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Newswise — BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Boni E. Elewski, M.D., an international leader in fungal and psoriasis research and dermatological clinical trials, has been named the new chair of the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Dermatology.
Elewski has been a professor of dermatology at UAB for 17 years. She holds the James E. Elder M.D. Endowed Professorship for Graduate Education, and is vice chair for Clinical Affairs and director of the Dermatology Residency Program. She will assume her new role as chair Jan. 1.
“I hope to create a destination dermatology department for patients, staff, residents, faculty and community dermatologists. Building on a strong foundation of research and patient care, I hope to expand our patient services and research opportunities so that UAB Dermatology remains a shining light for future generations,” Elewski said.
Elewski is an international leader in fungal and psoriasis research and dermatological clinical trials. She has been conducting clinical trials her entire career and has received 85 clinical trial study grants to pursue therapies for many dermatologic conditions. She has written more than 300 publications and served in numerous national societies and organizations, including as president of the American Academy of Dermatology from 2004-2005.
Elewski’s hire comes after a national search to lead the department. She will succeed Craig A. Elmets, M.D., who is stepping down from the post after 18 years as department chair. He will continue his research, educational and clinical activities as a professor of dermatology.
“Boni’s dedication to key components of the school’s mission — strong research, clinical operations and medical education — made her a great choice for promotion to this top leadership role in Dermatology,” said Selwyn M. Vickers, M.D., senior vice president for Medicine and dean of the UAB School of Medicine. “Her vision will be integral as the Department of Dermatology moves to build upon the foundation of research excellence and continues to expand its clinical footprint.”
A part of the School of Medicine since its inception in 1945, the UAB Department of Dermatology has been one of the top academic departments of dermatology in the United States for over 70 years and includes 18 faculty, 13 residents and two fellows. The department provides comprehensive dermatological patient care, offering sophisticated services in the diagnosis and treatment of skin disease, and is a national center for the management of complicated skin disorders.
An Ohio native, Elewski began her career at the Ohio State University College of Medicine, where she earned her medical degree before beginning an internship in internal medicine and residency in dermatology the University of North Carolina Memorial Hospital. She held faculty positions at the Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine and the Case Western Reserve School of Medicine before joining the UAB faculty in 1999.
About UABKnown for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to education at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, the University of Alabama at Birmingham is the state of Alabama’s largest employer and an internationally renowned research university and academic medical center; its professional schools and specialty patient-care programs are consistently ranked among the nation’s top 50. UAB’s Center for Clinical and Translational Science is advancing innovative discoveries for better health as a two-time recipient of the prestigious Center for Translational Science Award. Find more information at www.uab.edu and www.uabmedicine.org.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The University of Alabama at Birmingham is a separate, independent institution from the University of Alabama, which is located in Tuscaloosa. Please use University of Alabama at Birmingham on first reference and UAB on all subsequent references.
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