Initiating the Search for the Next Chair of Dermatology
April 30, 2025
We would like to thank George Cotsarelis, MD, Milton Bixler Hartzell Professor, as he finishes his term as Chair of the Department of Dermatology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. After fifteen years of outstanding leadership, we recognize his dedication to excellence in research, patient care, and education that has arguably produced the top Dermatology program in the country.
Throughout its rich 150-year history, Penn Dermatology – the nation’s oldest Department of Dermatology – has served as a leader in advancing the field, offering comprehensive patient care programs, clinical services, education and training, and world-class research. During Dr. Cotsarelis’ tenure, the Department experienced unprecedented growth. The faculty expanded from 27 to over 70 faculty members. Resident trainee slots increased from 12 to 24, and multiple new clinic sites and programs were initiated. Research funding doubled, and the research mission expanded to include the entire continuum from basic to translational to clinical, leading to breakthrough discoveries and startup companies as well as new technologies, new treatments, and new clinical practice paradigms that benefit people affected by skin disease across the world. These accomplishments were enabled by the supportive and enriching environment fostered by Dr. Cotsarelis and his team, which included a focus on interdepartmental and institute collaborations, faculty professional development, and academic success in all mission areas.
With the completion of his term as chair, Dr. Cotsarelis, a world-renowned expert on hair physiology and pathophysiology, will continue his research program, which focuses on the role of hair follicle stem cells in hair growth, alopecia, wound healing, and skin regeneration. He will continue to mentor students, trainees, and faculty to support the next generation of scientists and leaders in Dermatology.
We will initiate a search for a new department chair, with Robert Vonderheide, MD, DPhil, leading the search committee. We welcome the feedback and recommendations of our community during this process. Questions or input can be sent to evpdean@upenn.edu or to any of the search committee members listed below, whom we thank for their time and service.
Thank you.
Jon Epstein, MD, Dean
Lisa Bellini, MD, Executive Vice Dean
