Board-Certified Dermatologist Dedicated to Exceptional Skin Care
Dr. Michael Krathen is a board-certified dermatologist and the Medical Director and founding dermatologist of Essential Dermatology. Since becoming board certified by the American Board of Dermatology in 2011, he has been dedicated to providing evidence-based medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology with a patient-centered approach focused on achieving healthy, confident skin.
Education and Advanced Medical Training
Dr. Krathen completed his undergraduate education at the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied biology and Spanish from 1999 to 2003. He then earned his medical degree from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in 2007.
Following medical school, he completed his internship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and served as a Clinical Fellow at Harvard Medical School. He completed his dermatology residency through the combined Tufts University–Boston University Dermatology Residency Program, where he received advanced training in diagnosing and treating a wide range of skin conditions.
Clinical Experience and Leadership
Dr. Krathen has built an accomplished career in both academic medicine and private practice. From 2011 to 2013, he served as a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Dermatology at Stanford University School of Medicine. He later practiced as a Staff Dermatologist with Adult and Pediatric Dermatology from 2014 to 2017 and with DermCare Physicians and Surgeons from 2017 to 2019.
In 2019, Dr. Krathen founded Essential Dermatology, where he continues to serve as Medical Director while providing comprehensive dermatologic care to patients of all ages.
Hospital Affiliations and Areas of Expertise
In addition to caring for patients at Essential Dermatology, Dr. Krathen serves as a Consultant Dermatologist at Newton-Wellesley Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Needham Hospital.
His clinical interests include acne treatment, psoriasis management, skin cancer detection and treatment, scar revision, and advanced resurfacing laser technologies. He remains committed to staying current with advances in dermatology, so patients receive safe, effective, and personalized care.
A Patient-First Philosophy
Dr. Krathen believes that healthy skin is the foundation of confidence. His philosophy blends expert medical dermatology with advanced aesthetic care, allowing patients to both look and feel their best.
Every treatment recommendation is based on proven medical evidence, tailored to each patient’s individual goals, and designed to deliver natural-looking, long-lasting results while prioritizing safety, skin health, and overall well-being.
Caring for Patients Throughout Natick, Needham and Beyond
Whether patients need treatment for acne, psoriasis, skin cancer, scars, or other skin concerns—or are interested in cosmetic dermatology services—Dr. Krathen is committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive care. He is proud to help individuals and families throughout Natick, Needham and the surrounding communities achieve healthier skin with personalized treatment plans and trusted dermatologic expertise.