Dr. Rachel Howald, a native of Springfield, IL, joined Nashville Skin in January 2019. She is a board-certified expert in Mohs micrographic surgery, general dermatology, and cosmetic dermatology. 

Dr. Howald earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from Bradley University in Peoria, IL, where she graduated summa cum laude. She attended Southern Illinois University School of Medicine where she finished at the top of her class and was elected by faculty and her peers into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. Dr. Howald stayed at Southern Illinois University to complete her internship in Internal Medicine. She then relocated to Nashville for her three-year dermatology residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Following residency, Dr. Howald completed a fellowship in Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology at Case Western Reserve University / University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. During her fellowship, she received extensive training on advanced reconstruction following the removal of skin cancers as well as additional instruction in cosmetic dermatology. She finished her fellowship in July 2017 and worked as an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine before joining Nashville Skin.

Dr. Howald has authored multiple articles in national peer-reviewed medical journals, as well as several book chapters. She has also presented at national meetings. She is board-certified in dermatology and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. She is a member of the American College of Mohs Surgery and an active member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the Women’s Dermatological Society, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and the International Peeling Society. In her spare time, Dr. Howald enjoys hiking, exercising, cooking, traveling, and spending time with her husband and two children.