Provide your academic and professional background

I majored in bioengineering at UC Berkeley, attended medical school at USC Keck School of Medicine, completed a combined internal medicine-pediatrics residency at LAC+USC Medical Center, and finally subspecialized in adult endocrinology at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. I am board-certified in all 3 medical specialties and am deeply passionate about thoughtfully integrating technology into healthcare to improve the experience for patients and providers alike

I began my endocrinology career in private practice but then joined the founding team of Steady Health, a completely virtual full-service diabetes clinic leveraging continuous glucose monitoring, telemedicine, and a novel multi-disciplinary care model to provide patients with a more personalized, data-driven, and connected care experience. After Steady Health was acquired by Carbon Health, I served as its Medical Director of Virtual Endocrinology and helped develop and implement programs addressing diabetes, metabolic health, weight management, and a variety of endocrine disorders. My latest role is as Clinical Product Strategy Director of Chronic Disease Management at Teladoc; meanwhile, I enjoy actively seeing patients on the side.

What aspects of telehealth in endocrinology excites you the most?

So much of diabetes is about numbers, and fortunately a lot of that data can be collected and monitored remotely (particularly with continuous glucose monitors), then reviewed at visits to inform shared decision-making. Telehealth enables me to extend my geographic reach and it has been incredibly convenient for both me and my patients, who no longer have to drive long distances only to wait in a waiting room - they can instead take their visits in their office or home. That doesn’t obviate the need for patients to have a primary care provider, and there are definitely things that do require an in-person evaluation, but I’m able to address the vast majority of my patients’ needs in this manner.

What excites you about working with Tono?

I’m excited to be able to seamlessly continue my long standing relationships with existing patients and referring colleagues, and I love that Tono Health is trying to expand access to high-quality specialty care, which is often limited to more populated geographic areas and locked behind long wait times.

What made you decide to go into endocrinology and diabetes management?

During my medical training, I became fascinated by the elegance of the body’s hormonal feedback loops and appreciated that most endocrine issues could be neatly explained through a solid understanding of the underlying physiology and related pharmacology. I believe that being able to explain the reasoning behind my assessment and treatment recommendations helps patients become more active stakeholders in their own care and that makes my job all the more interesting and engaging.

What is your favorite part of working in this specialty?

I love how quickly my patients and I can see the difference a new behavior/strategy or change in the treatment plan can make. With diabetes in particular, the impact of an intervention can be seen in hours to days, and a complete clinical transformation can happen in mere days to weeks. I’ve had the privilege of seeing many of my patients take back control of their health and lives and it’s deeply gratifying work.

What is an exciting development in your area of medicine?

This is a very exciting time to be caring for people with diabetes - there have been many remarkable advances in diabetes technology and therapy in just the last decade or so, and an ongoing dire need to improve broader access to these incredible tools and options. Some notable examples of these advances include medications (mostly once weekly injectables, but with more oral options in the pipeline) that can lower A1c >2% and contribute towards >15-20% weight loss; automated insulin delivery systems with algorithms that use data from continuous glucose monitors to adjust insulin delivery from a pump in real time; and investigational stem cell therapy showing early promise in substantially reducing insulin requirements for people with type 1 diabetes

What advice do you have for people looking to manage their diabetes?

Managing diabetes can be complicated, relentless, and sometimes just plain hard. As with all things in life, though, it’s about balance - we want to normalize blood glucose levels as best we can and manage related things like blood pressure and lipids to prevent long-term complications, but at the same time we can’t let it take over our lives. Diabetes distress is real, so it’s about learning what matters, figuring out sustainable habits and strategies, and using the right tools to not only achieve our health goals, but also maintain them long-term.

I enjoy board games, piano, travel, and biking with my family.

Discover how a triple board-certified endocrinologist is transforming diabetes care through telehealth and innovative technology, with insights on patient empowerment and the future of chronic disease management.

Meet Dr. Calvin Wu,  triple board-certified endocrinologist and diabetes specialist at Tono Health

What excites me most about teledermatology is the opportunity to reach a diverse and extensive patient base. As a dermatologist, I find it enriching to learn from and connect with individuals from various geographical locations and backgrounds. The most rewarding aspect of teledermatology is the chance to deliver cutting-edge care directly to patients in the comfort of their homes, effectively eliminating the traditional barriers of distance and travel. This convenience is especially invaluable when dealing with cases that demand immediate attention, where time can be a critical factor. I strongly believe that teledermatology not only enhances accessibility but also transforms the way we practice and interact with our patients, ultimately advancing the field of dermatology.

What is your academic and professional background?

My background is in Dermatology and Engineering. I obtained an undergraduate degree in Bioengineering at Cornell University. I went on to earn my medical degree at Tufts University. I completed my internship year at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, affiliated with Mass General Hospital, followed by my Dermatology residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, NY. I am currently a board-certified Dermatologist based in the New York City area.

I am genuinely thrilled at the opportunity to contribute to Tono. The prospect of reaching a broader patient base, especially those in remote and underserved areas, aligns perfectly with my commitment to expanding access to specialized healthcare. What captivates me is the platform’s remarkable user-friendliness. It is designed to be effortlessly navigated by both healthcare providers and patients thanks to its intuitive and streamlined interface. Overall, the platform makes for a seamless experience for the patient. I firmly believe Tono stands at the forefront of revolutionizing accessibility and convenience in dermatological care, and I am truly excited to be a driving force in this transformative movement.

What made you decide to go into dermatology? What is your favorite part of working in this specialty?

I chose dermatology due to the diverse and fascinating nature of the field. The skin, being the body's largest organ, presents a multitude of conditions across various demographics. I find it fulfilling to treat patients of all ages and backgrounds. Dermatology also encompasses aspects of medicine I am passionate about, from navigating complex differentials to performing procedures and analyzing histopathology. It allows me to engage with a broad spectrum of medical challenges, making it a deeply rewarding and intellectually stimulating specialty.

I find the advent of biologic medications to be a groundbreaking development in dermatology. Unlike previous treatments, these medications target specific molecules or pathways responsible for skin conditions, offering a more effective and precise approach. This breakthrough has profound implications, allowing patients to manage chronic dermatological conditions with minimal side effects. It represents a transformative shift, enabling many individuals to lead normal lives despite dealing with persistent skin conditions.

What advice do you have for people looking to take better care of their skin?

Sharing skincare advice is a highlight of my work, as it applies to nearly everyone. I particularly enjoy offering personalized skincare regimens to patients, addressing their unique needs and contributing to the overall health and vitality of their skin. Establishing a tailored skincare routine can significantly benefit individuals, including those with chronic dermatological conditions. For those seeking to improve their skincare, I highly recommend reaching out to your dermatologist - there is so much to learn!

While not seeing patients, I enjoy traveling to different places and capturing my adventures through photography. I particularly love visiting wine regions around the world to taste and collect various types of wines. I am also an avid foodie and am always on the lookout for new and up-and-coming restaurants.

Explore how Dr. Nithin Reddy is revolutionizing access to cutting-edge dermatological care with Tono Health, bringing excitement to the world of teledermatology

Meet Dr. Nithin Reddy, dermatologist at Tono Health


In upstate New York, Jovette, a resilient professional and devoted mother, shares her journey with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), a condition that has challenged her since she was a young girl. Her path from pain to empowerment with Tono Health's virtual care is not just a medical story; it's a tale of rediscovered self-worth and strength.




Diagnosed with HS at age 13, Jovette navigated misdiagnoses and ineffective treatments for years. "I felt like I was educating the doctors," she recalls. This resulted in only seeking treat once the pain was unbearable. This reactive approach prolonged the healing process and made it very difficult to move and function. The physical pain of HS led to many emergency room visits, but the deeper scars were emotional, impacting her self-esteem and social life. She missed important family moments and questioned her ability to form relationships due to the condition’s impact on sensitive areas.




Jovette's breakthrough came when she found Tono Health through a post in the HS Warriors Facebook group. The promise of seeing dermatologists specializing in HS and treating skin of color provided a ray of hope. I remember thinking, " What is this? Can I really see a top specialist virtually? And would it be good care?” The accessibility of virtual consultations and coverage by her insurance were key factors in her decision. "It was easy to sign up online, and with hope, I waited for my first appointment," Jovette shares.



Virtual-First, Hybrid Approach to Personalized Care:


Jovette describes video consultation and regular virtual visits with her Tono Health dermatologist, who had extensive experience treating HS, were a turning point. "For the first time, I ended a call and was happy, like I had hoped," she reflects. “I was hooked, and enjoyed knowing that I have support from a medical professional with wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. What stood out the most was the genuine compassion that really encouraged me to press forward. I felt connected to my doctor and excited for the advanced care plan we planned. At Tono, Jovette's treatment plan was advanced and personalized. It included biologics, antibiotics, and other therapies, managed through a hybrid-care model with local hospital coordination for a PICC line and home nurse visits.



Jovette’s dermatologist at Tono Health played a critical role in coordinating her broader healthcare needs, including liaising with her therapist, endocrinologist, and surgeons. This led her team of doctors to recognize that she would benefit from surgery, previously deemed too risky. Jovette’s dermatologists prepared her for surgery and managed her treatment before and after the procedure.




Jovette reflects, "I've reclaimed my life in ways I never thought possible. No more sleepless nights with debilitating pain. Now I can laugh with my son and live in the moment." She's been flare-free for over 10 months and has embarked on a transformative health journey, losing 80+ pounds and enhancing her overall well-being.

A New Life and a New Mission, Sharing Hope:


Embracing her newfound joy, Jovette now indulges in yoga on a stand-up paddleboard and violin lesson. She proudly wears pink, her happy color, and confidently shows off her scars in short sleeves. Determined to help others, especially young girls, Jovette is spreading the word about Tono Health's transformative care. "HS does not define us," she asserts. She is committed to guiding others to a similar path of health and happiness.



Are you ready to embark on your own journey to health and well-being?

 Discover how Tono Health can transform your life. Start here: 

Discover how Jovette found freedom from the pain of Hidradenitis Suppurativa with Tono Health's virtual care. From misdiagnoses to a remarkable transformation, her journey embodies resilience, empowerment, and a virtual-first approach to personalized care.

From Flare-Ups to Freedom: Jovette’s Story of Triumph with Tono Health

I am thrilled that telederm allows for increased access to dermatological services. Many individuals have limited access to an in-person dermatologist or may have to wait weeks to see a dermatologist nearby. Telederm bridges this gap seamlessly, allowing for more timely diagnosis and management of skin conditions. I am very excited to see the field of telederm growing!

I am a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. I received my medical degree (MD) from the George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences. I also hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from George Washington University as part of the seven-year BA and MD program. I completed my dermatology residency training at Howard University Hospital. I have been working in private practice in the DC area since 2021.

I am really looking forward to joining such a passionate team who is dedicated to providing comprehensive care through telederm. I appreciate Tono's dedication to expanding access to dermatological care, at a time when dermatological services are needed more than ever, with rising rates of skin cancer. Tono is setting the stage for making high-quality dermatology care accessible to all.

What made you decide to go into dermatology?

The skin can serve as a window to our overall health and wellbeing. Skin conditions can impact quality of life significantly. The field of dermatology provides an outlet for me to practice individualized and holistic medicine. I am passionate about improving the quality of life of my patients through safe, evidence-based treatments. I appreciate that the field of dermatology is always evolving, allowing me to continue to expand my knowledge to ensure that the quality of patient care continues to advance.

My favorite part of working in dermatology is the opportunity to build relationships with my patients. I really enjoy connecting with my patients and serving as a source of support for them. I also love being able to treat a diverse patient population.

The number of new topical and systemic medications for chronic conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and HS are extraordinary. We have several new medications with unique mechanisms of action to address specific features of these conditions.

Sun protection is the most important component of a skin care regimen. Many skin conditions are worsened or triggered by UV radiation. In addition, the concerning rise in skin cancers further indicates the importance of protecting from the sun. For those with sensitive skin, I recommend using fragrance-free gentle soaps, detergents, and moisturizing creams, to prevent additional irritation to the skin.

I enjoy traveling, spending time with family and friends, cooking, trying new restaurants, and yoga.

Dr. Angra is a dermatologist specializing in skin of color and conditions including acne, eczema, psoriasis, and pigmentary disorders

Meet Dr. Divya Angra, dermatologist at Tono Health

I think telederm is an excellent way to provide dermatological care for patients who may be far away from a dermatology clinic or who have a very busy lifestyle that prevents them from seeing a doctor in person.

I am a double board-certified dermatologist in the US and the UK, with extensive internal medicine training, and have also completed a 2-year fellowship in dermatology. I attended medical school in Austria, with an exchange year in Switzerland.

Are you a member of any medical associations or societies?

American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Skin of Color Society, Women’s Dermatologic Society, International Society of Dermatology, and the International Eczema Council

I am excited about providing care to patients who can enjoy access to a dermatologist from the comfort of their own home or work place.

My interest in dermatology started as a teenager, as I realized the impact of healthy skin. Our skin is visible to others and therefore any skin issues can have a serious impact on someone’s quality of life.

What is your favorite part of working in dermatology as a specialty?

I love the fact that I can help patients of all ages and that dermatology is such a broad specialty, which includes medical dermatology, surgery/lasers, and cosmetics.

What is an exciting development in medicine that you can share?

Our medical knowledge is advancing rapidly and I believe that we may find cures for conditions that have been incurable until now, including for inflammatory diseases such as eczema and psoriasis.

See a board-certified dermatologist to find out how to best care for your skin and not waste your money in trying out numerous skin care products which might not be suitable for you.

I love watching stand up comedy, doing yoga, going on long walks, and dancing tango.


Meet Dr. Yasaman Mansouri: The Multifaceted Dermatologist Dedicated to Your Skin's Health and Beauty

Meet Dr. Yasaman Mansouri, dermatologist at Tono Health

Not having limits! It excites me to be able to deliver patient care across different states to patients with a diversity of situations and needs. I believe that providing excellent patient care should also be combined with forward thinking. Society is evolving and moving fast and I want to be part of that change. The medical field needs to grow along with science and society.

I finished medical school in the Central University of Venezuela. Then I moved to Houston, TX. There I took all the medical examinations that were required to be certified in the United States. Later, I moved to New York, where I completed my Internal medicine residency at Montefiore New Rochelle, associated with the university of Albert Einstein. I am a board certified Internal Medicine physician, but I decided to continue to shape my knowledge on obesity, diabetes and metabolism and currently, I am doing an endocrinology fellowship at the University of Florida

When I heard about Tono, I knew right away that I wanted to be part of their team. Tono is transforming one medical specialty that has long been considered a luxury, the field of dermatology. It is now making it accessible to patients and by doing it through a telemedicine model, patients will now have the opportunity to actively take care of their health without having to pause their busy lives. Common dermatologic conditions such as acne and HS are associated with chronic inflammation, diabetes and obesity. I am truly excited to share my knowledge and skills on endocrine disorders, metabolism and weight management with this spectrum of patients, making their approach more holistic and tailored to their individual needs.

What made you decide to go into endocrinology and obesity management?

Metabolism and obesity have always fascinated me. The interplay between our daily life and its impact on our health is notorious. I love working out and combining what I have learned along the years, with my medical knowledge, allows me to help and understand these patients.

That I get to make an impact in my patients lives, their quality of life and many times even on their families.

The understanding of obesity has evolved and changed significantly over the past decade. We now understand that our patients do not choose to deal with this, that willpower has little to do with it and that finally there are more medical therapies to help these patients achieve their goals.

What advice do you have for people looking to manage diabetes?

To find a specialist that is knowledgeable, but that they can trust and feel comfortable with. There is so much misinformation and misleading statements that only make things more complicated and frustrating. I invite people to embark on this journey with a well trained physician who can treat them and lead them along the way.

Having quality time with my family means everything, but I also love weight lifting, cooking, reading, traveling and learning.

Meet Dr. Maria Bernal, endocrinologist at Tono Health

I love the accessibility and convenience telederm provides both for patients and providers. It allows for time-efficient visits without the hassle of missing work. I get more face-to-face time with my patients, even if it is just over video..

I graduated from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina with an Honors in Latin. I then received my PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. After receiving my PhD, I attended medical school at the Medical College of Georgia. I completed a research fellow at Wake Forest Baptist Health under Dr. Steve Feldman. I moved up to New York for my dermatology residency at New York Medical College where I also served as Chief Resident.

I am a member of the American Academy of Dermatology

I am excited about working for Tono because of its cutting-edge design for telemedicine. It makes providing care easier both for physicians and for patients. Tono really takes into account the struggles of most office-based visits, and offers an easy-to-use platform to allow patients to better access direct care.

I love skin! I draw together clinical and pathological insights to understand visual manifestations of cellular pathways. With each follow-up, I see the impact a dermatologist can have in a patient’s life. Diverse and ever-changing, dermatology combines both my biochemical past and my medical passion.

The doctor–patient relationship. It is collaborative and ongoing. Dermatologists teach about disease and treatment options as they follow patients for years. All the while, dermatologists see their impact on their patients’ skin and lives.

I am so excited that we are finally getting more treatment options for Hidradenitis Suppurativa. For too long, the amount of research and drug investigation was lacking in this area. Too many woman, especially women of color, suffer from this condition that impacts all aspects of life. With new treatment options, I look forward to working with my patients to provide better control of this devastating disease.

Sunscreen sunscreen sunscreen! I recommend finding products you like to use and that are convenient. The best medication is one that you will use!

I love to bake and workout. I am a runner who is getting ready for a half marathon coming up!


Dr. Cline is a psoriasis and teledermatology expert that stands out for her 100+ research publications

Meet Dr. Abigail Cline: Dermatologist at Tono

I graduated magna cum laude from Case Western Reserve University where I majored in biology and psychology with minors in chemistry and Arabic. I then moved to New York where I attended the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. I was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha and Gold Humanism societies at this time. During medical school, I dedicated a year as a research fellow at the Montefiore Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treatment Center (HSTC) and the group leader at the Hope for HS patient support group. I was also fortunate to complete several global health trips in Egypt and Grenada. I then left to Boston to complete my preliminary year of internal medicine training at Harvard’s renowned Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Currently, I am back in NYC and completing my final year of advanced dermatology training at Columbia NYP Hospital.

Why did you decide to work with Tono Health?

I am so excited that Tono is making excellent dermatologic care accessible to all patients. The team behind Tono is energetic, passionate and really forward thinking. I am looking forward to seeing the positive impact that Tono will have on the lives of so many patients.

It seems that the world is an increasingly busy place. Telederm allows patients to continue to manage their health while working, studying, caring for children, etc. Telederm allows patients to be cared for by the physician specialized in their condition despite the distance barrier. For the appropriate patient, it is a tremendous tool that really improves access to state of the art care.

How did you become interested in dermatology?

To be quite honest, I was enamored by nearly every specialty during medical school. During medical school, I spent eight weeks on a global health elective in Cairo where I spent time caring for patients in tropical medicine and plastic and reconstructive surgery. I knew I wanted a specialty that combine both the critical thinking of medical specialties and the problem solving abilities of surgery. Dermatology was a wonderful blend of both and it allowed to me to care for patients of all ages and greatly improve their quality of life.

What is your favorite thing about working in this field?

I love working with the patients as a dermatologist. Since dermatology is such a visual field, patients are often very eager to work with their doctor on treating their skin condition. Its fun taking care of diverse patients of all ages and I always learn something new from them.

Currently, skin care is really having a moment in the media. I think the best piece of advice I can give is to keep it simple. Find a few really important components to your routine and be consistent. Be patient as changes to your skin can take several months and large benefit to a good routine is preventing photoaging, skin laxity and cutaneous cancers down the line.

What do you do to stay up to date on the latest treatments and techniques in dermatology?

Dermatology is a rapidly evolving field with new advances being made every day. I stay up to date on the newest treatments and techniques by being a member of various professional societies such as the American Academy of Dermatology and Skin of Color Society, attending conferences and reading the newest publications.

Do you have any skincare products that you swear by?

There is no one size fits all skin care routine. However, I do think nearly everyone can benefit from a good retinoid and vitamin C. Also, sunscreen is an absolute non-negotiable. The best sunscreen is the one that you will wear every day.

What do you like to focus on/specialize in within the field of dermatology?

I fell in love with dermatology because of the sheer breadth of medical conditions, surgical cases and cosmetic procedures. I have an interest in treating hidradenitis suppurativa, hair loss and acne. I am passionate about providing an excellent standard of care to patients of all skin tones and ethnic backgrounds.

Dr. Soliman is a HS and skin of color expert at Tono Health

Meet Dr. Yssra Soliman, dermatologist at Tono Health

The below is a transcript of Jovette's interview, with edits for clarity.

Jovette’s experience with HS when she was first diagnosed and over the course of her childhood

When I was first diagnosed with HS, I was 11 years old. I'm 36 now. I went to three dermatologists. The third one was the one who actually put a name to it. The other two, they were treating it more like eczema. Topical treatments never worked for me. So the third dermatologist is who actually put a name to the disorder and told me it was HS. But she did not have a lot of experience with HS. Ironically, I didn't know what stage I was until I started to see Dr. Ghias with Tono Health. So even throughout my treatment, I was never told what stage I was. I started to hear that lingo and terminology on Facebook groups. People would say “I'm stage one, stage two, stage three,” and I didn't know what they were referring to. So it was a bit of a scavenger hunt to try to find treatment when I was younger.

The impact of getting diagnosed incorrectly and getting treated in ways that weren't helpful

It got worse. It was exasperating. It went from certain areas and then it escalated into tunneling. When I was younger, I didn't have tunneling. It was just certain affected areas. And then, as time went on, those areas got larger and larger and larger. Again, I didn't know what was happening, but now I know what it is. Tunneling, and then more scar tissue, it was just a domino. It allowed it to get worse, even though I may have been under treatment of a doctor. But the incorrect treatment is like having no treatment at all, honestly. Dr. Ghias was the first doctor that knew what she was talking about.

Having it since I was 11 and now being 36, I had to start doing my own research and figuring out what was going on with my body. I relied a lot on research and articles and stuff like that. It’s like having this pool of information or pieces of a puzzle, but not being able to put all of it together or know what applies to you.

After doing the intake process with Dr. Ghias and sending pictures. I also would like to note that that was my first time. I know it sounds weird. I do not like looking at pictures of HS, but I was very open-minded. Part of it is the shame that's associated with it, but it was my first time ever taking pictures of my own areas. When I got on the line with her, she was confident. She explained medically what was going on. It was just laid out. It was like this light was shed on all of this information and allowed the pieces of the puzzle to be shuffled and put in the right place. I used to either leave the doctor's office in pain or frustrated, and this was the first time I ended a call and I was happy, like I had hope.

How living with HS has impacted Jovette’s life

I think having HS completely destroyed my self-esteem. My self worth, that whole process, I think that probably would have been much different if I didn't have HS. But I struggled with that even before I had a chance to even start building it. And I feel even for people who have HS on visible areas. I know men get it on their necks. Some women have it on their necks, their chins. But because it's in your private and intimate areas, it affected my thoughts of even being able to be in a relationship. So that's where it started.

Fast forwarding to early high school, when friends started to date and stuff like that, I thought in the back of my head, “Oh my God, I'm never going to be able to date. I'm never going to be able to have a relationship.” And so it was heartbreaking and it destroyed my self-esteem, and now it's taken very hard lessons, some very bad relationships, but maturity and being my own advocate. It's funny, when I became a part of this team, I put on my signature HS Queen, and you don't feel that way, but you gotta own it sometimes and say, “I'm going to demand this.” That was part of my initiative, the drive behind being a part of Tono Health and giving it a chance. I'm like, if there's a team and I heard “HS specialist,” I'm on board. Just if it opened up an opportunity for me to meet a doctor that could connect me to another doctor. I just was blessed to get a great doctor in Dr. Ghias, but it's been hard.

I'm an accountant. I'm an assistant controller now, but I started my career in the city. I used to work in Chelsea Pier, commuting from New Jersey. When you’re having a flare commuting on the train. or standing on the train or sitting for long periods of time, we can't just call out. There were deadlines. There was no remote work. We didn't have any hybrid work, so I had to go in. There were days I was just in pain and I used to just manage it. I actually am not a big fan of a lot of over-the-counter pain meds. So I did not take them. So now I'm putting myself even through a higher level of pain. So I became comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Pain became a part of my every day. I just found ways to cope with it. And when I could not bear or cope with it when it was excruciating, that's when I would go to a hospital or my doctor for injections. But yeah, professionally, it affected me.

Jovette’s experience going to hospitals or ERs without a physician who could explain what was going on

The experience was frustrating. I was angry. I was always on the fence when I got there because you're going through the same process. HS doesn't change. Meaning the process of what happens with your body. It can be in a different area, whatever, but the disorder affects you the same way. I would meet doctors that hadn’t heard of it. They would not tell me, but I knew it was their first time seeing HS, the stage that I had, because I'm stage 3. And no doctor's ever going to say, I can't treat you. I think by law they can't deny you treatment. But in any case, it became frustrating.

Every treatment to relieve the pain is painful. When you go to the hospital, usually they'll drain it. Sometimes they'll pack it. And for me, that didn’t get rid of the pain because you're in pain maybe three to four days after until your antibiotics and your body starts healing. But those areas always came back. I feel like all the ones that I got treated in the emergency room, once it healed and came back, it was worse. That just wasn’t the right way to handle it. And when I would get injections, the steroid, for me it was Kenalog. That's what they would normally do in the doctor's office. It was so painful with tunneling just in one area. Let's just say my worst area had like 15 areas. So they would have to do the 15 injections within those areas. And now speaking to Dr. Ghias, they were not even injecting the right amount of units, which makes sense because in the beginning it used to work it hurt like hell. But by the next day I was able to at least move around. Eventually as my HS became acute or worse, it stopped working. So I would get the injection, and then a few days later it would start to get worse. So it was frustrating. So when I'm coming to see a doctor, I'm already on defense. They recommend antibiotics. I say no, that doesn't work. I felt like I was teaching them how to treat me. It was frustrating beacuse as a patient, you're coming to a doctor for help.

What made Jovette decide to sign up for Tono Health?

Christine, your patient advocate. Actually, it was shared on a Facebook group that I'm a part of, and it was the first Facebook group that I was a part of just to show me that other people had HS. And when I looked at the subscribers, it's in the thousands. That was comforting just to know that there were others. In her post, I saw “treatment” and “HS specialists.” And that's what I've been trying to find, I wanted to see a HS specialist. I've heard of the different clinics, but they were not in my area. So I thought, this is an opportunity for me to see an actual specialist. So I jumped on it. As I said before, my pain drove me to have this perseverance that I'm going to find the best treatment possible. That's what drove me to continue. I'm not going to stop.
I'm not going to give up on myself. I'm going to find someone who’s going to treat this disorder. Someone's going to help me.

What Tono can help patients with HS achieve

Tackling HS from every angle, meaning treatment, whether it’s topical, antibiotics, infusions. Whatever is best for that person. A plan of action that allows the patient to be proactive, meaning not waiting until it gets worse to treat it. Also, minimizing the flares. A plan of action in case of emergency.

As I am working with Dr. Ghias, I just had an acute flare and I was in so much pain. I'm in upstate New York. Her trying to find somewhere to do the injections, the intramuscular, or any injection was a task. So now she's working with my primary care, and that is in the works to get that laid out just in case I do need to get treatment where I need to go in person. So I think it gives you a plan of action. So when HS rears its ugly head, you're not just just waiting to get an appointment with your doctor. You have access to send an emergency email, and then for someone to get back to you. But also it holds me accountable that there's a part, as a patient, you have to do yourself. I have to take care of making sure my diabetes is under control, lose weight, all of those things.

I just feel like I have a partnership with Tono Health. I'm not doing this alone anymore. I have someone that is advocating and willing to help me along the way. It's comforting. There's no cure, of course, but I have a doctor by my side that's like, okay, we’re going walk this together and get you in the best shape possible. So I'm blessed. Tono Health has been a blessing. I brag about seeing an HS specialist. About working with a specialist. I tell my friends and my family. And I'm proud to be a part of this team and this journey. When I'm on those Facebook groups, I see kids getting diagnosed very early, their parents asking for doctors. I just feel for the parent and I feel for the child, knowing the long road that they have. So I'm hoping that Tono Health can help speed up that process, because it took way too long for me to get diagnosed. So I'm hoping that it could help someone younger than me not go through as harsh a process.

What should parents who have a child with HS know?

That you are worthy. You are not your HS. HS does not define us. It is an overbearing disorder where it can become the main point that just takes over every part of your life. But that is not what defines you. Please do not take any advice from anyone other than a professional, a medical professional that specializes in HS. Do not take it, because everybody's walk is different. So do not go to the internet for treatment because things that work for one person may not work for you. So take on this journey as your own. You get to know your body and you seek the right medical professional care to help you.

Do not ignore your mental health. For me, my treatment in HS was very reactive. I had my ways of coping, but because I wasn't getting treatment that was long-term treatment, I would still always have very bad flares once to twice a month. On a bad month, it could be five times a month. So I was always treating the flare and it weighed very heavily on my mental health. Untreated mental health is just like untreated hs. And so just advocate for yourself, don't give up on yourself. That's what I would say to every person that has HS.

And Tono Health. I learned about this from a post that was shared on a Facebook group. So I came into it with my eyes open like, is this real? Is this really going to help me? I had questions. But have an open mind. The treatment itself will prove to you that the doctors you're working with know what they're talking about.

 Access more educational content about HS at 

An interview with Tono patient Jovette Simmons about her experience with HS and her experience with the Tono platform

An interview with Tono patient Jovette Simmons

The below is a transcript of Dr. Cohen's video of a typical patient encounter from the HS Center, with edits for clarity.

HS is a disease of the hair follicles. We have hair follicles all over our body. Obviously, you have hair follicles on your scalp and your eyebrows, but you actually have hair every place on your body except for your palms and your soles and your your lips. It's very unusual that in this particular disease, you only get HS in certain areas. This includes your underarms, breasts, abdominal fold, upper inner thigh, groin, and buttocks.

There's also another condition, which is in the same family, called a pilonidal cyst, which occurs at the base of the spine. HS is part of a family of diseases that are all related to acne, and they all have a similar starting point - the hair follicle.



You can think of the hair follicle itself as long and thin, like a test tube. The hair itself is actually not a living structure. Once the hair starts to grow, the hair grows out, but there are many other things in the hair follicle in addition to the hair. There are the oil glands, also called the sebaceous glands, and they produce oil that has to come out of the same opening as the hair. There's also a lot of bacteria in your hair follicles. It's normal for everybody to have bacteria inside their hair follicles. Usually, they're not doing anything and are no problem for us, but when you have HS, they can become a problem.

What happens in all these acne family diseases is that you have inflammation of the hair follicle. It starts when the hair follicle closes up on the top. These diseases are often called follicular occlusion diseases, with occlusion meaning closing off. When the hair follicle closes off, the hair keeps on growing and it has no place to go. So it coils up inside of the hair follicle. The oil has no place to go, so it starts to build up, and the hair follicle starts to bulge. Then the bacteria have more room to grow. Ultimately, the follicle gets so full that sometimes it will just open up - and that is good because it doesn't cause a problem when that happens. But other times it'll just break open under the skin (rupture) and trigger even more of an inflammatory response.

When the hair follicle ruptures, your immune system sees what's inside the hair follicle and it begins to trigger an immediate response. First of all, it hates the bacteria - it thinks the bacteria are foreign invaders - even if they're doing nothing, it doesn't see them as friends. The immune system starts bringing white cells, or pus, to the area. So you get all this pus that's coming in from all of the white cells, which can be a good thing if you're having a true infection, but it's not such a good thing in HS because it starts causing random inflammation.

The second thing is that you get blood vessels coming in because the blood vessels are bringing in the white cells. The blood vessels get enlarged and engorged with the white cells. Sometimes if the follicle ruptures at the top, you'll see the pus will come out of the surface. The other thing is that the immune system really doesn't like the hair - it sees the hair as being a foreign body, like a splinter - so that also stimulates further inflammation.

Once you get this ruptured hair follicle you have a tremendous amount of inflammation going on, which is painful, and it is part of the process that is at the center of HS.

One thing we want to treat is the bacteria. We want to try and reduce the bacteria even if you don't have an active HS episode. We want to keep the bacteria down, so that if you do have a hair follicle rupture, there won't be that much bacteria in there.

We recommend using an antibiotic soap and an antibiotic gel. You wash the area that you have HS with the antibacterial soap, called Hibiclens (chlorhexidine), instead of regular soap. You can wash in the shower or sink, and then you pat the area dry. Then, you take a small amount of the antibacterial gel, make your fingertips wet, and massage it into the areas where you have HS. This external antibiotic coverage for the HS areas can be preventative, because it basically helps to keep the overall bacteria level down.

If there is deeper involvement, we may recommend systemic antibiotics to treat the bacteria. These antibiotics go into your bloodstream. One good thing about the inflammation is that it dilates the blood vessels. Not only does this bring the white cells to the affected areas, but it will bring the antibiotic too. This is also one of the reasons we like to use hot compresses on areas that are really painful and uncomfortable because the hot compresses bring more blood in and get more antibiotic into that site.

We have a few different types of antibiotics. We have antibiotics that cover bacteria that grow in the presence of oxygen - called aerobic bacteria. But if you have very deep involvement in some areas, you may need a special antibiotic for the deeper bacteria, called anaerobic bacteria. Anaerobic bacteria can grow in the absence of oxygen, so they don't need air to grow, and there are special antibiotics for that, because regular antibiotics like penicillin don't cover anaerobic bacteria.

The other thing that is going on during this process is that you have a lot of inflammation. The inflammation is causing a lot of pain, so we really want to suppress that inflammation. We have a few different ways of doing that, but one of the most effective options is to give you a biologic agent. This is a special medication that goes inside your body and can decrease the inflammation long-term.

For HS, we have a few types of these agents, such as humira (adalimumab), which you inject into your body yourself. There are also biologics that are given intravenously, such as infliximab. The intravenous option can be beneficial, because it is weight-based and the dose and frequency can be adjusted depending on disease severity.

Another type of treatment we use is anti-androgen therapy. The majority of people with HS get it in their teens, oftentimes with puberty. As we've learned from treating acne, if we block certain hormones, it can help acne a lot. So we've we've applied that to the treatment of HS, and it really makes a big difference. With anti-androgen therapy, we can directly block it through a few different medications, or for females, we may also recommend oral contraceptives (birth control pills).

Birth control pills can be very effective for some female patients. The estrogen and the androgen have a “yin-yang” relationship. If you have a lot of female hormone, it blocks the male hormone. When you have a lot of male hormone, it blocks the female hormone. Women who have polycystic ovary disease have a lot of male hormone, and this causes irregularities in their menstrual cycle. In HS, we've found that blocking male hormones (or androgens) either with birth control pills or with a direct male hormone blocker medication called spironolactone (for females), or sometimes we use another medication called finasteride (for males or females), it won't cure your disease, but it will definitely help it. There are a whole range of treatments and, like with any treatment, it will require some trial and error to see what works.

The medications can all be taken together, but sometimes people do not tolerate oral antibiotics. They may get an upset stomach, or feel dizzy. We want you to feel better. We don't want you to feel worse. So if something doesn’t work, you have your doctor’s contact information, and we want you to contact us.

 Access more educational content about HS other skin conditions from Dr. Cohen and other experts at 

Dr. Cohen explains relevant information about HS to a new patient

A typical new patient encounter from the HS Center

Tono was named and branded with the help of renowned design firm Fuseproject, who has worked with iconic clients including Google, Nike, and Starbucks. Our goal was to create a brand that was boldly inclusive, celebrated diversity, and embraced science and innovation. After a month of workshops and user testing, Tono emerged as the top choice due to its easy pronunciation and alignment with our mission of expanding access to best-in-class care.

Our founder, Dr. Ghias, grew up in an immigrant household where English was not the primary language. She wanted to emphasize the importance of making care accessible to people who speak different languages. Tono hopes to be the bridge that helps underserved groups navigate the complex healthcare system and access expert care.

We worked with John Besford, who has three decades of experience delivering brand design leadership with some of the world’s most successful companies, including Samsung, GE, BBC, Alaskan Airlines, Charles Schwab, NFL, and T-Mobile. We aimed to create a brand that was both bold and approachable, celebrating the potential of modern medicine. The unique Tono logo was designed to build trust and connection between our dermatologists and patients, and the precision and science behind the brand are reflected in its balance and geometry.

The Tono color palette is bold and fresh, incorporating elements of science and technology while still feeling approachable and optimistic. The colors were chosen by Dr. Ghias after an extensive review of medical literature and analyzing MRI scans of how people react to different colors. Tono purple was selected to convey feelings of calmness and hope.

The lifestyle photography direction for Tono showcases bold, ambitious people of unique character and diverse backgrounds. We believe that everyone has the potential to achieve their goals with the support of expert medical care.

We focused on differentiating the medical care our brand delivers from the aesthetically focused skincare branding that people are familiar with. At Tono, we are treating serious medical conditions with cutting-edge treatments, providing the same level of expert care that patients would receive at a hospital. We are committed to using the most advanced treatments available to help our patients reach their full potential.

Overall, our goal at Tono is to help patients reach their full potential with the support of expert medicine. Today, we are building on our brand identity by developing software and networks of specialist doctors to better deliver patient care. Our ability to innovate and deliver care reinforces our commitment to being boldly inclusive, celebrating diversity, and embracing science and innovation. It's exciting to see how technology is unlocking new opportunities in the field of dermatology, enabling us to reach and serve more patients and deliver expert care.

We are committed to being boldly inclusive, celebrating diversity, and embracing science and innovation.

How we picked the name "Tono"

Meet Yahya Soliman, a patient advocate and operations team member at Tono Health. His role emphasizes closely working with each of the teams within Tono to ensure that they are fully supported. In this role, he translates patient feedback to inform Tono on how best to build software features to help patients as they navigate care. Prior to Tono, Yahya was a student at Boston College Morrissey School of Arts and Sciences, where he graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Economics, Political Science and a minor in Finance. Yahya also competed in Division 1 Cross Country and Track & Field at Boston College.


At Tono, I am the first point of contact for all patients — new and returning. My job is to answer any questions about Tono and teledermatology to help them get prepared for their first visit. I help patients stay connected to their care team in between visits. That means helping patients understand our platform and what teledermatology can and cannot do. I also support patients with pharmacy, billing and insurance. If patients don't have insurance, I help them connect with assistance programs so that they can still get care. I am with the patients through every step of their care journey. They can always reach out to me for support or with any questions.


My favorite part of the job is the experience of meeting new people. Healthcare is a truly personal experience. I learn a lot from the conversations I have with patients about their care journeys before Tono and with Tono. The breakthroughs, the struggles, the frustrations are all part of that experience, and I feel privileged to be able to hear these personal stories. It’s even more of a privilege to help people feel heard and get them the care they deserve.


The big draw to working at Tono is being able to make a difference in such the most important aspect of people's lives every single day. We can all relate to the humbling feeling we get from being sick and then frustrated with the lack of adequate care options.

Early in college, I developed an intense skin rash that covered my whole body. I spent over a month between the various care providers while each tried to figure out my rash and how to treat it. I eventuallyI turned to my sister, who was still in med school at the time, out of frustration. Within minutes she figured out it was just a chlorine rash. I couldn’t believe it, so I returned to the university’s medical staff to confirm. They did confirm that it was in fact a simple chlorine rash; they just had never seen it on someone with my skin color before.
To be working for a company whose mission is to expand specialty care to all patients — regardless of location, wealth, ethnicity etc. — means a lot to me because I know I'm doing something right.

What have you learned from the patients at Tono?


The patients we treat at Tono are some of the strongest, most courageous people I’ve ever met. Each conversation I have with new patients provides some sort of fresh perspective on life and what we do at Tono. What I've learned from their stories is a lesson in being resilient, optimistic and passionate in fighting for what you deserve, for what’s right. It’s a real motivation to always strive to go above and beyond.

What are you most excited about regarding your role at Tono?


We’ve gotten some great feedback from patients about features and tools they hope to see from Tono. I am really excited to work with the Tono engineers as we continue to build around those expectations. We’re growing a community of passionate people coming together to change the healthcare experience. That in itself excites me everyday.

What do you like to do when you’re not at Tono?


I love being outdoors as much as possible. I play soccer a few times a week and go running most days as well. I also enjoy biking, swimming and playing tennis. Sometimes I bring a hammock to one of the parks and dive into a book. Working with my hands brings me a lot of joy, so I absolutely love cooking and sewing. I’m constantly trying to learn more about cooking new recipes and clothes making techniques.

Yahya is a patient advocate and operations team member at Tono Health.

Employee Spotlight: Yahya Soliman

We started Tono with a simple mission: to radically expand access to best-in-class, specialty care, starting with expert dermatology. We believe that every patient deserves access to the best medical care. Sadly, today over 135 million Americans struggle to access dermatology care. On average, patients are waiting 60+ days to see a specialized dermatologist, and millions more don’t have access at all. These patients are suffering and their conditions are worsening — the current system is failing. That’s why we are building a platform where every patient can access the expert care they need, all from the comfort and privacy of their own home.

To address this challenge, we assembled an expert team at the intersection of medicine, technology, and operations. We began by recruiting a group of leading dermatologists at the forefront of medical innovation. Our founding doctors run leading specialty centers and have published extensively in leading medical journals. To translate the cutting-edge of treatments into a scalable solution, we also brought on an exceptional team of engineers to develop patient-centric technology. Our engineering and operations teams came from renowned technology companies, where they had experience solving complex problems. We are united and motivated to develop innovative technology that will allow more patients to experience the benefits of leading specialist care.

: We have networks of specialists and are building technology to make it easy for patients to connect and receive care.

Innovate and deliver forefront of next generation treatments

: Our doctors are knowledgeable about the latest innovations and go above and beyond to deliver our patients the most advanced care.

Making care affordable and convenient for patients

: We are working with insurance plans, including medicaid, medicare and many others.

The future of dermatology is bright, and we are excited to be a part of it.

 Technology unlocks the ability to connect more patients with expert doctors for high-quality care, enabling us to make a positive difference in the lives of our patients. We are proud to be at the forefront of this movement, and we are excited to see what our patients can achieve with access to expert care.




We're on a mission to deliver best-in-class specialty care

Welcome to Tono: A note from our founders

Your patient cooridinator will ensure you get the right match. Our team is staffed with many of the leading dermatologists in the country. Each doctor has a targeted focus, so that you get an expert that specializes in your needs.

Connect with experts.

All Tono patients get access to personalized tools that help you stay connected between appointments. Your feedback & treatment progress allows your medical team to make any needed adjustments.

Stay connected.

You get insights and treatments from the leading research & treatment centers.

Go online, get life-changing care

 With Tono, you'll get access to the right treatment for you. Our doctors are experts at implementing the latest medical treatments to ensure you get the best outcome. You'll get the best treatment for you, and even have it delivered right to your door.

Get effective treatment.

Your membership gives you access to best-in-class dermatology. We make it easier to get the care you need, when you want it.

Personalized care for you

Your membership will unlock access to our digital platform, enabling you to use our tools and to schedule appointments with our team.

Membership benefits you'll enjoy

You can too.

Tono members are overcoming their skin problems.

Get expert dermatology care for Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, and acne in 3 days.

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Meet Dr. Calvin Wu, triple board-certified endocrinologist and diabetes specialist at Tono Health