Reappointment of George Cotsarelis, MD


March 3, 2017

To:Faculty, Students and Staff

From:J. Larry Jameson, MD, PhD
Ralph W. Muller
Peter Quinn, MD, DMD

Re: Reappointment of George Cotsarelis, MD, as Chair of the Department of Dermatology


We are pleased to announce the reappointment of Dr. George Cotsarelis for a second six-year term as Chair of the Department of Dermatology. 

This reappointment follows a review process that included an extensive self-study, followed by an internal committee review and an external review by three international leaders in the dermatology field.

Under the strong leadership of Dr. Cotsarelis, the Department has evolved from being a leading department to arguably one of the top Departments of Dermatology in the country. Over the past five years there has been a 60% increase in the size of the faculty, a three-fold increase in new patient visits, a five-fold increase in the clinical operating margin, and a 30% increase in sponsored program research expenditures. The residency program is widely recognized as one of the best in the country. Faculty and reviewers commented that Dr. Cotsarelis “is an outstanding leader” and “stellar chair.” They praised his vision and noted the strong morale among faculty in the Department.

The review affirmed that the Department of Dermatology provides world-class patient care across the range of clinical services, with particular strengths in complex medical dermatology, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, and autoimmune disorders. Reviewers also noted the successful recruitment of early career scientists who are well poised for accomplishment. Specific research strengths highlighted include the epidemiology of dermatological conditions, clinical research on psoriasis, and regenerative medicine, among others. 

The review also provided an opportunity to discuss how best to support the faculty during a time of rapid growth, and to foster faculty engagement and advancement across the Department. We look forward to working with Dr. Cotsarelis during his second term to develop plans that build on the Department’s manifest strengths, and ask that you join us in congratulating him on his reappointment.