Dr. Andrew B. Menkes
After 24 years of practice, Dr. Menkes continues to offer the superb, personalized care that has established him as a highly respected and trusted dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon. His peers have recognized him as one of the top physicians in the San Francisco Bay Area in multiple publications, including Consumer Checkbook, San Francisco Focus Magazine and San Jose Magazine.
Click here for his credentials and expanded biography
Dr. Lillian Soohoo
Dr. Soohoo joins Dr. Andrew B. Menkes and his team at the Menkes Clinic. She earned her undergraduate degree in Human Biology at Stanford and her medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine where she was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. She completed her dermatology residency at University Hospitals of Cleveland where she served as Chief Resident. Dr. Soohoo is board certified in both general and pediatric dermatology, and has expertise in a wide range of cosmetic dermatology services.
In addition to her busy practice, Dr. Soohoo serves as a Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at Stanford University School of Medicine. Her goal is to provide the highest level of dermatologic care to patients in a friendly, comfortable environment.
Rachel Huveldt, RN, MPA Practice Administrator
Rachel's education in business management and managed care as well as her extensive background working with Fortune 500 companies serve her well in fulfilling her pivotal position at The Menkes Clinic.
Her primary challenge came in the form of assisting Dr. Menkes to fulfill his vision, that of providing total quality skincare for his patients and delivering a higher standard of patient care. This called for hiring a staff of highly qualified professionals and molding them into a high-performing team that would achieve the vision and mission of the Menkes Clinic. Rachel believes that the clinic's success largely depends on the quality of the people managing it.
She has implemented operational systems designed to function smoothly and effectively with only one purpose in mind: meeting the individual needs of every patient.
When not busy at work, Rachel enjoys investing in real estate, traveling with her husband, Patrick, and gardening.
Karen Keith Patient Care Coordinator
Karen applies more than seven years of extensive and diverse experience in the field of cosmetic/aesthetic dermatology to her work at the Menkes Clinic. Forming working partnerships with patients to help them make wise and informed decisions about their skincare needs drives a major part of that work.
From the initial consultation, through the actual procedure and post-treatment checkups, she stays with patients to ensure their goals are met. This close working relationship helps them remain informed about their options and alleviates the apprehension that sometimes accompanies cosmetic treatment.
It all begins with the complimentary consultation she offers and results in a personalized skin-rejuvenation program tailored to each individual's requirements. The information and care Karen provides builds the patient's trust and comfort level so essential before any procedure. She is truly a valuable asset to the clinic's mission.
When not immersed in home improvement projects, she enjoys hiking, sailing, rollerblading and gardening.
Lilly Le, RN Surgical and Aesthetics Nurse
Lilly's background in dermatology and plastic surgery includes a specialization in operating room technique, procedures and management. At The Menkes Clinic, she provides oversight of surgical procedures to insure regulatory compliance and adherence to our high standard of patient care.
A member of the aesthetics team, she also administers skin rejuvenation treatments that require a registered nurse.
Lilly enjoys cooking her favorite recipes, martial arts and spending time with her family.
Kendel Higgins Front Office Supervisor
In one sense, Kendel is the face of The Menkes Clinic since she is often the first person patients see as they arrive. She helps set the tone of the clinic by ensuring that when they walk through the door they discover a positive, helpful and personable environment.
The office management and supervisory positions Kendal has held in a wide range of medical operations, including a medical group of 40 physicians, a single physician dermatology practice and a large cosmetic dermatology medical center, have all prepared her to handle her current important duties.
The hectic business of running a busy clinic front office requires the ability to orchestrate the flow of patients in an orderly and calm manner. With the help of a great team, Kendal applies her effective formula.
At home, she relaxes by playing with her three dogs, watching movies or listening to music.
Front Office Receptionists
Without the help of two very capable front office receptionists, Kendel could not possibly handle all of the duties of her demanding position. Tara and Christine form a team that provides her with excellent support.
Tara Di Cairano Front Office Receptionist
An expert in multi-tasking, Tara brings 12 years of medical office experience to her job of helping to keep the front office humming. Tara relaxes away from work, with her family, enjoying shopping, traveling and fine dining.
Christine Rios Front Office Receptionists
A solid background in customer service, office management and medical assistance, enables Christine to meet her duties at the clinic. In her leisure time, she enjoys scrap-booking, volleyball and time with her family.
Medical Assistants
Medical Assistants are critical to the smooth functioning of the Menkes Clinic. They perhaps provide the most important link between Dr. Menkes and his patients in positively meeting their medical needs. Pre- and post-treatment dermatological duties, as well as chores during a procedure, encompass the wide-range of responsibilities the position demands. These may include preparing a patient for treatment, assisting Dr. Menkes during a surgical or aesthetic procedure or helping the patient understand what is required after treatment. This often involves providing patients with information or resources for necessary medications or whatever else they may require after their visit. Sometimes that may just involve a caring word of encouragement or support. The team of Menkes Clinic medical assistants is especially good at that.
Melanie Oliveira
Melanie is a long-term Menkes employee and takes the lead in organizing the activities of the medical assistance team. She enjoys spending quality time with her family, reading or riding her dirt bike.
Megan Yates
Megan's specific background in dermatology and cosmetic surgery provides the clinic with a valuable capability. Her varied outside interests include oil painting, running and weight training.
Luciene Da Silva Howard
The combination of Lucy's medical knowledge and her organizational skills makes her a valuable Menkes Clinic player. She spends many of her off hours delighting in the unique music of her native Brazil.
Business Office
Carolyn Vick Medical Records Technician
It would be impossible for Carolyn to carry out her responsibilities without great organizational skills and an impeccable attention to detail. A career that spans twenty years has provided her with the invaluable experience and abilities to manage her critical medical record keeping duties at The Menkes Clinic. Away from the office, she takes great pleasure in cooking and embroidery.
Pat Hoapili Medical Billing Specialist
Pat handles all of the clinic’s billing responsibilities. Her work often calls for helping patients understand and resolve insurance issues involving either governmental or private insurers. Pat's extensive background in dealing with Medicare and private insurance policies and procedures furnishes a valuable asset to the clinic. Pat spends most of her leisure hours supporting her grandkids in all their sports activities.