Luis A. Diaz, MD, C.E. Wheeler, Jr. Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Dermatology, has announced that he will be stepping down from the position, effective Dec. 31, after serving in the role for more than 16 years.
He will remain as C.E. Wheeler, Jr. Distinguished Professor and a member of the faculty, and will continue to focus on his research and clinical efforts.
Under his leadership, the department has expanded its clinical care, research portfolio, and educational programs. Diaz is held in high regard among his colleagues, faculty, and peers and a leader in the field of Dermatology.
In addition to maintaining a robust, NIH-funded research lab, Diaz has been successful as a mentor of clinicians and scientists in the department, playing a major role in promoting the career advancement of women and underrepresented minorities. Diaz has been effective in creating an academic environment that attracts young dermatologists out of the residency program. Currently, nine of the Department’s own past residents are junior faculty members.
Diaz was elected to the board of directors’ of the largest dermatology society, the American Academy of Dermatology. He was also elected as President of the Society of Investigative Dermatology (2000-2001) and as a member of the Institute of Medicine (now known as the National Academy of Medicine) in 2002. Diaz is president of the American Association of Professors of Dermatology, a society that represents all dermatology academicians within the USA, Canada and Puerto Rico.