Diversity in Dermatology
2022 Conference

GALLERY & HIGHLIGHTS

Hilton Clearwater Beach

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED!

Dermatology health care providers enjoyed educational sessions, panel discussions, and
networking events at the Inaugural Live Diversity in Dermatology Conference in Clearwater Beach, Florida.

 The mission of Diversity in Dermatology (DID) became a true reality with the DID inaugural live conference, bringing diversified education to a diverse population of dermatology health care providers. This 3-day event was held in Clearwater Beach, Florida, to offer a relaxed and inviting environment for learning and networking. 

Topics included treatment of acanthosis nigricans, beauty products for women with skin of color, systemic disease in skin of color, treating the transgender patient, cultural competency, microbial diversity, and so much more. The content was presented by key thought leaders in dermatology, and we had special sessions presented by a gastroenterologist, a rheumatologist, and a podiatrist. 

The events proved to be very successful, fun, and engaging, giving faculty, leaders, attendees, and industry a chance to mingle and experience different cultures. The Tiki Party and Around the World Receptions offered international music, food, wine, and entertainment to bring people together to network, collaborate, and enjoy. 

Testimonials from our attendees were outstanding: 

“The DID conference was excellently executed. The content provided was informative and highlighted the difference between skin of color and non-skin of color. The conference’s strong emphasis on the education of skin of color conditions is something that is invaluable in everyday practice. I will definitely be back next year!” 

“I’ve been practicing for 22 years and sometimes conferences are just ‘more of the same.’ This DID experience was wonderful and possibly one the best conferences I’ve ever attended. I learned new tips and pearls even though I’ve been to conferences featuring the same speakers. It’s great that the conference is intimate, and you can really meet everyone, but you still had top-notch speakers. The conference was extremely well organized. The friendly team competition was perfect. It’s great that we have so many opportunities to mingle with our industry partners. Most of all it was so nice to be amongst individuals who have the same mind-set, the same desire to expand high-level health care to everyone. And, with that goal in mind, it appears that DID is also focused on increasing the diversity of health care providers. This too helps to ensure that minorities will receive better care. BRAVO! PS, Love the healthy food and snack options!” 

 “Absolutely blown away from start to finish. It was my favorite conference I have ever been to. From the speakers to the organization and everything in between.” 

We want to thank our faculty, our industry partners, and attendees for helping make this conference so special. And an extra special thanks to BCI Management & Communications and the DID Leaders. 

We look forward to seeing you in 2023! And remember to embrace diversity and all it means to you and your patients. 

Conference Faculty

Meet our renown faculty of dermatology experts.  Diversity in Dermatology thanks you for sharing your knowledge with our members.  

Alix_charles_headshot

Alix J. Charles MD, FAAD
Hinsdale, Illinois

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Raj Chovatiya, MD, PhD
Chicago, Illinois

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instructor_Kwong

Pearl Kwong, MD
Jacksonville, Florida

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Rosen

Theodore Rosen, MD
Houston, Texas

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Todd Schlesinger, MD, FAAD
Charleston, South Carolina

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Marc Serota, MD
Denver, Colorado

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Tracey C. Vlahovic, DPM
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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instructor_Heather_Woolery_Lloyd_Headshot

Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD
Miami, Florida

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Matthew Zirwas, MD
Columbus, Ohio

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Dr. Emmy Graber2

Emmy Graber, MD, MBA
Boston, Massachusetts

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John Koo, MD
San Fransisco, CA

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Leon Kircik, MD
Louisville, Kentucky

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George Cohen, MD
Tallahassee, Florida

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KKphotography | Headshots | Boudoir| Glamor| Fashion. Check us out at http://www.kevinkeliiphotography.com/ Or Call US At (813)362-8750 KKphotography.

Hilary Baldwin, MD
Brooklyn, New York

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Rob C

Rob Casquejo, PA-C
Scottsdale, Arizona

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Hsu Headshot1

Jeffrey T.S Hsu, MD FAAD
Chicago, Illinois

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John Koo, MD
San Fransisco, CA

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Alix J. Charles MD, FAAD

Alix J. Charles MD is a board certified dermatologist with a passion for patient centered, physician directed medical care.  His training began at the Mayo Clinic where he completed medical school and part of his residency before completing his training in dermatology at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, IL.  As the chairman of the department of Dermatology at Dupage Medical Group, he oversees 18 dermatologists that are part of an 800 physician multi-specialty group that emphasizes efficient and high quality patient care in Illinois.  Dr. Charles’ practice encompasses medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology, and he sees both pediatric and adult patients.  He is a past president of the Chicago Dermatological Society and the Illinois Dermatological Society, and was awarded the Darrel J. Stremler Leadership Award for his role in growing and managing his department. He has a special interest in pigmentary disorders and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures utilizing injectable agents and energy based devices.

Raj Chovatiya, M.D., Ph.D.

Dr. Chovatiya is Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Chovatiya received his M.D. and Ph.D. in immunology from Yale University. He completed his internship at Yale followed by residency and postdoctoral research fellowship at Northwestern, where he also served as Chief Resident. Dr. Chovatiya directs the Eczema and Itch Clinic at Northwestern, and his clinical focus includes atopic dermatitis, eczema, chronic itch, and other chronic inflammatory skin disorders including psoriasis, hidradenitis, immunobullous disease, and vitiligo. Dr. Chovatiya’s research interests include patient-reported outcomes, health services research, epidemiology, implementation science, translational therapy, and improving care for patients with skin of color. He has published numerous abstracts and manuscripts and been recognized for his research at national and international conferences.

Pearl Kwong, MD

Pearl Chu Kwong MD, PhD is a board-certified pediatric dermatologist in private practice in Jacksonville, Florida. Dr Kwong received her doctorate in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and received a degree in medicine from the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry in Edmonton, Alberta Canada.

 After an internship at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, Dr Kwong completed a pediatric residency at the University of Alberta, followed by a dermatology residency at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec Canada.

Before she went to private practice in Jacksonville, Dr Kwong was Chief of Pediatric Dermatology at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, PA where she held an academic position of Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh. In 2001, she moved to Jacksonville to join Nemours Children’s Clinic Jacksonville as Chief of Pediatric Dermatology and was Assistant Professor of dermatology at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville.

Dr Kwong has authored and coauthored more than a dozen peer-reviewed articles as well as several article abstracts. She has presented more than 100 presentations and participated at conferences and student lectures.  She has been a reviewer for Pediatric Dermatology Journal and Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Dr Kwong is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, Society for Pediatric Dermatology, Women’s Dermatologic Society, and Jacksonville Dermatology Society. In 2004, she received a Teacher of the Year award from Mayo Medical School in Jacksonville.

Dr Kwong was born in the Philippines and is of Chinese descent who grew up in Canada (therefore she is not qualified to become POTUS). She has one daughter, Emma, who followed tradition and had just obtained her BSc Honours in Microbiology and Immunology at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec and is currently attending medical school .

 

Ted Rosen, MD

After attending Michigan State University as a National Merit Scholar, Dr. Rosen graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School cum laude. He trained in internal medicine at the University of Alabama and in dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine, where he currently serves as Professor and Vice-Chair of Dermatology and Chief of Dermatology at the Houston Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Dr. Rosen previously served a term on the Board of Directors and is the immediate past AAD/A Vice-President. He was the 2017 recipient of the AAD Thomas G. Pearson Memorial Award for lifelong achievement in education, and the 2019 recipient of Baylor’s prestigious Master Clinician award.

Dr. Rosen has written over 300 peer-reviewed journal articles, 26 textbook chapters and  4 textbooks. He has been a visiting professor at over 75 university training programs and a plenary speaker for many city, state, national and international organizations, including the national dermatology societies of Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Hong Kong, Korea, China, Australia and New Zealand.. On a personal note, he helped raise four, productive, sane and debt-free adult children. Dr. Rosen is an avid numismatist, diehard Chicago Cub fan and life-long devotee of horror films. His most pressing bucket list item is to score a cameo role on AMC’s cable program “The Walking Dead.”

Todd Schlesinger, MD, FAAD

Dr. Todd Schlesinger is a board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and clinical investigator. He completed his residency at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and is the founder of a three-office dermatology and dermatologic surgery practice and clinical research center. His areas of research focus are inflammatory dermatoses, cutaneous oncology, and cosmetic dermatology. He is the author of over 100 peer-reviewed publications as well as several book chapters and numerous presentations and posters at national and international conferences. He is past president of the South Carolina Medical Association, the South Carolina Academy of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, and the current Editor in Chief of the AAD’s ongoing member CME program Dialogues in Dermatology.

Marc Serota, MD

Dr. Marc Serota is triple board certified in dermatology, allergy/asthma/immunology and pediatrics.  He is in private practice in Denver Colorado and attends the dermatology residents and the University of Colorado and VA hospitals.   After graduating medical school at the age of 23 he pursued 8 additional years of training.  He completed a pediatrics residency at Cohen’s Children’s Hospital in New York, then completed an allergy/asthma/immunology fellowship at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City and then completed a second residency in dermatology at the University of Colorado.  He has published numerous textbook chapters, online reference articles and peer-reviewed articles in the areas of dermatologic and allergic diseases.

Tracey C. Vlahovic, DPM

Dr. Vlahovic is a Clinical Professor and J. Stanley and Pearl Landau Faculty Fellow at the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine (TUSPM) in Philadelphia, PA.  She is also a member of the Faculty of Podiatric Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (Glasgow). 

Dr Vlahovic graduated from Yale University with a BS in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry and received her medical degree from TUSPM.  After finishing her surgical residency at St Luke’s University Health Network in Allentown, PA, she was the first podiatrist in the US to complete a fellowship in podiatric dermatology under the supervision of Stephen Schleicher, MD. 

She is board certified in foot surgery by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and in podiatric medicine by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Vlahovic currently teaches the Fundamentals of Dermatology course at TUSPM and has received numerous teaching awards. She has authored several articles in peer-reviewed journals and is involved in multiple clinical research trials for various dermatological therapies and devices.

She is the author of Skin Disease of the Lower Extremities:  A Photographic Guide (HMP Communications) and Onychomycosis:  An Illustrated Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment along with Antonella Tosti and Roberto Arenas (Springer).

Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD

Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd is a board-certified dermatologist and an internationally recognized expert in skin of color. She completed her undergraduate studies at Georgetown University and later earned her medical degree at the University of Miami School of Medicine. She completed her training in dermatology at the University of Miami where she also served as chief resident.  

Dr. Woolery-Lloyd serves as the Director of Skin of Color Division at the University of Miami and specializes in the treatment of both cosmetic and general dermatology concerns common in skin of color.  She also sees patients in private practice.

Dr. Woolery-Lloyd participates extensively in clinical research and has over 40 publications in the literature.  Dr. Woolery-Lloyd is an active member of Skin of Color Society, an international non-profit organization dedicated to furthering research and awareness of skin diseases in skin of color.

Matthew Zirwas, MD

Matthew Zirwas, MD is an American Board of Dermatology certified physician. He is a nationally known expert who specializes in patch testing, pruritus, atopic dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis.

Dr. Zirwas founded the Bexley Dermatology Research Clinic in 2017 which has become one of the busiest clinical trial centers in the US for atopic dermatitis.  He is also a physician contributor and dermatologic advisor for companies such as ALL Laundry Detergent, Cerave, AsepticMD, fitbit, Peloton, Oculus, Sanofi/Regeneron, Abbvie, Lilly, Pfizer, Leo, Incyte, Arcutis, Dermavant and many more.

He received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh in 1996. Dr. Zirwas also received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh in 2000. He then completed his dermatology residency at the University of Pittsburgh in 2003 where he became Chief Resident.  He served as Residency Director at Ohio State University for nearly 10 years before founding the Bexley Dermatlogy Research Clinic.

Dr. Zirwas professional memberships include:

  • American Academy for Dermatology
  • American Contact Dermatitis Society
  • Central Ohio Dermatology Society
  • Columbus Medical Association
  • North American Contact Dermatitis Group
  • Ohio Dermatological Association
  • The Ohio State Medical Association

In Dr. Zirwas’s free time, he enjoys spending time with his kids, rock climbing and traveling.

Dr. Emmy Graber2

Emmy Graber, MD, MBA

Emmy M. Graber, MD, MBA is the Founder of The Dermatology Institute of Boston, a private practice in Boston, Massachusetts. With over ten years experience, Dr. Graber treats a wide range of dermatologic issues and specializes in acne and cosmetic dermatology. She is currently an Affiliate Clinical Instructor at Northeastern University and has extensive experience teaching students of all types.

Dr. Graber received her BS in Biology at The Pennsylvania State University and was a member of the Schreyer Honors College. She also completed her medical training at The Pennsylvania State University and graduated with membership in Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. After an internship in Internal Medicine, she underwent Dermatology residency training at The Pennsylvania State University/Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. During this time she received the Intern Of The Year Award and was selected by her peers for a Humanism and Excellence In Teaching Award.

Following her residency training, Dr. Graber further specialized with fellowship training in Laser and Cosmetic Surgery at SkinCare Physicians of Chestnut Hill. She then practiced dermatology with that group for two years prior to working at Boston University. At Boston University, Dr. Graber was Director of the BU Cosmetic and Laser Center.  She was also the associate residency program director and taught many medical students, resident physicians and international physicians in-training.  In 2014 Dr. Graber completed her MBA at the University of Pennsylvania’s esteemed Wharton School of Business.

Dr. Graber has academic interests in acne, acne scars and cosmetic dermatology.  She has lectured and written extensively on these subjects in scientific journals and serves on the board of directors of the American Acne and Rosacea Society.  Additionally, Dr. Graber is frequently cited in the media as an authority in dermatology. Dr. Graber is a regular contributor on national public radio (NPR) and her expert opinions can be seen in O Magazine, InStyle Magazine, and Good Housekeeping Magazine amongst other national media sources.

 

John Koo, MD

Dr. Koo graduated from Harvard Medical School.  He is board certified in both Psychiatry and Dermatology.  He finished his dermatology residency at University of California San Francisco Medical Center and Psychiatry residency at UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute.  He has been a faculty at University of California San Francisco Medical Center Department of Dermatology.  He has more than 300 peer reviewed publications.  He is the chief editor for a two volume textbook on psoriasis where “mild to moderate psoriasis” volume is now in its third edition and “moderate to severe psoriasis” is in its fourth edition.  This two volume textbooks is one of the most widely used in USA.  Dr. Koo was named “best researcher in dermatology” at SID meeting.  He also received the “best speaker” award at Fall Clinical Conference.    He received the best mentor award from UCSF.  Lastly, he was honored for “lifetime achievement award” by National Psoriasis Foundation.   

Leon Kircik, MD

Dr. Kircik is a Board Certified Dermatologist who graduated with AOA Honors from State University of New York at the Health Sciences Center at Brooklyn after completing his undergraduate work with Phi Beta Kappa at New York University. He completed a Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology Fellowship under the auspices of Dr. Frederick Mohs at the University of Wisconsin after completing his dermatology residency at State University of New York in Buffalo.

He currently teaches as Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Indiana University Medical Center in Indianapolis, IN, as well as Clinical Professor at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. Dr. Kircik is also the Medical Director of DermResearch, PLLC, Physicians Skin Care, PLLC and Skin Sciences, PLLC in Louisville, Kentucky. He has been the principal investigator of numerous clinical trials for psoriasis, acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, skin cancers, and actinic keratosis, just to name a few.

Dr. Kircik is an author of many scientific articles, abstracts and posters. He has lectured extensively nationally and internationally on all aspects of dermatologic conditions. In addition, he also serves on the advisory boards of several pharmaceutical companies as a consultant. He is on the editorial board of Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, Practical Dermatology, The Journal of Clinical & Aesthetic Dermatology, and Case Report in Clinical Pathology. He volunteers for multiple local and national medical society committees.

George Cohen, MD

Dr. George Cohen is a 1977 graduate of Howard University College of Medicine.  He finished his residency at Howard University Hospital Department of Dermatology in 1981 and has been a practicing board certified dermatologist for over 39 years.

Dr. Cohen has worked as a dermatologist in private practice, for large HMOs, for the Veterans’ Affairs Hospital and has worked as a flight surgeon in the United States Air Force Reserves.

He has held numerous academic positions including Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the University of South Florida, Associate Professor at the University of Florida and most recently has Clinical Professor and the founding program director at the Florida State University College Medicine division of Dermatology.

His areas of interest and expertise include; medical dermatology, telemedicine, treatment of keloids and the skin cancer in the Afro-American population.

Hilary Baldwin, MD

Hilary Baldwin is a board-certified dermatologist and medical director of the Acne Treatment & Research Center in Brooklyn, NY.   She is a clinical associate professor of dermatologist at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center.  Dr. Baldwin has interests in acne, rosacea, keloidal scarring, cosmeceuticals and the skin microbiome.  She is a frequent national and international lecturer and visiting professor, and her work has been published extensively in dermatology journals. Dr. Baldwin served as a founding board member and second president of the American Acne and Rosacea Society.

Rob Casquejo, PA-C

Skin and Cancer Center of Scottsdale

Originally from Michigan, Robert graduated with honors from Michigan State University holding a degree in Biology. He completed his degree in the PA program of Western Michigan University in 1999. He began his career on the trauma surgery service at the Toledo Hospital, and in the emergency department of University of Michigan Hospital, for three years. 

His experience in dermatology began in 2002, and to date his experiences include medical, surgical and cosmetic care, as well as management of patients in a psoriasis treatment center. He is a member, clinical instructor, and consultant to the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, and a co-founder and former executive officer of both the Michigan and Arizona Dermatology PA Societies. Currently he serves on the Arizona state society PA legislative affairs committee, is a consultant to multiple pharmaceutical companies, and is a host for the SDPA’s Dermcast TV. 

In March of 2012, Rob founded the Skin and Cancer Center of Scottsdale in Scottsdale, AZ. As the CEO and founder, he continues to have a passion for the development of PA/ physician relations, clinical instruction, and entrepreneurship. He also continues to pursue his passion for humanitarian efforts in AZ and other states, and has participated in international medical missions in the Philippines and Africa.

Jeffrey T.S. Hsu, M.D., FAAD

Dr. Jeffrey T.S. Hsu is a fellowship-trained, board-certified dermatologist with expertise in neurotoxins, laser surgery, Mohs micrographic surgery, fat grafting, soft tissue augmentation, and scar revision.  Dr. Hsu specializes in minimally invasive techniques for facial and body rejuvenation.

Dr. Hsu graduated with distinction from Stanford University where he earned the coveted President’s Award for academic achievement.  He received his medical degree from University of California at Los Angeles, earning top honors along the way.  He then completed an internship in Internal Medicine and residency in Dermatology at the Mayo Clinic.  He pursued further training by completing a Laser and Cosmetic Surgery fellowship under the direction of faculty from Harvard University and Yale University School of Medicine.

Dr. Hsu is also passionately involved in teaching and academic pursuits.  He is an internationally recognized expert in dermatologic and cosmetic surgery, frequently invited to teach other physicians in Asia, Australia, and Europe while continuing to care for his patients at home.  He has already co-authored several widely used textbooks; the latest publication is the Manual of Dermatologic Therapeutics 8th Edition.  He is the author of numerous scientific articles in leading dermatology journals and is regularly invited to present his newest techniques and his latest scientific discoveries at national and international conferences.  Dr. Hsu is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois-Chicago.  Dr. Hsu’s memberships include the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, the American Society for Mohs Surgery, International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, the American College of Phlebology, and the American Medical Association.