Dermatology

Dermatology is the branch of medicine dealing with the skin. It is a specialty with both medical and surgical aspects. A dermatologist is a specialist medical doctor who manages diseases related to skin, hair, nails, and some cosmetic problems. Dr. Echols is available at Rio Grande Hospital’s Specialty Clinic in Del Norte.

Kathryn Echols, MD

Specialty: Dermatology

Biography:Dr. Echols grew up in Pike County, Georgia. She loved science from a young age and by late high school knew she wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. Her grandfather, Dr. Raymond E. Flake, himself a retired internal medicine doctor, played a large role in inspiring her to choose medicine. Dr. Echols was particularly interested in the field of pathology, but during medical school at the Medical College of Georgia she realized she loved interacting with patients and didn’t want to give up direct patient care. Then she discovered dermatology. Dermatology is a unique field in medicine — a physician can train in dermatology, do further training in dermatopathology, and then practice both clinical and surgical dermatology as well as dermatopathology. It was a perfect fit for her wide range of interests.

After completing medical school at The Medical College of Georgia, Dr. Echols moved to Colorado for her internship at Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center in Denver through The Colorado Health Foundation. It was during this year that Dr. Echols and her husband fell in love with Colorado. After her internship, she completed a three-year dermatology residency program in Charleston, SC at The Medical University of South Carolina, where she trained in general dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, dermatologic surgery, and pediatric dermatology. After completion of her residency, she went on to complete a one-year fellowship in dermatopathology at The Medical University of South Carolina where she gained specialized training in the interpretation of skin biopsies.

Sophia Rangwala, MD

Specialty: Dermatology

Biography: Dr. Sophia Rangwala is double board certified in Dermatology and Dermatopathology, and is dedicated to providing quality patient-centered care in all aspects of medical dermatology. She grew up in Tucson, Arizona and for her undergraduate studies, attended Harvard University where she graduated with honors. She earned her MD at the Baylor College of Medicine in 2012, and completed her dermatology residency at the University of Colorado. After receiving her board certification in dermatology, Dr. Rangwala went on to pursue a dermatopathology fellowship at Johns Hopkins University to gain additional expertise in the microscopic diagnosis of skin disorders, including skin cancers and inflammatory skin conditions. She credits this additional training for further honing her diagnostic skills as a clinician. Dr. Rangwala has been practicing in Colorado for several years, and is delighted to now be serving the Central Colorado community.

Call 719-657-3277 to schedule an appointment.

Mission: With a smile and a helping hand, we provide quality care and service to our communities.

Vision: We will distinguish ourselves as the trusted healthcare destination.
We will provide compassionate healthcare and advocate wellness through innovative access, preventive medicine,
and collaborative partnerships within our diverse community.

OUR LOCATIONS

Rio Grande Hospital

310 County Road 14
Del Norte, CO 81132
Tel: 719-657-2510
Open: 24/7

Creede Family Practice

802 Rio Grande
Creede, CO 81130
Tel: 719-658-0929

Rio Grande
Hospital Clinic

310C County Road 14
Del Norte, CO 81132
Tel: 719-657-2418

Monte Vista Medical Clinic & Pharmacy

1033 2nd Avenue
Monte Vista, CO 81144
Tel: 719-852-8827
Pharmacy Tel: 719-628-0533

Rio Grande Hospital Clinic at South Fork

52 Jackson Street
South Fork, CO 81154
Tel: 719-873-5494