Emily Wong, MD
Dr. Emily Wong, MD, is double board certified in dermatology and Mohs micrographic surgery. She graduated summa cum laude from Hawaii Pacific University and was valedictorian of her medical doctorate class at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. After her family medicine internship near Washington, D.C., Dr. Wong served as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Air Force, deploying three times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
She completed her dermatology residency at the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium and later led the dermatology clinic at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Following a fellowship in Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology at the University of Colorado, she returned to San Antonio as a teaching faculty member at the dermatology residency program. As an Associate Professor and the Dermatology Consultant to the U.S. Air Force Surgeon General, she significantly contributed to the training and mentorship of dozens of residents, particularly in the areas of surgical dermatology and high-risk skin cancers, while helping shape military dermatology.
Dr. Wong has published numerous peer-reviewed articles across various dermatology topics. She served on the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Patient Safety and Quality Committee and the AAD-National Psoriasis Foundation working group updating and expanding the Psoriasis Clinical Guidelines. After 24 years of service, she retired as a Colonel in the U.S. Air Force and fulfilled her lifelong goal to return to Oahu and serve the people of Hawaii.
“As a dermatologist, I have the privilege of caring for patients of all ages. I collaborate with each individual to create personalized plans that enhance their skin, hair, and nail health, emphasizing education and prevention. My practice offers a full range of dermatologic services, including medical, surgical, and cosmetic care.
As a fellowship-trained and board-certified Mohs surgeon, I specialize in skin cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, offering dedicated support to patients with aggressive or high risk skin cancers. Our team’s commitment is to always conduct thorough evaluations tailored to each patient’s needs, ensuring they understand their conditions and treatment options.”
“I am passionate about helping patients feel confident and comfortable in their skin. Specializing in medical dermatology, surgical treatments, and aesthetic enhancements, I prioritize early intervention and compassionate care. Whether managing chronic conditions, addressing skin cancer risks, or enhancing natural beauty, my goal is to empower patients to maintain healthy skin that supports them in living full, rewarding lives.”
Nadia Knights, PA-C
Nadia Knights, PA-C, is a board-certified physician assistant specialized in dermatology. Nadia completed her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, then went on to earn her Master of Physician Assistant Studies and Health Studies from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, where she gained extensive clinical experience through clerkships in dermatology, plastic surgery, and general surgery at Franklin Square Medical Center.
She enjoys practicing all aspects of dermatology, from diagnosing and treating medical conditions to performing cosmetic procedures such as neuromodulator injections. Nadia is also an active member of the Hawaii Academy of Physician Assistants (HAPA) and is committed to continuously advancing her knowledge and skills to provide the best care for her patients.
Born and raised on the windward side of Oahu, Nadia is honored to practice in her local community. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys spending time with her family, often at the beach with her husband and dogs.
Cobi DeSilva, DNP, FNP-BC
Cobi DeSilva, DNP, FNP-BC, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in Dermatology. Born and raised on the island of O‘ahu, Cobi carries the spirit of Aloha into the clinic, promoting an environment of warmth, respect, and compassion for every patient.
Cobi earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and brings over five years of hands-on dermatology experience as both a registered nurse and medical assistant. She has also received extensive training through various dermatology preceptorships across O‘ahu, gaining valuable skills in comprehensive dermatologic assessments, skin cancer screenings, biopsies, preventions and the management of a wide range of skin, hair, and nail conditions.
Dedicated to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care, Cobi believes in empowering patients with knowledge and ensuring they feel valued, confident, and supported at every step of their health journey. With a holistic approach to care, she is committed to help patients improve both their skin health and quality of life.
When she’s not in the clinic, Cobi loves to travel, enjoy great food, and spend time with her family, friends, and dogs.
“I value building strong, trusting relationships with my patients and treating each person as if they were part of my own family. Healthy skin can have a profound impact on overall confidence and quality of life, therefore, I work together with my patients to create achievable goals that truly meet their needs. Combining compassion with individualized care, I aim to create a supportive environment where patients feel comfortable sharing their concerns and secure in the care they receive, leaving the clinic feeling valued, cared for, and confident in their own skin.”
“I believe dermatology is about more than treating conditions — it’s about empowering each patient to understand, protect, and care for their skin. I combine years of experience practicing across diverse communities with a personalized, compassionate approach, tailoring care to each person’s unique needs. My goal is for every patient to leave feeling confident, informed, and supported in achieving healthy skin for life.”
Jessica Hennen, PA-C
Jessica Hennen, PA-C, is a board-certified physician assistant specializing in dermatology. Originally from North Carolina, she earned dual degrees in Psychology and Spanish from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She began her career in dermatology as a medical assistant, where she discovered her passion for the field, before completing her Master of Physician Assistant Studies at Emory & Henry University, graduating with honors in 2020.
Jessica has since gained extensive experience practicing dermatology across the mainland United States, including in Maine, New Hampshire, Tennessee, and Mississippi. She particularly enjoys performing skin cancer screenings as well as treating acne, eczema, and psoriasis. She is an active member and Diplomate Fellow of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, reflecting her dedication to ongoing professional growth and excellence in patient care.
Now proud to call O‘ahu home, Jessica is excited to serve the community and explore all the island has to offer. In her free time, she enjoys golfing, running, and spending time at the beach with her husband, who serves in the U.S. Navy, and their two Labrador retrievers.
Thomas, Master Aesthetician
Thomas, Hawaii’s first male Master Aesthetician, is driven by a simple goal: to change the conversation around healthy skin. His compassionate, expert approach is deeply personal, inspired by his own journey with adult cystic acne.
Thomas bridges the gap between science and advanced aesthetics. He specializes in detailed consultations to create truly customized treatments and home care plans. He uses high-impact technologies like lasers, microneedling, and regenerative aesthetics to make exceptional skincare accessible and effective for everyone.
His core passion is advocating for men’s skincare, viewing it as essential to overall physical and mental wellness. While he is a champion for all genders and skin tones, he holds specialized expertise in male skincare. Thomas is committed to staying on top of the latest regenerative advancements and product science.
Instagram: @Islandesthetics_HNL
“I believe healthy skin is the foundation for confidence, not a vanity project. My principals are built on education and partnership. I’m here to demystify the science, cut through the noise of trends, and help you build a routine that actually works for your life and your specific concerns.
My goal is to deliver real results while making sure you feel understood and confident in your skin health journey.”
Our Dedicated Team
Our Legacy of Serving
William K. Wong Sr., MD
Hawaii Dermatology & Surgery founder, Dr. William K. Wong, Sr., was born in the jungles of Borneo, where his parents fled from Canton, China during the Sino-Japanese War. After hiding from the Japanese advancement during WWII, he was able to immigrate on a steamship to America at the age of 13 with his younger sister, leaving their parents and 2 younger brothers behind. They were welcomed by relatives in Los Angeles, who played a crucial role in helping them learn English and complete their high school education.
William’s academic journey continued as he pursued higher education. He enrolled at the University of Southern California, where he completed his undergraduate studies before moving on to UCLA Medical School. It was during his time in medical school that met his future wife, a beautiful Chinese girl from the Philippines who was visiting Los Angeles on her way to graduate school in Wisconsin. Their chance encounter blossomed into a romantic relationship, culminating in marriage and a new chapter of life together as they moved to Philadelphia for the now Dr. William Wong Sr’s dermatology residency at the prestigious University of Pennsylvania.
After completing his residency, Dr. Wong joined the United States Air Force Medical Corps, serving at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines during the Vietnam War. His service had a lasting impact on military medicine; he identified the cause of Folliculitis Barbae and developed a grooming policy for African American servicemen, addressing a significant health concern and improving their quality of life.
His final duty station was Hickam Air Force Base. Upon completion of his military service in 1979, Dr. Wong founded Hawaii Dermatology & Surgery, where he quickly became a respected figure in dermatology and an influential leader in treating leprosy patients through the State Hansen’s Disease program. He was the first in the state to offer the Excimer Laser Light System, revolutionizing the treatment of conditions such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and vitiligo. His commitment to patient care extended further with the introduction of total body Ultraviolet Light (UVB-NB) therapies, providing relief to many suffering from widespread skin issues. Together with his son, Dr. William K. Wong Jr., an ophthalmologist, he introduced the Pelleve® System to Hawaii, a radio-frequency procedure designed for the safe and effective treatment of aging facial lines, Crow’s Feet, and sagging jowls.
Dr. Wong’s philosophy centered on delivering quality medical care by empowering patients to understand and actively participate in their treatment. His approach fostered strong relationships, leading to improved health outcomes and a deeper connection with those he served.
Throughout his career, Dr. Wong has made a significant impact on countless lives, reflecting his dedication to compassion, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of improving the health and quality of life of others. His story is not just one of personal achievement but also of a profound commitment to making a difference in the community he serves.
In July 2025, Hawaii Dermatology and Surgery transitioned to new ownership. Today, Dr. Emily Wong and her dedicated staff proudly continue Dr. William Wong’s legacy by providing the best dermatologic care to the people of Hawaii.
