About Dermatology
A dermatology researcher works in the lab

Dedicated to Excellence

The Department of Dermatology is a trusted leader in the investigation and advanced treatment of many skin diseases.

One of the oldest dermatology departments in the nation, the University of Michigan first offered clinics for specialized care of diseases of the skin in 1890. Our teaching programs have trained generations of outstanding dermatologists, since 1913. Our postdoctoral Training Program in Cell and Molecular Dermatology, supported by an NIH training grant, has provided research training for many nationally and internationally recognized leaders in academic dermatology since 1977.

Our clinical teams and faculty experts are dedicated to improving the health of our patients. Our research teams are engaged in ground breaking discovery to advance treatment for skin cancer, skin aging and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Our training programs are committed to diversifying future generations of dermatologists and cutaneous scientists to advance medical knowledge and innovation that improves health for all.
outstanding patient care, world-class training & cutting-edge research

Our Mission

Our mission is to advance dermatologic patient care, research, and education, grounded in an unwavering commitment to integrity, compassion and respect.

Our Vision

We seek to improve the health of our patients through advanced, compassionate care and support. 

We strive to increase our collective knowledge by furthering medical science through research and innovation. 

We aspire to train and empower future generations of insightful and passionate leaders in dermatology, ready to tackle the challenges in our field. 

At the core of our mission, we acknowledge the societal context in which our work occurs and will promote a welcoming environment that allows each and every individual to reach their full potential.
Dermatology Residency Class of 2024 stands in front of "Congratulations" banner Our Annual Reports

View our annual reports from previous years.
  • 2024 Annual Report
  • 2023 Annual Report
  • 2022 Annual Report
  • 2021 Annual Report
    • Our History
    Dermatology courses added at Michigan
    In 1890, Dr. William F. Breakey successfully petitioned for courses in dermatology and syphilology to be added to the medical curriculum. In 1891, Dr. Breakey was appointed Lecturer of Dermatology at the U-M Medical School, where he established and led a clinic for diseases of the skin.
    Historic photo of the Breakey Clinic operating room Historic photo of the Breakey Clinic operating room
    Dr. William F. Breakey is appointed Professor of Dermatology and Syphilology
    Dr. William F. Breakey became the first Clinical Professor of Dermatology and Syphilology at the University of Michigan in 1905. He served as Head of Dermatology until his retirement in 1912 at the age of 77.
    William Flemming Breakey William Flemming Breakey
    Dermatology training program established
    In 1912, Dr. Udo Wile became Professor and Head of Dermatology and Syphilology at U-M. In 1913, our dermatology residency program welcomed Dr. John H. Stokes as its first dermatology trainee. Eight of our earliest trainees went on to lead dermatology departments across the nation.
    Dermatology staff in 1918 Dermatology staff in 1918
    An independent dermatology ward is opened
    An independent dermatology ward was built in 1918, to support care of patients with severe dermatologic and venereal diseases.
    Dermatology hospital in 1918 Dermatology hospital in 1918
    Postwar growth
    In 1925, the dermatology clinics relocated to University Hospital with 8 faculty and 6 residents staffing over 10,000 outpatient visits annually. In the mid-1930s, the Babcock endowment was established by family members of one of Dr. Wile's patients, supplying support for research and education at U-M.
    Dermatology staff photo 1935 Dermatology staff photo 1935
    A new chairman
    In 1946, Dr. Arthur C. Curtis became Chairman of the Department of Dermatology and Syphilology; Dr. Betty J. Owens, the first female dermatology resident graduated in 1946.
    Dermatology staff photo 1945 Dermatology staff photo 1945
    Dermatologic research growth
    During the 1950s, Dr. Curtis oversaw expansion of dermatology clinics and research, adding Dr. Reuben Kahn and investigators, Drs. Aaron Lerner and Thomas Fitzpatrick as dermatology faculty. After training with Dr. Frederick Mohs, Dr. William Taylor led a new Mohs chemographic surgery unit at U-M.
    Dermatology staff photo from 1952-53 Dermatology staff photo from 1952-53
    Landmark faculty appointment
    In 1952, Albert Wheeler, PhD was appointed Assistant Professor of Microbiology and Dermatology. Dr. Wheeler led immunology research in the department of dermatology. In 1959, he became the first African American tenured professor at the U-M Medical School.
    Albert Wheeler 1952 Albert Wheeler 1952
    Two dermatology labs
    During the mid-1950s, the dermatology clinics doubled in size after moving to the new UH Outpatient Building. Similarly, the department added two full basic research labs in the new Kresge Medical Research Building. Renamed the "Department of Dermatology" in 1958, dropping the term "Syphilology."
    Dermatology lab buildings in 1954 Dermatology lab buildings in 1954
    Dr. E. Richard Harrell appointed Chairman of Dermatology
    Upon Dr. Curtis's retirement, Dr. E. Richard Harrell became Chairman of the Department in 1967. Notably, twenty resident graduates under Dr. Curtis became heads of dermatology departments throughout the world.
    Dermatology staff photo 1969 Dermatology staff photo 1969
    Award-winning research
    In 1973, Drs. Elizabeth Duell and John Voorhees won the Taub International Memorial Award for Psoriasis Research for work revealing the role of cyclic nucleotides in psoriasis pathogenesis. Dr. Voorhees received this honor for a second time in 1986.
    Historic photo of Duell Voorhees research meeting Historic photo of Duell Voorhees research meeting
    New NIH-supported research training program
    Supported by NIH T32 funding, our Training Program in Cell and Molecular Dermatology was launched in 1977. Designed to prepare physicians and scientists for careers in academia and skin-related science, several T32 trainees became foremost leaders in dermatology.
    A researcher smiles in the lab in 1979 A researcher smiles in the lab in 1979