Message from the Chair

Welcome to the UW Madison School of Medicine and Public Health’s Department of Dermatology website!

As the Chair, it is my pleasure to extend a warm greeting and introduce you to our department.

At the Department of Dermatology at UW Madison, we are dedicated to advancing the field of dermatology through cutting-edge discovery, exceptional patient care, and lifelong learning. Our faculty, clinicians, and researchers are at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries, collaborating to improve the diagnosis and treatment of dermatological conditions today and into the future.

The Wisconsin Idea

As a department embedded within a powerhouse biomedical university dedicated to improving the health of Wisconsin and beyond, we are a group of clinicians, educators, and researchers committed to caring for Wisconsin’s people through scholarship, science, and social responsibility. This work is achieved by our steadfast commitment to our tripartite mission: To Heal, To Educate, and To Discover.

To Heal

Patient care and healing are at the heart of our mission. Our accomplished physicians and scientists employ the latest advancements in dermatology to address a wide array of skin concerns, ranging from common conditions to complex multi-organ diseases. Our department is home to a diverse team of dermatology specialists who span the entire spectrum of dermatologic care.

UW Dermatology Specialties and Specialty Clinics

• Birthmarks and Vascular Anomalies
• Contact Dermatitis
• Complex Medical Dermatology
• Cutaneous Lymphoma
• Dermatopathology
• Digital Health Program
• Hair Disease Clinic
• Integrative Dermatology
• Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology
• Nail Clinic
• Pediatric Dermatology
• Pigmented Lesions
• Transplant Dermatology/ High Risk

We are honored to serve Veterans at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans’ Hospital, one of the most highly-ranked VA hospitals in the nation. We have recruited a dedicated team of medical assistants, nurses, and advanced practice providers who work seamlessly with our physicians, fellows, residents, and students to care for over 110,000 patients annually. We are working to reduce healthcare disparity by leveraging digital technologies to reach underserved communities.

From our inception, our faculty members have been trailblazers. They have pioneered revolutionary concepts, such as the Sun Protection Factor system, that impact our daily routines. Our institution is the home of historic medical innovations like Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology, also known as the Mohs surgery. Moreover, our exciting explorations into gene discovery, Microfluidics, and skin cancer prevention enable us to push the boundaries of drug development and therapeutics.

To Educate

Gloria Xu, MD
Fellowship Director – Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology

Learning is the cornerstone of personal and professional growth, and we provide a transformative educational experience to the next generation of dermatologists and researchers. Our faculty take great pride in our comprehensive 3-year dermatology residency program and our specialized fellowships in Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Pediatric Dermatology. In addition, our department is firmly embedded in the School of Medicine and Public Health and maintains a strong tradition of mentoring students. We provide undergraduate and graduate courses and medical student clerkships to instill in our students a solid foundation in the principles of cutaneous medicine, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their future careers. We are committed to introducing learners to the fascinating world of cutaneous medicine through a dynamic combination of classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory work, and real-world clinical exposure.

To Discover

At UW Madison Dermatology, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of dermatological research and innovation. With our state-of-the-art research facilities and access to cutting-edge technology, we are at the forefront of dermatological discovery. Our research initiatives span a wide range of areas, including melanoma, skin cancer, developmental biology, vascular anomalies, disorders of hair, and immune dysregulation. We are dedicated to finding solutions that will improve patients’ lives and contribute to advancements in the field.

Healthcare innovation belongs in academics. We often care for patients with the most complex conditions. As interdisciplinary teams of physicians and scientists, we have a broad spectrum of knowledge and access to breakthrough technologies, all resulting in an environment that fosters a culture of high-impact, patient-directed innovation.

Quote from a physician-scientist.

Collaboration is a key pillar of our department; we foster a welcoming and inclusive environment where individuals are empowered and respected. Ideas are shared, collaborations flourish, and breakthroughs happen! We believe in the power of interdisciplinary science and diversity of views. We actively seek connections with other departments, institutes, and industry leaders. By partnering and bridging across scientific and clinical boundaries, we create opportunities for innovation, accelerate discoveries, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our commitment to equity is embedded in our values of integrity, collaboration, accountability, and respect and are aligned with the mission, vision, and values of UW Health and the UW School of Medicine and Public Health.

The Department of Dermatology is dedicated to standing against all forms of discrimination, including on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, sex, gender and gender identity or expression, marital or parental status, national origin, citizenship status, veteran or military status, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.

As you navigate our website, I encourage you to explore our faculty profiles, research initiatives, and educational programs. We are eager to share our latest findings, advancements, and achievements with you. Whether you are a student, a healthcare professional, a researcher, or simply interested in dermatology, we hope our website serves as a valuable resource for information and inspiration.

On Wisconsin!

Beth Drolet, MD