The University of Cincinnati Department of Dermatology is well positioned for growth, supported by a strong clinical foundation, committed faculty, and alignment with key institutional priorities. Since its establishment under Dr. Augustus Ravogli in the late 19th century, the department has built a national reputation in dermatopathology, Mohs surgery, and immunodermatology. The UC College of Medicine has launched a national search for its next Chair of Dermatology. 

Today, the department stands at an important inflection point with significant opportunities for strategic expansion. As UCHealth continues to grow its primary care and ambulatory footprint, dermatology is uniquely positioned to serve as a critical access point and referral gateway into the health system. Expanding clinical capacity, geographic reach, and outpatient access will allow the department to meet increasing regional demand while strengthening integration with system-wide service line priorities. 

The next chair will have the opportunity to build upon existing strengths in Mohs surgery and dermatopathology, while strategically expanding programs in complex medical dermatology, melanoma and cutaneous oncology, cutaneous lymphoma care, medical aesthetics, and clinical trials. Given the institution’s prioritization of cancer services, the department is particularly well positioned to increase its role in multidisciplinary melanoma and skin cancer programs. 

Faculty growth represents one of the department’s most important strategic priorities. Expanding the clinical and research faculty will improve patient access, broaden subspecialty expertise, diversify training backgrounds, and strengthen mentorship and leadership development. The educational mission also presents substantial opportunities, including modernization of the residency structure, greater resident integration into faculty clinics, curriculum innovation, and potential expansion of fellowships, particularly in dermatopathology. 

Research remains a major area for future investment and growth. While current activity is modest relative to peer institutions, there is broad recognition that the department could substantially expand its clinical trials portfolio, translational collaborations, and externally funded research enterprise. Strengthening partnerships across the College of Medicine and UCHealth could further elevate the department’s national academic profile. 

The next chair will have the opportunity to unify these strengths through transparent leadership, collaborative planning, and a shared vision that positions Dermatology as a leading academic department within UCHealth and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. 

Key Responsibilities: In addition to being appointed as the Chief of Dermatology for UC Health, the Chair will be an integral leader in the College of Medicine (CoM) and needs to think and function in a large academic health system context. The Chair is responsible for expanding high impact clinical programs and innovative diagnostic services, rebuilding research infrastructure, cross disciplinary collaborations and strengthening departmental culture to support faculty engagement and retention.