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 diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Our Vision

We strive to advance our collective knowledge by pushing the boundaries of medical science through research and innovation.

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

We are dedicated to fostering a community that values individual differences and respects diverse talents.

At the core of our mission, we acknowledge the sociocultural context in which our work occurs and will work ceaselessly towards promoting diversity and cultivating inclusion.
Our Annual Reports
Annual Report 2023

View our annual report for the fiscal year 2023.

Annual Report 2022

View our annual report for the fiscal year 2022.

Annual Report 2021

View our annual report for the fiscal year 2021.

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, he established the dermatology residency program with Dr. John H. Stokes as its first dermatology trainee. Eight of Dr. Wile's trainees went on to lead dermatology departments across the nation.
Dermatology staff in 1918 Dermatology staff in 1918
An independent dermatology ward is opened
Under Dr. Wile's leadership, the department grew rapidly adding new trainees and faculty. 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 relatives of one of Dr. Wile's patients to support dermatology 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. After more than 30 years of leadership service at U-M, Dr. Wile retired to become emeritus professor in 1947.
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 resident Dr. John Voorhees began psoriasis research at U-M.
Dermatology staff photo 1969 Dermatology staff photo 1969
Award-winning research
Elizabeth Duell, PhD joined the Voorhees lab in 1970. She was the first female member of the department’s scientific faculty. Together, Duell and Voorhees won the 1973 Taub International Memorial Award for Research in Psoriasis for revealing the role of cyclic nucleotides in psoriasis pathogenesis.
Historic photo of Duell Voorhees research meeting Historic photo of Duell Voorhees research meeting
New NIH-supported research training program
In 1977, Dr. Voorhees established the Training Program in Cell and Molecular Dermatology funded by a NIH T32 award. Designed to prepare physicians and scientists for careers in academia and skin related science, numerous dermatology T32 fellows have become foremost leaders in a dermatology.
A researcher smiles in the lab in 1979 A researcher smiles in the lab in 1979