Kristen L Russomanno, MD

Provider is directly employed by MedStar Health

Kristen L. Russomanno, MD, is board certified in both internal medicine and dermatology and is currently practicing dermatology at MedStar Health Lafayette Centre.

Dr. Russomanno sees patients for a wide range of dermatologic conditions, including skin cancers, actinic keratoses, chronic sun damage, acne, cysts, eczema, psoriasis, and other types of skin infections and disorders. Her treatment methods include surgical excision of lesions, biopsy of lesions, cryotherapy/liquid nitrogen treatment, intralesional steroid injections, electrodessication and curettage, and neuromodulator injections.

Double board certified in both internal medicine and dermatology, Dr. Russomanno is guided by both perspectives in her practice. She believes in providing her patients with as much information as possible about their conditions and treatment options and recognizes the need for personalized treatment plans, patient autonomy, and choice.

Passionate about preventing skin cancer, Dr. Russomanno is particularly interested in the diagnosis, treatment, and research of skin cancers, including melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. To prevent skin cancer, she treats actinic skin damage, provides options for chemoprevention in high risk populations, and counsels on UV protection. One development in her field that she is excited about is the approval of various immunotherapies to treat advanced skin cancers, because they offer higher efficacy without some of the unwanted side effects of traditional chemotherapy.

Dr. Russomanno earned her medical degree at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. She then went on to complete a dual internal medicine and dermatology residency program at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, where she served as Chief Resident.

She is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and has published several articles in journals such as Journal of Dermatologic Surgery, Pediatric Dermatology, and Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology: Case Reports.

Philosophy of care

“I believe very strongly in helping each patient to make the best decision for themselves with the support of their medical team. The decisions patients face on a daily basis are extremely personal, and the role of the physician is to provide the patient with all of the necessary information to make an educated choice that feels right for them. I am sensitive and empathetic to each individual journey and the many decisions patients face along the way.

“I want my patients to feel supported by me, even if their condition is chronic, challenging, or not easily diagnosed. I want patients to feel as though I am approachable and that they can connect with me. My patients should feel as though I am offering them the same attention and care that I would to a family member.

“Referring physicians should know that I am dedicated to teamwork and collaboration and will always engage other colleagues from within dermatology and other specialties to provide the best care for my patients. I always encourage my patients to seek out advice from other physicians they trust as well, and I am eager to work together within a multidisciplinary team to provide the best possible care for each patient.”