Mara Dermatology
Q&A with Dr. Joni Mazza-McCrann and Dr.Fiona Rahbar The Inspiration Behind Mara Dermatology Charleston’s 1st Direct Care Dermatology Practice
Q: Congratulations on the launch of Mara Dermatology in Mount Pleasant!
What inspired you to start this new practice?
Dr. Mazza-McCrann: Thank you! This has been a dream in the making. Dr. Rahbar
and I both felt that the traditional doctor–patient relationship has been lost in modern
medicine. Too often, visits feel rushed and impersonal. We wanted to bring back that
small-town dermatology model—where patients know their doctor, feel comfortable
asking questions and trusting the advice they receive.
Dr. Rahbar: Exactly. We wanted to create a space where people feel cared for as
individuals, not numbers. That meant building our practice from the ground up, with
the freedom to set our own standards—longer appointments, flexible hours, and genuine
conversations.
Q: You’ve both trained at top medical institutions. Can you share your
backgrounds?
Dr. Mazza-McCrann: I went to Weill Cornell Medical College in New York, then
completed my dermatology residency at Mount Sinai Hospital, where I served as
Chief Resident. Training in NYC allowed me to see the full spectrum of dermatology,
from complex medical conditions to the latest aesthetic treatments.
Dr. Rahbar: I studied at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and trained
in dermatology at the University of Virginia, also serving as Chief Resident. My
training gave me a strong foundation in medical dermatology and reinforced the
importance of connecting with patients. We both value excellence in care—but even
more, we value relationships.
Q: What does “restoring the doctor–patient relationship” look like at Mara
Dermatology?
Dr. Rahbar: It means being accessible, approachable, and invested in our patients'
long-term health. We don’t just prescribe a cream and send patients on their way—we
take time to understand their history, lifestyle, and goals.
Dr. Mazza-McCrann: We want patients to feel like partners in their care. It’s a return
to that small-town style of medicine, where your doctor knows you and your story.
Q: What areas of dermatology are you most passionate about?
Dr. Mazza-McCrann: Skin cancer prevention and early detection are a huge
focus for me. Diagnosing skin cancer in its early stages can be life-saving. I also love
treating teens with acne. Addressing acne early and establishing a good skincare
routine can make an enormous difference in a teen’s confidence and self-esteem. When I
am not at Mara Dermatology, I proudly care for veterans and active duty service
members at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, which is deeply rewarding and
extremely important to me.
Dr. Rahbar: I’m passionate about caring for patients with complex skin conditions
like acne, psoriasis, and eczema, as well as helping people with rosacea and
dermatitis. I practice evidence-based medicine but also consider holistic
approaches when appropriate. I also volunteer at the Barrier Island Free Clinic and have
provided care abroad in Haiti and Uganda—experiences that remind me how powerful
compassionate, and accessible care can be.
Dr. Mazza-McCrann: And of course, we both enjoy cosmetic dermatology—Botox,
fillers, and skin rejuvenation. For us, it’s about helping patients feel like the best version
of themselves, with natural, healthy results. We also spend time guiding patients on
smart skincare choices—not just the latest social media trends.
Q: Patients’ schedules can be tough. How are you addressing that?
Dr. Mazza-McCrann: We know people have busy lives, so we offer flexible
hours—not just the traditional 9-to-5, but also evenings and weekends.
Dr. Rahbar: We also provide telehealth visits for times when getting to the office isn’t
possible. Whether you’re a working parent or a college student, we want to meet
patients where they are.
Q: What does the name “Mara Dermatology” mean?
Dr. Rahbar: “Mara” is a blend of our last names—Mazza and Rahbar. Simple, but
meaningful.
Dr. Mazza-McCrann: And it also connects to the Latin “mar,” from mare, meaning
sea, which ties us to this beautiful coastal community we are so fortunate to serve.
Q: Why should patients choose Mara Dermatology?
Dr. Mazza-McCrann: Because we’re truly invested in our patients. As an
independent practice, we’re not bound by quotas or pressured by big systems. We
practice medicine with compassion, thoroughness, and integrity.
Dr. Rahbar: Patients will notice the difference. When you call, we answer—you won’t
get a phone tree. We’re accessible in the office and beyond. Whether it’s a suspicious
mole or a cosmetic refresh, patients can trust that we’ll listen, care deeply, and be there
when needed.
Q: What do you enjoy outside of work?
Dr. Rahbar: I love being outdoors with my husband, Kareem, our daughters, Farah
and Remy, and our aussiedoodle, Luna. We surf, garden, ride bikes, and even go
shrimping. I also teach hatha yoga as a certified instructor.
Dr. Mazza-McCrann: I love spending time with my husband, Eddie, and our three
kids, Anna, Rowan, and Z. While we enjoy traveling and exploring new restaurants,
most of our time is spent at volleyball, soccer, and hip hop competitions—and I wouldn’t
have it any other way.
Closing Thoughts
Mara Dermatology is more than a clinic—it’s a return to patient-centered care. With
advanced training, a focus on skin cancer prevention, acne, cosmetic dermatology, and
flexible scheduling, Drs. Mazza-McCrann and Rahbar are reshaping what it means to be
a dermatologist in Mount Pleasant. Their mission is simple: restore the doctor–patient
relationship, bring back small-town dermatology, and make world-class care accessible
to everyone. As Dr. Rahbar and Dr. Mazza-McCrann put it, if in five years patients say,
“I love my dermatologist because she really knows me and cares about me,” then
they’ve succeeded.