling to unique and exotic locations.
Dr. Ashton Taylor Hilton, MD
Dr. Taylor Hilton has spent the majority of his life in New Orleans, Louisiana. He grew up in New Orleans and attended Jesuit High School. He then proceeded to Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Biological Sciences and minoring in Latin. It was during college that Dr. Taylor first took interest in the field of Dermatology. Following in both of his parents’ footsteps, he attended Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans.
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After medical school he completed an internship in Internal Medicine and a residency in Dermatology at LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans, where his mother Dr. Deborah Hilton also trained. During his residency Dr. Taylor met his wife, Dr. Sophia Mai, who was also training in dermatology at the time. Since completion of residency, Dr. Taylor joined his mother in private practice in Slidell, Louisiana.
Dr. Taylor Hilton is Board Certified by the American Board of Dermatology. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, the Louisiana Dermatologic Society and the American Medical Association.
As a teenager he suffered from severe acne and psoriasis so he finds it especially gratifying to help patients with these conditions. His other areas of interest include skin cancer detection and surgery, treating warts in kids, and pediatric dermatology. Dr. Taylor also has a special place in his heart for his senior patients, and always makes time in his schedule to catch up with them. In his free time, Dr. Taylor enjoys lifting weights, cuddling with his three cats, running, traveling and spending time with his family.
Dr. Deborah Caruso Hilton, MD
Dr. Deborah Hilton was born in New Orleans and attended LSU as an Alumni Scholar, earning her B.S. degree. After working as a medical tech in hospital and university research labs, marrying and starting a family, she pursued her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor. She received her medical degree from LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans where she was honored as the Henry Jolly MD Outstanding Student in Dermatology and the Upjohn Outstanding Student in Internal Medicine.
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She was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society and served as President of the Aesculapian Society. Dr. Hilton completed her internship at LSU in Internal Medicine, where she was chosen as Charity Hospital Intern of the Year. Her residency in Dermatology was completed at LSU where she served as Chief Resident, won the Peterkin Award for Dermatology Research, and attained board certification by the American Board of Dermatology.
Dr. Hilton began her career in academic dermatology as an assistant professor, then joined Dr. Elizabeth McBurney and Dr. Patrick Ragland in Slidell, Louisiana at Skin Care Specialists, APMC. In addition to her decades of private practice experience, she continues to teach and supervise LSU Dermatology residents at the VA Medical Center of New Orleans and the University Medical Center. She has maintained her board certification with recertification in 2012 by the American Board of Dermatology. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the American Contact Dermatitis Society, the Louisiana State Dermatologic Society, and the Louisiana and St. Tammany Parish Medical Societies.
Dr. Hilton is married to Charles Hilton, MD who serves as the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at LSU School of Medicine. She has two sons, Charles and Taylor. She enjoys participating in triathlons and gardening in her time away from medicine.