John Harris, MD, PhD, associate professor of dermatology and one of the nation’s foremost authorities on the treatment and study of vitiligo, has been appointed chair of the Department of Dermatology beginning Jan. 1, announced Terence R. Flotte, MD, the Celia and Isaac Haidak Professor, executive deputy chancellor, provost and dean of the School of Medicine. In addition, Dr. Harris has been appointed the founding director of the Autoimmune Therapeutics Institute at UMMS.
“As chair, Dr. Harris will direct the clinical, research and educational components of the department, while continuing to oversee a specialty clinic for patients with vitiligo and an active research lab that employs basic, translational and clinical research approaches to better understand autoimmunity in vitiligo, with a focus on developing more effective treatments. We are particularly proud that Dr. Harris is a graduate of UMMS, having earned his MD and PhD degrees in 2005, before completing a combined research/residency program in dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania,” said Dean Flotte.
Harris is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, co-founder and board member of the Global Vitiligo Foundation and an active member of numerous other professional organizations. He also advises and collaborates with several pharmaceutical companies.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to Mary Maloney, MD, for her leadership as founding chair since the Division of Dermatology was elevated to department status,” said Flotte. “Over the course of her career, Dr. Maloney has influenced countless learners, colleagues and patients, and become an internationally known expert clinician and leader in dermatologic surgery, particularly in Mohs surgery.”
Flotte also thanked the search committee, led by co-chairs Diane McKee, MD, and Michael Gustafson, MD, for their time and efforts.