Thirty years ago, Edgebrook Dermatology opened its doors with one simple but powerful mission: to provide the Rockford community with exceptional dermatologic care rooted in science, integrity, and compassion.
What began in August of 1996 as one physician’s vision has grown into one of Northern Illinois’ most trusted dermatology practices—but the values that inspired its founding remain exactly the same today.
“At Edgebrook Dermatology our clinic prioritizes exceptional patient care. Our employees are the backbone of our clinic and all we do. I am so thankful to be surrounded by such hardworking employees that understand the power of team work, patient care, and love what they do.”
– Dr. Maria Al-Basha, Board-Certified Dermatologist, Founder & President of Edgebrook Dermatology
Where It All Began
Before founding Edgebrook Dermatology, Dr. Maria Al-Basha spent several years practicing dermatology and refining her approach to patient care. Through those experiences, she recognized something that would shape the future of the practice: patients needed more than expert medical treatment. They deserved to feel heard, respected, educated, and confident that every recommendation was made with their best interests in mind, using thorough, comprehensive care.
That philosophy became the foundation of Edgebrook Dermatology.
The practice began modestly, occupying just one-third of an office floor with only a handful of exam rooms and a small waiting area. Growth didn’t come from flashy advertising or rapid expansion. It came from something much more meaningful: trust.
One patient became two. Families referred friends. Physicians referred patients. Relationships were built one visit at a time, and before long, the practice had become a trusted resource for skin health throughout the Rockford community. Like many physician-owned practices, those early years required long hours, determination, and an unwavering commitment to every patient who walked through the door.
Growing Alongside Our Patients
Over the last three decades, dermatology has changed. New technologies have transformed treatment options, aesthetic medicine has continued to advance, and patients now have more choices than ever before. Rather than simply keeping pace, Edgebrook Dermatology has embraced thoughtful innovation while staying grounded in ethical, individualized care.
What started as a medical dermatology practice gradually expanded to include cosmetic dermatology and advanced laser treatments, allowing patients to receive comprehensive skin care under one roof. Every addition has been made with purpose: bringing clinically-proven technologies and evidence-based treatments to our community while never compromising on safety or patient-centered care.
As patient demand continued to grow, so did our practice. We expanded from a single suite in the Edgebrook Shopping Center’s office tower to create a dedicated Laser Center, invested in leading-edge technology, and continually refined our services to better serve the evolving needs of our patients. One of our most exciting milestones came between 2022 and early 2023, when we expanded into the remaining floor space and completed a full renovation and rebrand for our Aesthetic Center (now occupying the entire third floor!). The transformation created a dedicated aesthetic environment designed to enhance the patient experience while allowing our team to continue growing.
“The environment that she’s created here–we truly are a family. She’s built a wonderful business that is going to continue to grow.”
– Adriana Guerrero, CMA, Licensed Aesthetician & Laser Technician
“If you don’t know her personally, she’s such an amazing human. She’s so caring and compassionate. Not only with her patients, but the same when it comes to her staff. I think I can speak for us all when I say we appreciate all the knowledge and love that she gives in and out to every patient she comes in contact with.”
– Ashley Calderon, Senior Licensed Medical Assistant
A Legacy That Continues
One of the most meaningful moments in our 30-year journey came in 2019, when Dr. Al-Basha’s daughter, Amira Al-Basha, Certified Physician Assistant , officially joined the practice as a provider.
For many patients, this represented more than adding another clinician. After serving the practice in numerous roles over the years prior—including receptionist, medical assistant, laser technician, and office manager—Amira’s return as a physician assistant reflected something much deeper: mentorship, continuity, and a shared commitment to carrying Edgebrook Dermatology’s mission into the future.
That same commitment extends beyond our providers. We continue to mentor students and future healthcare professionals, sharing decades of knowledge and experience while helping shape the next generation of dermatology providers. Sometimes the new faces you see around here are dedicated staff members fostering our growth, and some are students who’ve come to us for their hands-on education under our exceptional team!
More Than a Practice
Today, Edgebrook Dermatology is home to nearly 30 dedicated team members, including advanced practice providers, medical assistants, laser technicians, aestheticians, cosmetic consultants, and administrative staff. Each year, we have the privilege of caring for tens of thousands of patients, many of whom have trusted us for decades. Some of the children we once treated are now bringing in families of their own, creating relationships that span generations.
Those lifelong connections remain one of our greatest honors.
Beyond our clinic walls, we’ve always believed that caring for skin also means caring for our community. Through free skin cancer screenings, charitable drives, local partnerships, educational outreach, and community events, giving back has remained a core part of who we are.
We’re also incredibly grateful to have been recognized by our community over the years, including being voted Rockford’s #1 Dermatology Clinic & Medical Spa for 11 consecutive years, along with numerous honors recognizing our laser services, workplace culture, and leadership. While these awards mean so much to us, the greatest recognition has always been the continued trust of our patients.
“This year alone, we have multiple employees celebrating their 5, 10, and 15-year anniversaries with Edgebrook Dermatology. If that doesn’t speak volumes to the family-feel of EdgeDerm, then I don’t know what does. In my last ten years working for Dr. Al-Basha, I have seen first-hand the dedication and love she has for her patients and staff. The growth our clinic has seen over the last decade has been incredible to be a part of, and I cannot wait to see what the next ten years have in store for us!”
– Samantha Moyer, Office Manager
Looking Ahead
Thirty years later, our technology has evolved, our space has expanded, and our team has grown… but the heart of Edgebrook Dermatology remains unchanged.
Every decision we make continues to be guided by the same principles that inspired Dr. Al-Basha to open the practice in 1996: integrity, education, innovation, compassion, and truly personalized, family-feel care.
As we celebrate this milestone, we’re filled with gratitude—for our patients, our dedicated team, our referring providers, and the Rockford community that has supported us every step of the way. This anniversary isn’t simply a celebration of where we’ve been. It’s a promise that we’ll continue providing the compassionate, trusted dermatologic care our community deserves for many years to come.
Thank you for allowing us to be part of your stories over the past 30 years, and here’s to the next chapter!
Schedule Your Next Visit
Whether you’re looking for expert medical dermatology care or advanced cosmetic and laser treatments, our award-winning team is here to help.
Medical Dermatology: (815) 229-9333, Ext. 1
Laser & Aesthetic Center: (815) 229-9333, Ext. 2