Trusting Her Instincts
Dana McCullar brings compassionate dermatological care to Jasper
Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Image by Ryan McGill
Years ago, while working as a nurse practitioner in a dermatology office, Dana McCullar saw a young patient with a small facial lesion that had been dismissed elsewhere. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off and decided to biopsy it. The results confirmed melanoma. “It was likely there for years,” she recalls. “But we still caught it with enough time to make a difference.”
Moments like that have affirmed Dana’s calling in medicine. With over 17 years in healthcare, her background in both family practice and dermatology provides her with a broad perspective. “With skin, many other elements can be involved, so I treat holistically,” she explains. “I know patients’ full medication lists, side effects, what can cause rashes, and what we can stop. That broader perspective guides my care.”
After earning her nursing degree at Bevill State Community College, Dana worked at Walker Baptist Hospital before pursuing her master’s degree at Samford University. She later joined Jasper Family Clinic, working under Dr. Derrick Bowling, Dr. John Bivona, and Dr. Katherine Bivona. “I learned so much from each of their styles,” she says.
After her first child was born, Dana briefly stepped away from full-time work, then returned when an opportunity arose to work with dermatologist Dr. Katherine Flanagan. That mentorship inspired Dana to open her own practice, though the idea came unexpectedly. “I told a friend I would pray about it. She said she would too. Then doors kept opening in ways I can’t explain. I truly feel it was a God thing.” From finding the right space to getting credentialing in time, details fell into place. “Starting a business as a nurse practitioner isn’t something you’re trained for,” she adds with a laugh. “But I had peace with the decision.”
In 2024, Dana opened Jasper Dermatology inside Rastore Day Spa. The cornerstone of her practice is accessibility. Her clinic prioritizes urgent visits, avoided double booking, and ensures patients receive the time they deserve. She believes if you have a rash, you don’t need to wait months to be seen.
The work brings daily rewards. Dana lights up as she describes a teen whose acne cleared or a young girl who cried after a mole removal. “When patients feel better about themselves, it’s joyful,” she says. “That’s why I do this.”
She also focuses on patient education. “People think if they don’t burn in the sun, they’re safe from skin cancer, and that’s not true,” she explains. “And social media pushes one-size-fits-all routines that can make skin worse. Skincare must be individualized.” She stresses the importance of annual skin checks: “If you’ve ever had a sunburn or been in a tanning bed, you need one. Tanning was everywhere here for years, and I believe that’s why we see so much melanoma in Jasper.”
Running a practice comes with challenges, but it also gives Dana the flexibility she values most: family time. Dana’s work at Jasper Dermatology fits alongside afternoons at the ballfield, weekends on the lake, and puzzles around the kitchen table. Dana’s husband, Jody, is a strong support, and their two boys, Mack and Avett, keep them active with baseball, football, and basketball. “I never pictured being a boy mom, but here I am throwing and catching all the time,” she says with a smile.
Downtime, she believes, makes her a better provider. “It keeps me balanced and prevents burnout. Dermatology is fun and rewarding, and personal time lets me come in clear-headed. Plus, the environment at Rastore Day Spa, where our practice is located, helps set a calm, welcoming tone. Patients feel at ease the moment they walk in.” She adds, “We have a great atmosphere here. Everyone gets along well, and we actually look forward to work.”
Dana recently reached another career milestone when she passed her boards to become a board-certified dermatology nurse practitioner. ‘It’s a big step for credibility,’ she says. ‘I think it helps patients who might be hesitant about seeing a nurse practitioner feel confident they are getting specialized, high-quality care.
“My intuition is valuable. Small changes in a lesion’s shape or color can mean the difference between benign and melanoma. But listening—really listening—is just as important. That’s the foundation.”
From the scar on one grateful patient’s face to the smiles of teenagers gaining confidence, Dana sees her work as showing up, paying attention, and building trust in ways that make care feel personal to every person who walks through her door. 78