The Department of Dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine strives to improve skin health in all patients; educate patients, students and residents about skin disease; and to improve skin health through research. As the region's leading dermatology department, we provide top-notch training for future practitioners of dermatology and a productive setting for basic and applied research on diseases of the skin.

Our department is growing under the leadership of Dr. Lindsay Strowd, who currently serves as Interim Chair since 2022. Our residency program is led by Dr. Maria Mariencheck, who has served as program director since 2020. Our ACGME-accredited fellowships include dermatopathology under Dr. Omar Sangueza, and Wake Forest also offers formal pre-clerkship training in dermatology and a fourth-year elective rotation led by Dr. Zeynep Akkurt.

Why Wake Forest?

Trainees and researchers are drawn to our unique learning environment and abundant research opportunities. Our department offers expertise in original research in all the skin diseases we treat, a compassionate approach to patients, nationally and internationally known faculty and a steadfast commitment to teaching the next generation of dermatologists.

Our areas of focus are broad and include all skin diseases.
We have particular specialty in:

  • Psoriasis
  • Atopic dermatitis
  • Skin cancer
  • Blistering diseases
  • Autoimmune skin disease
  • Acne
  • Hair disorders
  • Skin of color
  • Allergic contact dermatitis (patch-testing)
  • Pigmentary diseases
  • Pediatric dermatology
  • Cosmetic dermatology
  • Vulvar diseases
  • Dermatopathology
  • Mohs surgery

Programs areas include:

  • General Medical Dermatology Clinic
  • Pediatric Dermatology Program
  • Dermatologic and Cutaneous Surgery Unit (Mohs surgery)
  • Psoriasis and Skin Treatment Center
  • Dermatopathology Unit
  • Cosmetic Dermatology Center
  • Hair Disorders Program
  • Clinical Studies Center