Our Leadership
Dr. James Y. Wang and Alison Deans serve as Co-CEOs of Metropolis Dermatology, jointly guiding the vision and growth of the practice. Dr. Wang leads clinical innovation and strategic direction, ensuring the highest standards of dermatologic care. Alison brings deep expertise in organizational development and operational excellence, driving the day-to-day success of the business. Together, their complementary strengths and collaborative leadership empower Metropolis to thrive in a dynamic healthcare landscape—delivering exceptional dermatology services to communities across California.
About the Founders
At the heart of Metropolis Dermatology is a partnership built on trust, shared purpose, and a deep respect for both people and progress. Co-Chief Executive Officers Dr. James Y. Wang and Alison Deans have spent years building something truly special together—a dermatology practice that prioritizes not just excellent medicine, but also the culture, people, and systems that make that care possible.
Their co-leadership structure isn’t typical, but then again, neither is Metropolis. From the beginning, Dr. Wang and Alison believed that the best way to grow something meaningful was to combine their distinct strengths. Dr. Wang, a board-certified dermatologist with a passion for innovation, has always led the clinical side of the practice—bringing vision, rigor, and a relentless commitment to staying ahead of the curve in dermatologic care. He’s the one imagining what’s possible, pushing for new technologies, and always asking, “How can we take better care of our patients?”
Alison, meanwhile, brings a rare gift for building strong organizations. Her background in team development, operations, and leadership helps ensure that Metropolis runs with clarity, stability, and heart. From hiring and onboarding to systems and daily workflows, Alison is the one making sure that the practice supports its people—providers, staff, and patients alike—in the ways that matter most. She’s deeply committed to creating a place where people love to work, and where patients feel seen, heard, and cared for.
Together, they form a true partnership—one that is equal parts strategic and human. What makes their collaboration work is mutual respect and effective communication. They are in constant contact, not because they have to be, but because they’re both fully invested in building something enduring, responsive, and excellent. Their shared leadership allows Metropolis to stay grounded in its values while remaining nimble enough to adapt, evolve, and grow in a rapidly changing healthcare environment.
Today, Metropolis Dermatology is more than just a clinic. It’s a community of thoughtful, forward-thinking professionals who care deeply about what they do—and that spirit starts at the top. Dr. Wang and Alison remain committed to delivering outstanding dermatologic care to patients throughout California, while also fostering a culture of continuous learning, empathy, and excellence.
They didn’t set out to build the biggest practice. They set out to build the best one—and they’re still at it.
Dr. James Y. Wang, MD, MBA
Founder & Co-CEO, Metropolis Dermatology
Dr. James Y. Wang is a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who’s equal parts skin expert and strategy nerd. As Founder and Co-CEO of Metropolis Dermatology, he’s built one of California’s most forward-thinking dermatology practices—with a special knack for combining cutting-edge technology, aesthetic artistry, and good vibes. Whether he’s diagnosing skin cancer or designing the perfect laser protocol for acne scars, Dr. Wang brings both precision and creativity to the world of skin health.
A Harvard-trained physician with an MBA to boot (yes, he’s that guy), Dr. Wang completed his dermatology residency at UCLA and a fellowship in dermatopathology at Memorial Sloan Kettering and Weill Cornell. But don’t let the fancy degrees fool you—he’s down-to-earth and genuinely obsessed with helping patients feel confident in their skin. He’s a nationally recognized expert in lasers, anti-aging skincare, and natural-looking injectables, with a belief that dermal fillers should refresh—not inflate—the face. His signature style? Subtle, balanced, and tailored to each face like a designer suit.
Dr. Wang is also a frequent speaker, writer, and consultant in the world of aesthetic dermatology. He’s been named a Super Doctor, Top Doctor, and Top Dermatologist more times than his modest self will admit—and patients love his mix of sharp clinical insight and warm, approachable care. He’s helped shape the industry’s best practices in skincare and is often called on for his take on the future of cosmetic dermatology.
When he’s not running multi-location clinics or testing the latest laser, Dr. Wang is probably skiing too fast, ordering something spicy, or plotting his next travel adventure. He speaks Mandarin, loves a good skincare meme, and believes everyone deserves to glow with confidence—ideally after SPF and a little hyaluronic acid.
Alison Deans, MHA
Co-CEO & Co-Founder, Metropolis Dermatology
Alison is a healthcare leader with more than 15 years of experience in healthcare operations. She is skilled at building high-growth healthcare organizations, with a focus on operational excellence, culture creation, and smart innovation. Her expertise has been essential in building Metropolis into the vibrant, modern dermatology practice it is today.
Alison is committed to developing the next generation of healthcare leaders who can transform the industry to build a better healthcare future. As an advisor and board member, she’s contributed to organizations such as Women Health Care Executives, UCSF Health Hub, and CSweetener, furthering her dedication to advancing the healthcare landscape.
Alison holds a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Washington and completed executive education at Harvard Medical School. She has a BA in Psychology and Political Science from the University of Colorado Boulder.
Alison was born and raised in Massachusetts, and she maintains an excellent driving record but not the accent. She lives in Napa Valley with her husband and their sweet Lab, Beau. She’s Pilates obsessed, a wine country enthusiast, and on the hunt to find the world’s best almond croissant.