Dr. Michael Stamos, dean of UCI School of Medicine, announced today that Kristen M. Kelly, MD, is the new official chair of the Department of Dermatology. Kelly has been serving as interim chair since June. She is professor of dermatology and surgery at the UCI School of Medicine, and works clinically at UCI Health Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic and UCI Health Gottschalk Medical Plaza. Her appointment became official September 6.

Kelly’s clinical and research specialties include vascular birthmarks, photodynamic therapy and light based imaging. She replaces Christopher B. Zachary, MD, MBBS, FRCP, who stepped down from the position after serving three, five-year terms as chair of the Department of Dermatology.

In 2006, one of Zachary’s first decisions was to appoint Kristen M. Kelly, MD, as residency program director, and within six months, the department was given full accreditation by ACGME.

Kelly is a board-certified dermatologist with more than 25 years of experience using lasers to treat vascular birthmarks, scars and other dermatologic conditions. She is at the forefront of research in the treatment of vascular skin conditions, and contributes to the development and implementation of the latest energy based technologies, techniques and treatments in dermatology.

Kelly has contributed to the work at the world-renowned UCI Health Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic for over 20 years. She is also past president and board member of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery and has lectured locally, nationally and internationally on the treatment of vascular lesions and light based treatments and diagnostics in dermatology.

Kelly received her medical degree from UCLA, and completed an internship in internal medicine from St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach. She completed her residency in dermatology at UCI.

Read more about Kristen Kelly on the Institute website.