About Our Facility

The Facility

Located on Baltimore Pike in Media, Pennsylvania, The Sally Balin Medical Center is a state of the art medical facility specializing in Dermatology, Cosmetic Surgery and Longevity Medicine. Dedicated to Sally Balin, mother of Arthur K. Balin, MD, PhD, the center opened its doors in December 1997.

The Center contains outpatient examination and treatment areas, patient lounges, a recovery area and special facilities for phototherapy, as well as various types of lasers.

In addition, we have comfortable areas for individuals having cosmetic consultations and treatments with our aestheticians. The Center also includes research laboratories for molecular biology, biochemistry, cell culture and pathology. A library, conference room and classrooms are also available to our staff for ongoing educational activities.

The Sally Balin Ambulatory Surgical Center is a state licensed surgical unit consisting of two fully equipped surgical suites. Our operating rooms meet the highest standards and are accredited by the AAAHC (Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care).

The Medical Staff

The medical staff consists of Arthur K. Balin, MD, PhD, FACP, Loretta Pratt, MD and Thomas Griffin, MD. Assisting the medical staff there are registered and licensed nurses, an LPN, medical assistants, surgical and histology lab technicians and licensed medical aestheticians.

We take pride in each member's training and capabilities. The medical staff is certified in ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) and the entire staff has been trained in CPR.

ARTHUR K. BALIN, MD, PhD, FACP

Arthur K. Balin, MD, PhD, PC is a leader in dermatologic and cosmetic surgery.
Dr. Balin is one of the few doctors in the United States to have seven board certifications: Dermatology, Dermatopathology (the identification and analysis of skin diseases on a microscopic level), Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, MOHS Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology (specialized treatment of skin cancers), Dermatologic Cosmetic Surgery and Anti-Aging Medicine.

Dr. Balin received his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia in 1974. He received his PhD in biochemistry from the University of Pennsylvania in 1976. Following his residency in the Department of Internal Medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Balin did residencies in Dermatology and Dermatopathology at Yale University, in New Haven, Connecticut. He received his training in Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Balin also was an Assistant Professor at Rockefeller University in New York City. Dr. Balin began his practice of dermatology in Chester, Pennsylvania in 1981.

World renowned, Dr. Balin is also the author of several books for professional audiences and numerous articles in medical journals. Dr. Balin is co-author with Dr. Loretta Pratt, of THE LIFE OF THE SKIN, which was published in 1997 by Bantam Books. Dr. Balin has been the Executive Director and Treasurer of the American Aging Association for over 10 years and was Editor-in-Chief of its journal for 8 years.

"Dr. Balin was very helpful with explanations and a very skillful surgeon. I could not be more satisfied with the office's practices, helpfulness, and results."

LORETTA PRATT, MD

Dr. Pratt is board certified in Internal Medicine and Dermatology. She received her medical degree in 1982 from the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. She served her internship at St. Vincent's Hospital also in New York City. She was a resident in Internal Medicine at Beth Israel Hospital and in Dermatology at Cornell Medical Center, both in New York City. She was a Fellow in Investigative Dermatology at The Rockefeller University. Dr. Pratt has a special interest in cosmetic dermatology and women's skin problems. She has been quoted in Glamour, Self and Elle magazines. She is also a consultant for Clientele Cosmetics.

"Both the staff and Dr. Pratt were extremely kind. Dr. Pratt even gave me her home phone number after the surgery in case I had a problem or question. She is a very caring and comforting physician. Thank you!"

THOMAS GRIFFIN, MD

Dr. Griffin is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and received his medical degree in 1980 from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His internship and residency in General Surgery was served at Eastern Virginia School of Medicine. He was a resident in Anatomic Pathology and Dermatology at Temple University Hospital and at the Skin and Cancer Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is triple board certified in Anatomic Pathology, Dermatology and has special competence in Dermatopathology. He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Dermatology at Drexel University Medical School and an assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Griffin is a member of multiple professional societies and has written over 20 articles in peer review journals, and has lectured multiple times, both in the United States and abroad. Dr. Griffin has special interest and expertise in hair transplantation. He has been voted "Top Doc" for hair transplantation and dermatology in Philadelphia Magazine.

Office Hours

Dr. Balin	Daily - 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Dr. Pratt	Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Dr. Griffin	Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 AM – 5 PM

Main office phone number: 610-565-3300
Fax number: 610-565-9909

Appointments

Dr. Balin	610-565-3300
Dr. Pratt	610-565-9803*
Dr. Griffin	610-627-2637*

If you are calling about an emergency and you are a current patient of our practice please call our main number 610-565-3300.

*When calling to schedule appointments with Drs. Pratt or Griffin, please call their receptionist rather than the main number. If you receive a recording, please leave a detailed message rather than returning to the main operator. Messages are checked daily. Please leave both your home and work telephone numbers.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Balin, a nurse practitioner or physician's assistant, please call the main number. If your call is an emergency, please call 610-565-3300. If you would prefer our office to contact you, email us at info@balin.com.

Initial Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgical Consultations

Regardless of the diagnosis for which you have been referred, it is our policy to perform a complete full-body skin examination at the time of your initial consultation. Not only is a full skin examination for skin cancer screening a basic health necessity for everyone on at least an annual basis, a thorough skin check gives us a great deal of important information about your skin. For more detailed information for new patients click here.

Conveniently Located

Just off the Blue Route (476), SBMC can be reached by car, trolley, bus or taxi. Simply click here for directions.

We'll be happy to send you lists of the following local conveniences. Just use our Contact Form to request a copy of the lists.

• Local Restaurants
• Local Attractions
• Local Hotels
• Local Pharmacies
• Septa Information
• Taxi Information

Insurance Requirements

We accept numerous health insurance plans for medically necessary Dermatologic services. Cosmetic treatments are not covered by health insurance and payment is required at the time of service or treatment.

HMO's require referral, and it is the patient's responsibility to obtain one from his or her primary care physician. Patients must have an active referral on file with us.

The Sally Balin Ambulatory Surgical Center

Comfortable - Convenient - Caring

The Surgery Center contains 2 very impressive, sterile, spacious state-of-the-art operating rooms with hepa filtered, laminar flow air circulation. Catering to patient needs, the Surgery Center offers twilight sedation/general anesthesia if needed or desired for the comfort of our patients.

The well-appointed patient lounge offers patient's friends and family telephones, television, vending machines, computer hook up, radio, VCR, DVD players and a microwave. The SBMC offers caring, dedicated professionals committed to making the patient as relaxed and comfortable as possible.

 

The Life of the Skin

Dr. Balin and his wife, Dr. Pratt take us on a wonderful ride beneath our most visible, revealing and overlooked organ: the skin. The author's highlight the skin's functions in sensory perception and the immune system. They detail the amazing ability of the skin to communicate everything from sexual signals to the presence of dysfunctions and problems within the body. They explain why babies smell nice, why we get wrinkles, and how wounds heal. And they tell fascinating and moving stories from their patients' lives and their own-from the schoolteacher whose skin turned into a stiff shell, to the facelift Arthur performed on his own father.

With the Balins passion for their subject and care for their patients bringing life to every page, this unique book will change the way you look at yourself forever. To purchase a copy of THE LIFE OF THE SKIN, click here.

Our Aestheticians

Our medical aestheticians work with Dr. Balin, Dr. Pratt and Dr. Griffin in the dermatology cosmetic center, offering patients the newest, most innovative procedures and products available for the rejuvenation and enhancement of the skin. For more information about skin care treatments at our Medical Day Spa click here.

JANE MARIE D'AMATO

Jane Marie D'Amato is a nationally certified medical aesthetician and holds licenses in Massachusetts, District of Columbia and Pennsylvania. She also has a degree in Business Management from Widener University. Previously affiliated with The Laser Institute of New England, Inc., Jane Marie co-founded The Institute of Medical Esthetics where she held the position of Director of Esthetics and lecturer.

As a practitioner and educator, Jane Marie's focus is laser therapy, chemical peels, facials and pigmentation concerns along with age management. Jane Marie has been featured in the Boston Globe, Boston Magazine's Festival of Fashion and Thailand's Vogue Magazine.

RITA ADKINS, LPN

Rita Adkins is a licensed practical nurse and aesthetician with experience in cosmetic dermatology. She ha worked as Dr. Pratt’s right hand for over 14 years. Rita is currently receiving her advanced training at the Dermal Institute and she specializes in facials, titan skin tightening treatments, chemical peels, microdermabrasion and assists Dr. Pratt on spider vein consults.

Cosmetic Consultations

WE OFFER A FREE 15-MINUTE SKIN CONSULTATION WITH ONE OF OUR AESTHETICIANS. CALL AND SCHEDULE YOURS TODAY!

Testimonials

"I have been extremely pleased with all of the staff here at the Sally Balin Medical Center. Everyone has been very thoughtful and supportive through my procedures. The staff here far surpasses any medical personal I have dealt with in the past at other facilities. Thank you for all your help."

"The greatest state of the art surgery center for all outpatient surgeries as well as a well trained professional staff! I am well pleased to have been directed to such a facility with an extremely competent physician, dedicated to the well being of each individual patient. Dr. Balin and his staff are to be commended for their dedication and a job well done to perfection. I have passed your business card along to 3 different people who will be contacting your office shortly."

"Your surgery center is unique. It's so much nicer than going to a same day surgery place in a hospital. I feel like everyone truly cares about me. I am made to feel at home by everyone even people I don't know. Your other patients are even wonderful. Everything here is wonderful. The location is great. The building is beautiful. Most of all, your staff is so special. Whenever I am here, your entire staff is cheerful, friendly, welcoming and puts patients at ease. You almost forget why you are here. It's like you're at your neighborhood club where "everybody knows your name and everybody's glad you came." I would be proud to have anyone who works here as family, and now to the most important thing. You have a special talent to detect what is wrong and make it go away. I don't know where else you could go for medical treatment like we get here. Thank you. I have nothing but praise for Dr. Balin and his nurses. I have recommended them to several friends and would not hesitate to do so again."

"As expressed previously, during my many visits to the Sally Balin Surgical Center, I have always felt that I am in good hands and in a quality environment, both of which are essential ingredients for achieving and maintaining "patient satisfaction" in any medical practice. The physical facilities and equipment available at the Surgical Center are first rate, clean, and, though highly utilized, are obviously well maintained and upgraded. The amenities (for creature comfort of mind and body) available, particularly the "lounge" is outstanding and well appreciated. I thought the lounge was great when I first entered about 14 months ago what with coffee, a telephone, reclining chairs, microwave, excellent magazines, shelves of books, piped in classical music, etc. The more recent additions of a well-stocked (non-junk food/drink) vending machine and overhead large size TV make it seem even more like a home away from home. While the physical facilities and amenities are reassuring and comforting to we patients the foremost and best assets of the Surgical Center are its hard-working, dedicated staff members whose thoughtfulness, skill, and concern for the total well being of the patients are always evident and very much appreciated."

"Dr. Balin is the most respectable, knowledgeable doctor I have ever met. I would never go anywhere else! He is a magician with a needle and thread. You can always find a time to fit into your schedule. He works all the time! I feel lucky to ever have found Dr. Balin!"

"All the facilities are first class; much better then being in the hospital for this surgery. Dr. Balin is top of the line in his field. The nursing staff is a great support group. The receptionists and scheduling personnel are highly qualified and kind."

MOHS Micrographic Surgery Skin Cancer Treatment >