Alumni Spotlights

Alumni of the University of Michigan Department of Dermatology Residency Program have built successful careers across the nation. We support our graduates in any path they choose—whether that be staying in academics, pursuing fellowship opportunities, or going into private practice. Meet a few of our graduates who pursued various opportunities after graduating from our program.

Luis Garza, MD, PhD

Luis Garza, MD, PhD

Vice-Chair of Research & Professor 
Department of Dermatology 
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Baltimore, MD

U-M Dermatology Residency Class of 2005
Post-Doctoral Fellow, University of Pennsylvania, 2005-2009

"I really valued my time in Ann Arbor learning Dermatology from some of the most accomplished physicians and scientists in the entire field. The commitment to rigorous evidence based medicine that is delivered compassionately is something I will always try to emulate. I also really prize the commitment to education and research that was obvious during my residency. In fact, many of the questions in skin biology that motivate my current research were born from areas of excellence within the U of Michigan Department of Dermatology. Besides all this, I learned a great deal from my fellow residents, and am lucky to have become friends with so many accomplished people."

Abena Ofori, MD

Abena Ofori, MD

Physician Editor, Dermatology
UpToDate

Clinical Associate
Department of Dermatology
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, MA

U-M Dermatology Residency Class of 2006

"Training at the University of Michigan provided me with the multitude of advantages and opportunities associated with access to a large group of experienced, dedicated, and supportive faculty. The value of learning both from faculty with specific areas of expertise as well as faculty with expertise in general dermatology cannot be understated. Other valuable aspects of our training included constant opportunities to play key roles in clinical decision making and the opportunity to learn with (and from) a large group of motivated, intelligent, diverse, and supportive peers, all of whom were dedicated to achieving excellence in dermatology. 

Residency is an important time for developing the skills necessary to achieve an impactful and fulfilling career. Training at the University of Michigan provided me with a solid foundation for achieving success in my career."

Dara Spearman, MD

Dana Spearman, MD

Owner & Founder
Radiant Dermatology Associates
Fort Wayne, IN

U-M Dermatology Residency Class of 2008

"I value my time at the University of Michigan because it prepared me well to take excellent care of  my patients. Obviously, this should be a priority for all physicians but it was modeled well during my time at UM. My sense of integrity was supported and nurtured during my residency training. We had excellent attending physicians who taught from different perspectives which is so important during training. I left the program with confidence, understanding the importance of lifelong learning but also able to handle the rigors of a busy private practice with a diverse group of patients."

Jennifer Nash, MD

Jennifer Nash, MD

Owner & Founder, Nash Dermatology
Midland, MI

U-M Dermatology Residency Class of 2010

"I have been practicing dermatology for ten years now since graduating residency at University of Michigan, currently in a private practice setting in a practice that I founded.  I can honestly say that I couldn't have been more prepared for a career practicing dermatology. The residency program provided me with comprehensive education in all aspects of dermatology. The faculty are world class and each provided a unique perspective. The practice of medicine is often subjective and more art than science - and learning this art is what sets University of Michigan's dermatology program apart from others. With so many diverse faculty with different backgrounds and areas of interest, I learned so many different "tips and tricks" from each faculty, often things you won't see in any textbook. The sacred "clinicopathologic correlation" is dermatology's holy grail - trying to tie together the patient's clinical story with the pathologic findings to come to the correct diagnosis, and this is one of the biggest challenges in difficult cases. I think one of the features of the residency program that taught me the most was the diagnostic conference, where the whole department came together to discuss difficult cases - this provided a unique opportunity to see each faculty's thought process in action and how they arrived at their differential diagnosis. With combined input from the medical dermatology faculty, dermatopathologists, and surgeons, residents at Michigan are provided with an invaluable learning tool on their journey to find that holy grail. After practicing in the "real world" for ten years, I have come to value my education at U of M even more than I first realized. I still keep in touch with my co-residents and my "Michigan family." Michigan truly does have the "leaders and the best!""

Matthew Fox, MD

Matthew Fox, MD

Associate Professor & Chief of Dermatology
Dell Medical School
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX

U-M Dermatology Residency Program Class of 2011
Cutaneous Surgery & Oncology Fellowship, University of Michigan, 2011-2013

"My time at Michigan was highlighted by phenomenal clinical exposure and highly talented co-residents and faculty - truly the leaders and best. My training as both a resident and fellow at Michigan prepared me for a career in academic medicine, and the relationships forged during my time in Ann Arbor have sustained my growth both personally and professionally since leaving Ann Arbor."

Temitayo Ogunleye, MD

Temitayo Ogunleye, MD

Associate Professor
Department of Dermatology
Perelman School of Medicine
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA

U-M Dermatology Residency Class of 2012
Clinician Educator Fellowship, University of Pennsylvania, 2012-2013

"My experience as a resident at the University of Michigan Department of Dermatology helped to mold me into the dermatologist I am today. The breadth of clinical exposures and volume trained me in efficiency and ensured that I was comfortable with a wide array of both complex and routine dermatologic conditions, instilling a strong medical and surgical foundation. I learned the art of patient care through my exposure to various clinical styles of my attendings, and use those lessons today to ensure that I provide sincere, quality care to my patients.  The diversity of experiences and backgrounds in my residency class created a one-of-a-kind family of encouragement and support, many of whom I am proud to still call friends.  This wealth of experiences and network of support contributed to my decision to remain in academic medicine, and I am thankful for my time spent at Michigan Dermatology."

Roberta Del Campo, MD

Roberta Del Campo, MD

Owner & Founder, Del Campo Dermatology and Laser Institute
Miami, FL

U-M Dermatology Residency Class of 2013
Cosmetic Fellowship, University of Michigan, 2013-2014

"I chose the University of Michigan due to its long standing reputation for developing world renowned dermatologists and its commitment to building a strong foundation for all of its residents. U of M is known to produce some of the most successful medical dermatologists, Mohs surgeons and cosmetic specialists, like myself. I graduated feeling confident in my skills and specifically having a strong knowledge base in medical dermatology differentiates me from other aesthetic providers. I cannot speak more highly of the program and am proud to be a graduate."

Robert Egbers, MD, MS

Robert Egbers, MD, MS

Owner & Founder, Anew Dermatology, Skin Cancer & Reconstruction
Johnson City, NY

U-M Dermatology Residency Class of 2014
Mohs Fellowship, Johns Hopkins University, 2014-2015

"For almost 3 years, I've been blessed with the opportunity to serve the Southern Tier of Upstate New York as the owner of Anew Dermatology, Skin Cancer & Reconstruction. Residency at the University of Michigan prepared me perfectly for the challenges of Mohs fellowship, and starting a medical practice in every possible way. Because of my exceptional training in the Michigan melanoma, Merkel cell, Mohs, CTCL and medical dermatology skin cancer clinics I have yet to see a patient with skin cancer who I was unable to help. The expectation of resident led care in a variety of settings, including high-volume clinics and the VA, instilled a sense of ownership in all aspects of patient care and provided experience in clinical operations from start to finish. Beyond scholastic medical acumen, Michigan Dermatology instilled the philosophy for growing a successful medical practice based on "service excellence" and patient centered care. I could go on & on writing about the education at Michigan that molded me into the physician I am today, leading a growing dermatology practice.  

I loved the people most about my residency experience at Michigan. It was a great place to be and to learn. I'm still friends with clinic staff, nurses, and research coordinators. Faculty mentors still help with insights and collaborate when I encounter challenging clinical questions. Above all, I was fortunate to have an amazing class of co-residents. We have all maintained our friendships, and we are in touch on an almost a daily basis. I truly valued every day of my residency in the University of Michigan Department of Dermatology."

Emily Smith, MD

Emily Smith, MD

Associate Professor of Dermatology and Dermatopathology
Department of Dermatology
Saint Louis University School of Medicine
St. Louis, MO

U-M Dermatology Residency Class of 2016
Dermatopathology Fellowship, University of Michigan, 2016-2017

"My time as a dermatology resident and dermatopathology fellow at Michigan Medicine set the stage for my career in academic medicine, particularly my focus in cutaneous oncology. Having trained amongst world-renowned leaders in our field was a unique opportunity I will forever be grateful for, and has afforded me the experience to provide expert level care for my patients. I feel as though I now stand on the shoulders of Michigan giants! It is an honor and a privilege to be part of the Michigan Medicine Dermatology family."