Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)

Medicine
Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
2005

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Biology
Barry University
2000

Dermatology

Specialty Areas: Skin of Color, Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Dermatology Resident Didactic Curriculum

MS1 Structure and Function Unit 1

• Lecture: Introduction to Clinical Dermatology

MS2 Pre-Clinical Dermatology

• Lecture: Blistering Disorders of the Skin
  • Small Group Sessions: Dermatology Case Studies

MS3 Internal Medicine Junior Clerkship. Dermatology lectures.

• Lectures: Atopic Dermatitis, Skin of Color Dermatology Case Studies

Howard University Physician Assistant Dermatology Curriculum

• Course Director
• Lectures: Introduction to Clinical Dermatology, Inflammatory Disorders of the Skin, Neoplastic Diseases of the Skin, Infectious Diseases of the Skin, Alopecia, Acne, Vascular Disease of the Skin

Howard University Hospital Department of Family Medicine Grand Rounds/Resident Lectures

• Lectures: Multiple dermatology lectures including Skin of Color Dermatology Case Studies, Drug Eruptions, Resident Board Review Lectures

Howard University Hospital Department of Internal Medicine – Resident Board Preparation

• Lectures: Board preparation for dermatology questions on MKSAP
• Lectures: Skin Cancer for the Internist

Howard University Hospital Department of Department of ObGyn Resident Lectures

• Lectures: Multiple dermatology lectures including Pregnancy Dermatoses, Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Topical Steroid Primer

American Academy of Dermatology Presidential Citation Award, 2026

A. Paul Kelly, MD Research Award and Lectureship, 2023

Howard University Medical Student Teaching Award, 2023

American Academy of Dermatology William James, M.D. Mentor of the Year Award, 2022

American Academy of Dermatology Patient Hero Award, 2021

Top Women in Medicine 2019-2020

Faculty Award for Teaching, 2017

Awarded by the rotating and visiting medical students at the Johns Hopkins Department of Dermatology "in recognition of the faculty most dedicated to teaching"

American Academy of Dermatology Presidential Citation Award, 2017

Johns Hopkins Dermatology Resident Teaching Award, 2015

Baltimore Top Docs, 2015

Fundamentals of Ethnic Hair

Fundamentals of Ethnic Hair: The Dermatologist’s Perspective

Written to address the growing trend of hair loss in ethnic populations, The Fundamentals of Ethnic Hair: A Dermatologist's Perspective elucidates the science of curly hair, demystifies prevailing hair styling trends, and presents practical advice for minimizing the harmful effects of these hair styling practices. Written from a dermatologist's perspective, this textbook seamlessly blends science and practical management. Chapters include physical and chemical properties of the hair, thermal and chemical straightening, extensions, razor bumps and special cultural considerations.

IgA autoantibodies promote inflammation, Th17 polarization and fibrotic responses in hidradenitis suppurativa

IgA autoantibodies promote inflammation, Th17 polarization and fibrotic responses in hidradenitis suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with complex immune dysregulation. While previous studies have reported tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) and IgA-producing B cells in HS skin lesions, the pathogenic role of IgA autoantibodies remains insufficiently characterized. Here, we demonstrate that lesional skin from patients with HS exhibits elevated expression of IGHA1, IGHA2, and J chain, as confirmed by qPCR, immunofluorescence, and Western blot analyses. Single-cell RNA sequencing identified local plasma cells and B cells as the primary source of IgA.

Assessing workload, compensation, and burnout in academic dermatology

Assessing workload, compensation, and burnout in academic dermatology: a national multi-institutional survey study

Background

Academic dermatologists manage a broad array of responsibilities, often extending beyond clinical duties to include education, research, mentorship, and administrative work.

Objective

This study aimed to quantify the scope of paid and unpaid responsibilities among academic dermatologists in the United States and identify disparities based on gender, career stage, and geography.

Spatial Transcriptomics and Proteomics of Mycosis Fungoides Biopsies from Skin of Color Patients Reveal Biomarkers and Potential Treatment Targets

Spatial Transcriptomics and Proteomics of Mycosis Fungoides Biopsies from Skin of Color Patients Reveal Biomarkers and Potential Treatment Targets

A better understanding of MF pathogenesis in SOC patients is needed for early identification and effective treatment. To address this need, we designed our study to specifically assess RNA and protein expression in biopsies from SOC patients seen at Howard University. We asked the following question: are there biomarkers or potential treatment targets that we could identify from these patient biopsies? To answer this question, we first used bulk RNA microarray analysis to compare samples in our cohort with previously published biomarkers.

Disparities in physician access for rheumatology, dermatology, and gastroenterology

Disparities in physician access for rheumatology, dermatology, and gastroenterology: a systematic review

Substantial disparities in access to health care, including to physician specialists, hinder diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes for patients with immunological diseases; thus, more studies are needed to understand and address these disparities. This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with disparities in rheumatology, dermatology, and gastroenterology specialist access for patients with immunological conditions and the consequences of such disparities.

US health care disparities in immunology biologics access

US health care disparities in immunology biologics access: a systematic review

Biologics have substantially improved health outcomes for patients with immunologic conditions. However, not all patients have equitable access to these important medications. Accordingly, we conducted a systematic review to understand US health care disparities in biologics access and associated clinical and economic outcomes, including health care resource use, across immunology (ie, rheumatology, gastroenterology, and dermatology).

New insights on hidradenitis suppurativa phenotypes and treatment response

New insights on hidradenitis suppurativa phenotypes and treatment response: An exploratory automated analysis of the SUNSHINE and SUNRISE trials

Defining hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) subtypes was previously limited by small sample sizes and poor interrater reliability; no study has investigated subtype treatment responses. The objective of this analysis was to characterize HS clusters in adult patients with moderate to severe HS and evaluate secukinumab treatment responses between clusters.

INVITED LECTURES

Plenary Lectures:

1. August 2023. A. Paul Kelly, MD Plenary Lecture at the American Academy of Dermatology Innovations Academy. Access, Action & Advocacy: Dermatologic Care in Underserved Communities. Tampa  FL.
2. October 2023. Iltefat Hamzavi, MD Plenary Lecture, Symposium on Hidradenitis Suppurative Advances. Health Care Disparities, Social Determinants of Health:Impact on HS Populations. Phoenix AZ
3. May 2024. Keynote speaker: American Academy of Dermatology Leadership Forum. Chicago IL

Visiting Professorships/Named Lectureships:

1. May 2010. Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma in Skin of Color. The John A. Kenney Jr Lectureship. Howard University-Washington DC Dermatological Society Meeting. Washington DC.
2. August 2017. Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Updates on Epidemiology and Management. Drs. Charles and Susan Crutchfield Visiting Professorship and Grand Rounds. University of Minnesota Department of Dermatology. Minneapolis MN.
3. November 2019. Hidradenitis Suppurativa: a Few Steps Forward. Fred Blum Visiting Professor, Duke-UNC Conference. Durham, NC.
4. August 2021. Charles L. Heaton Endowed Lecture in Dermatology at the University of Cincinnati. Management of Hidradenitis Suppurativa.
5. November 2021. Everett C. Fox Memorial Lectureship at the University of Texas, Southwestern. Management of Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Procedural Approaches
6. November 2021. Rodan+Fields Lectureship at Stanford University. Management of Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Procedural Approaches.
7. January 2023. University of Michigan Martin Luther King Jr Visiting Professor. 
   1. Recruitment and Retention of Academic URiM Dermatologists
   2. Follicular Disorders in Men of Color 
8. September 2023. Israel Zeligman Visiting Professor, Johns Hopkins Department of Dermatology. Access, Action & Advocacy: Dermatologic Care in Underserved Communities. Baltimore, MD.