Departments

We are internationally recognized for developing an immunologic treatment for advanced cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. Extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP), or photopheresis, is one of the safest and most effective treatments available for this type of cancer. Our experienced team of physicians and nurses administers photopheresis daily on an outpatient basis. We treat more than 1,000 patients each year. The procedure was first developed by Yale's Richard Edelson, MD.He and his team are pioneers and leaders in this technique, and continually conduct research to further improve ECP to help treat cancer and other disorders. During ECP, the patient’s blood is treated with a photosensitizing agent and exposed to specific wavelengths of light to eliminate cancerous cells from the blood and activate the immune system’s T-cells. With immune cells primed to fight off cancer, blood is then returned to the body. ECP is also effective for treating a number of inflammatory diseases.

Our dermatologists are here to help improve the health and appearance of patients’ skin, and to diagnose and treat both benign and malignant skin conditions. We provide specialized care for the full spectrum of skin disorders, including acne, alopecia areata, psoriasis, inherited skin disease, and skin issues arising after organ transplant and during cancer treatment. We are one of two centers in the state with a pigmented lesion clinic, phototherapy center, and cutaneous lymphoma clinic. The clinical research efforts of our dermatologists have contributed significantly to the treatment of skin tumors such as melanomas and cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. We are actively exploring the uses of advanced technologies such as photopheresis, a therapy for life-threatening and debilitating diseases like cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and graft-versus-host disease. A large portion of the department's research is performed through two separate research entities—the Yale SPORE in Skin Cancer Center and the Spitzoid Neoplasm Repository.

The largest center for specialty dermatology in Connecticut, Yale’s Department of Dermatology is among the oldest in the United States. Our doctors and nurses provide safe, compassionate, and innovative care to all members of our community. We offer treatment for skin conditions, all of which can interfere with quality of life. Cutting-edge therapies are often the only hope for patients with resistant dermatologic illness, which affects the whole skin surface. Our physicians are deeply rooted in research, including the exploration of new technologies such as photopheresis for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and graft-versus-host disease. Our patients often benefit from early access to new treatments and therapies discovered by researchers at Yale. Specialized clinics for organ transplant patients, photopheresis, ichthyosis, and inherited skin disease One of two centers in the state with a pigmented lesion clinic, phototherapy center, and cutaneous lymphoma clinic Cutting-edge microscopically controlled excision (Mohs technique) for recurrence of high-risk cancers Technically advanced referral center for expert diagnosis of benign and malignant skin disorders Large dermatopathology lab, which processes 75,000 patient biopsies annually

Patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis often require a host of medications to manage their disease. One type in particular—biologics—are highly effective, but they can be complicated to administer. They are also expensive, which means navigating insurance coverage can be difficult and result in treatment delays. The Psoriasis Treatment Program brings together a board-certified medical dermatologist who specializes in psoriasis and a pharmacist from Yale New Haven Hospital Ambulatory Clinical Pharmacy Services who is an expert in psoriasis medication management and coordinating insurance coverage. Together, this dedicated team can manage patients’ care in a seamless fashion, which ensures prompt care. One medical professional focuses on the disease process and treatment selection; the other medication management. In this collaborative model, patients meet with their physician first to discuss a treatment plan and talk separately with the pharmacist. The pharmacist talks in depth with the patient, obtaining a complete medical history and answering all questions related to potential laboratory tests and prescribed medications, which can include injections they self-administer at home, as well as oral and topical treatments. The two points of access mean that patients aren’t condensing all of their questions about their treatment plan into one appointment, and the two medical professionals communicate closely about their psoriasis patients. If one is not available to help, the other can. Patients can work directly with their pharmacist on all issues related to medications, side effects, and insurance coverage in between follow-up appointments with their physician. Having two points of contact allows patients timely access to their medical team as well as their prescribed medications. The program brings together a physician who has expertise in treating psoriasis and a pharmacist with additional training in outpatient care and in dermatologic medications, including those for psoriasis. Managing medications for dermatologic patients is the pharmacist’s full-time job. The pharmacist educates patients about the medications and can obtain insurance coverage and set up home delivery of the medications, taking many hassles and obstacles out of the patient’s hands.