Dr. Berne is a native Chicagoan. His training includes  published research in zoological sciences and a Masters degree in Adipose (fatty) tissue metabolism prior to attending medical school in Philadelphia. He completed his medical internship at Rush University and dermatology training at Cook County Hospital; and  is board-certified in dermatology.  While his area of special interest lie in geriatric skin conditions, he enjoys caring for patients of all ages and backgrounds. He has advanced training in such areas as skin cancer education, photodynamic therapy [ PDT ] and skin manifestations of internal diseases. In addition, Dr. Berne has gained membership in numerous dermatologic professional societies {including the prestigious Noah Worcester Dermatological Society} through which he continues to advance his specialty training. When away from the office he enjoys many hobbies including long distance bicycling, cooking (mostly eating), waiting for a Cubs world-series, and playing the piano.

   Melinda Santamaria, L.E.

 Melinda  is our  licensed aesthetician with over 8 years of  experience and advanced training.  She has been a cosmetologist for over 6 years as well, doing theatrical, post-op and free-lance make-up for the entertainment industry. Having been the lead medical aesthetician for 4 years at an upscale suburban spa,  has allowed Melinda to maintain long - lasting relationships with her clients.  Her work has been featured in Lucky, Allure,  Instyle and  Time-Out Chicago magazines  for giving some of the best facials in Chicago.  Skin-care is her passion and she truly loves her work.  Melindas' expertise covers a broad range of aesthetic options to aid in the appearance of sun-damage, acne [and acne scarring], as well as fine wrinkling. She has many potential treatments, in her relaxing spa-like treatment suite,  to help improve these skin concerns and she will work with each patient to develop a customized approach to your needs. At her disposal, is a skin-care product dispensary that may be called on as part of your aesthetic program . She will be your guide to choosing from our diverse array of cosmaceutical products available at our office. It is all about you, each individual patient that is what is most important.  Aesthetic treatments might be for cosmetic issues alone, or may be partnered with your medical treatments underway with the doctors here at A & G Dermatology.  Reviews from some of Melindas' clients can be found in Time Out Chicago [Feb. 2007], and chicago.citysearch.com [Aug., 2004]