Newswise — The Wistar Institute recently welcomed Richard E. Fitzpatrick, M.D., to its board of trustees.

An esteemed dermatologist noted for improving medical procedures and advancing dermatalogic laser technology, Fitzpatrick is the director of cosmetic dermatology at La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre; an associate clinical professor in medicine/dermatology at the University of California, San Diego; and he serves on the medical staff at Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, Calif. His scientific interest in improving skin treatments to reverse photo aging " skin damage caused over a lifetime of exposure to ultraviolet radiation " led him to develop a unique skin care line and found SkinMedica, an aesthetic pharmaceutical company for which he serves on the board of directors and as a scientific advisor.

Fitzpatrick has made significant contributions to the academic literature, authoring numerous journal articles and medical textbooks and book chapters on dermatologic laser surgery, and has trained thousands of physicians in laser dermatology techniques. He serves as a member or fellow of several dermatological academic societies and professional organizations including the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, the International Society for Laser Surgery and Medicine, the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and the American Academy of Dermatology, and served as president of the American Society for Laser Surgery and Medicine.

Fitzpatrick has been named the American Cancer Society's "Volunteer of the Year," has twice been honored with the Best Clinical Science Award from the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery, and has earned the "EnvisiON" lifetime achievement award from the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery. He earned his medical degree from Emory University, served a medical internship at the University of Southern California Medical Center and completed residency training in dermatology at the University of California at Los Angeles Center for Health Sciences.

The Wistar Institute is an international leader in biomedical research with special expertise in cancer research and vaccine development. Founded in 1892 as the first independent nonprofit biomedical research institute in the country, Wistar has long held the prestigious Cancer Center designation from the National Cancer Institute. The Institute works actively to ensure that research advances move from the laboratory to the clinic as quickly as possible. The Wistar Institute: Today's Discoveries " Tomorrow's Cures. On the Web at www.wistar.org.

MEDIA CONTACT
Register for reporter access to contact details