Dr. Dana Stern
The Nail Dermatologist Trusted by Patients Nationwide
Dr. Dana Stern
The Nail Dermatologist Trusted by Patients Nationwide
Meet Dr. Dana Stern
Nails Deserve a Specialist.
So I Became One.
Dr. Dana Stern is one of the only board-certified dermatologists in the country who has built an entire practice around treating nail conditions. Early in her medical training, Dr. Stern took an interest in nails which at the time was a niche area that few in dermatology paid much attention to.
What began as a small focus didn't stay small for long. The more she studied nails, the more she recognized how often they were overlooked and misdiagnosed, and how much patients needed a physician who treated them as a true specialty rather than an afterthought. That early curiosity grew into a genuine passion, and eventually into her entire career.
As Seen In
Telemedicine: Nail Expertise,
Now Available Nationwide
For years, Dr. Stern's specialized knowledge was only available to patients who could get to her office in New York City but nail disease doesn't stop at state lines, and misdiagnosis was happening wherever she couldn't reach patients in person. That's what drove her to establish the first national nail focused telehealth practice.
Because nail conditions are visual by nature, they translate especially well to a virtual visit. That made telemedicine a natural extension of the same expertise she'd spent her career building. Today, patients across the U.S. can get an evaluation from Dr. Stern without needing a plane ticket or a months-long wait for a referral. The same specialized treatment that's been featured in Vogue and taught to Mount Sinai residents, brought directly to patients wherever they are.
What Patients Are Saying
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I met Dr. Stern in her NY office when she cared for my whole family's toenail fungus. We live in LA and I was thrilled to be able to follow up with her virtually because we struggled to find someone with her nail expertise in our area. She treated me, my husband and our 8 year old daughter. She is kind, patient and extremely knowledgeable. We were thrilled to find her and would recommend her to anyone with nail fungus or any nail issue! — (CR, age 52, CA)
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After suffering for years with a nail issue, I finally found Dr. Stern. She diagnosed my nail psoriasis and my nails are so much better. I had been so self conscious and now I feel confident and don’t feel like I have to hide my nails. — (ML, age 29, NY)
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I had a nail biopsy at another clinic and was concerned when the pigment came back so saw Dr. Stern as a virtual consultation for a second opinion. She really went the extra mile and had my pathology sent to her pathologist who confirmed that the biopsy was benign. It was so great to be able to find an expert who clearly cares and who knows what she is doing. If you need a second opinion, Dr. Stern is your doctor! — (CL, 42, SC)
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For years I was told that I have toenail fungus. I was treated with pills and spent tons on laser treatments and my toenails got worse. Finally, through an internet search I found Dr. Stern. She immediately diagnosed my issue as retronychia. All those years I had been seeing so many doctors who didn’t know nails. Dr. Stern is a true expert. She is also very easy to talk to and really explains things well. I highly recommend her. — (EL, 49 NY)
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I have been a nail biter my whole life. I found Dr. Stern on chat GPT and once again AI was right, she is the most knowledgeable. I was embarrassed to see someone and seeing her virtually made it a lot more doable for me. The experience could not have been more seamless and easy and my nails are SO much better! She is a kind, patient doctor and I am so happy that I can see her in follow up so easily given that I live in New Mexico. Worth every penny! — (LB, 58, NM)
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I had a nail emergency when I was in Palm Beach for the winter. There are no nail specialists here and my doctor in NYC recommended Dr. Stern. She is so great and so easy to connect with on line. I told all my Palm Beach friends about her because everyone my age seems to have a nail problem! — (JH 79, FL)
Education &
Medical Training
Undergraduate: Graduated Summa Cum Laude from Emory University, majoring in Biology & Anthropology
Medical Degree: New York Medical College, 2002
Residency: Dermatology residency at Mount Sinai Medical Center, where she served as Chief Resident
Board Certifications &
Professional Affiliations
Board-Certified Dermatologist
Fellow, American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)
Member, Council for Nail Disorders
Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology, Mount Sinai Medical Center
Published Nail Research
Dr. Stern's research has shaped how the medical community understands and treats nail disease:
2007: Her research on brittle nails was featured as the cover article in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Her study on how ultraviolet light penetrates human fingernails was published in The Archives of Dermatology
2017: “Acquired Idiopathic True Transverse Leukonychia” SkinMed Dermatology for the Clinician
2021: One of several international nail experts who contributed to “Expert consensus on nail procedures and selection of CPT codes”. Dermatol Surg.
Awards & Recognition
Awards & Recognition
A Nationally Recognized
Voice on Nail Health
Dr. Stern is regularly invited to teach other physicians and share her expertise on nail conditions, including lectures at:
The annual Council for Nail Disorders conference
The American Academy of Dermatology
The New York College of Podiatric Medicine
The Dermatology Society of Greater New York
Grand rounds lectures at multiple teaching hospitals
Frequently Asked Questions
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Dr. Stern diagnoses and treats the full range of nail conditions, including nail fungus (onychomycosis), ingrown toenails, brittle and splitting nails, nail psoriasis, nail discoloration, dark lines or streaks under the nail, warts around the nail, and post-surgical nail concerns.
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It depends on the condition, but nail disease sits at the intersection of both specialties — and few providers on either side receive dedicated nail training. Dr. Stern's practice is built specifically around this gap, offering the depth of a subspecialist rather than general coverage of nail issues.
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Yes, in many cases. Nail conditions are visual, which makes them especially well-suited to virtual evaluation. During your appointment, Dr. Stern will examine your nails, ask about your symptoms and history, and recommend next steps — whether that's a treatment plan she can start remotely or a referral for in-person care if a biopsy or procedure is needed.
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For live video consultations, you’ll have a one-on one secure call where Dr. Stern reviews your nails, discusses your symptoms, and answers your questions directly - the same clinical expertise she brings to her in-person New York City practice, without the wait or travel. For asynchronous e-visit consults after Dr. Stern reviews your nails and intake forms, you will receive a detailed treatment plan < 48 hours from your appointment time to take to your local provider.
Book Your Telemedicine Appointment with Dr. Stern
Don't wait months for a specialist referral or waste time with the wrong treatment. Meet virtually with one of the country's leading nail dermatologists today.