Matt Zirwas, MD < Back Matt Zirwas, MD Faculty Matthew Zirwas, MD is an American Board of Dermatology certified physician. He is a nationally known expert who specializes in allergy patch testing, psoriasis, and eczema. Dr. Zirwas founded the Bexley Dermatology Research Clinic in 2017. The research clinic treats qualifying patients with the newest cutting-edge treatment options prior to the medications becoming available on the market for normal physicians to prescribe. He is also a physician contributor and dermatologic advisor for companies such as ALL Laundry Detergent, Cerave, AsepticMD, Women’s Health Magazine, and many more. He received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh in 1996. Dr. Zirwas also received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh in 2000. He then completed his dermatology residency at the University of Pittsburgh in 2003 where he became Chief Resident. Dr. Zirwas professional memberships include: American Academy for Dermatology American Medical Association American Contact Dermatitis Society Association of Professors of Dermatology Central Ohio Dermatology Society Columbus Medical Association European Society of Contact Dermatitis North American Contact Dermatitis Group Ohio Dermatology Association Ohio Dermatological Association The Ohio State Medical Association In Dr. Zirwas’s free time, he enjoys tending to his turtles and tadpoles, as well as spending time with his family and traveling. PS Home

Dermpath On Demand is an online educational website for all things dermatopathology. Join Dr. Clay Cockerell in the library 24/7/365 to view eSlides and case review videos. Industry Partners DOD Home Dermpath On Demand has become the online destination for dermatopathology training. Weekly training sessions are widely attended by dermatology residents, pathology residents, dermatopathology fellows, MOHS fellows, medical students, and attending physicians and extenders looking to sharpen their dermatopathology and clinicopathologic skills. Without the generous support of our industry partners, these educational events would not be a reality. Please take the time to check out their services. Click on the logos to visit their website. Interested in becoming a Dermpath On Demand industry partner, contact us for details.

Practical Symposium | Winter Learn, Shred, Learn! January 21-24, 2027 The Hythe | Vail, CO ATTENDEE LINKS Clay's Message Who Should Attend Agenda Faculty Fees Register Hotel & Travel Industry Partners Social Media Attendee Brochure CME & Document Center Sign Up for Updates INDUSTRY LINKS Industry Brochure Exhibit Guidelines Jan 21 - 24, 2027 The Hythe | Vail, CO REGISTER TODAY! This is going to be EPIC! Register Derm and skiing are very common. You have to use your brain, it's the most important part of your equipment.

Joseph Merola, MD, MMS < Back Joseph Merola, MD, MMS Faculty Joseph F. Merola, M.D., M.M.S. , a leading clinician, researcher, and clinical investigator who treats immune-mediated diseases such as psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis and lupus, has been named Chair of Dermatology . Dr. Merola, who joined UT Southwestern October 16, 2023. came from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston. He held many leadership positions there, including Vice Chair of the Department of Dermatology in Clinical Trials and Innovation, Director of the Clinical Unit for Research Innovation and Trials, Director of the Center for Skin and Related Musculoskeletal Diseases, and Director of the Harvard Combined Internal Medicine-Dermatology Residency Training Program. He received his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine and a Master of Medical Sciences degree from Harvard Medical School. He then completed an internship at the University of Pennsylvania, a residency in dermatology at New York University Medical Center, and both a residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in rheumatology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “The multidisciplinary skills, clinical expertise, and leadership record that Dr. Merola brings will expand the Department of Dermatology’s tradition for excellence and further enhance our institution as a national hub for discovery and innovation,” said W. P. Andrew Lee, M.D. , Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Provost, and Dean of UT Southwestern Medical School. Dr. Merola specializes in hard-to-treat cases of immune-related inflammatory disorders, which can lead to damage to skin, cartilage, bone, and internal organs. He is the Founding President of the Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Clinics Multicenter Advancement Network, Vice President of the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis, a member of the National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board and Scientific Advisory Committee, and President of the Medical Dermatology Society, among multiple other leadership positions. He also has led clinical trials funded by the National Institutes of Health and the pharmaceutical industry related to inflammatory skin and joint disease including psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis, and he has published more than 300 peer-reviewed articles. PS Home

Brett Coldiron, MD < Back Brett Coldiron, MD Faculty Brett Coldiron, MD, is one of the most distinguished Mohs surgeons in the world, having cured over 50,000 cases of skin cancers. In addition to founding the Skin Cancer Center, he has served as president, vice president and secretary-treasurer of the American College of Mohs Surgery. Dr. Coldiron is President of Ohio Dermatological Foundation, and past president of the American Academy of Dermatology, representing 18,000 dermatologists worldwide. Qualifications Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Cincinnati Ongoing research at the Skin Cancer Center, including: Patient safety and quality improvement Skin cancer epidemic Benchmarks for quality of skin cancer care Cost efficiencies of Mohs Surgery American Academy of Dermatology - Immediate Past President (2015-16); President (2014-15); President Elect (2013-14); Board of Directors (2009-present) Ohio State Medical Association – Counselor at Large (2015-2016) American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology – President (2011-2012); Vice President (2010-2011); Secretary-Treasurer (2008-2010); Board of Directors (2005-2008) Director, Good Samaritan TriHealth fellowship program in Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology (2010-Present) American Society of Dermatologic Surgery - Board of Directors (2003-2006) Cincinnati Dermatological Society - President (2004-2005) Ohio Dermatological Association – President (1999-2000) Awards & Recognitions JDD Leaders of Distinction Award for Outstanding Leadership in Promoting the Field of Dermatology (2016) International Training Mentorship Program Outstanding Contribution Award (2014) Clinical Educator of the Year (2014) American Society of Dermatologic Surgery President’s Award for leadership and promoting safety of office-based surgery (2013) Distinguished Service Award, American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology (2007) Dermatologist of the Year – Ohio Dermatologic Association (2001) Distringuished Leader Award Clarence A. Jackson Service Award for outstanding achievement, National Association of Wabash College Men (2000) Consistently named “Best Doctors” in Cincinnati and America Over 72 peer-reviewed scientific papers and 5 book chapters (as of 2015) Distinguished lecturer: University of Cincinnati, Cleveland Clinic, Harvard Medical School, Mayo Clinic, New York University, Wake Forest University, University of Arkansas Distinguished international lecturer: Canada, Indonesia, South Africa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, India Education Dr. Coldiron is board certified in Internal Medicine (residency at the University Hospital, Cincinnati), Dermatology (residency at University of Texas Health Science Center at Dallas Parkland Memorial Hospital), and fellowship trained in Mohs and Dermatologic Surgery (Northwestern University and the University of Illinois at Chicago). PS Home

Matthew Leavitt, DO < Back Matthew Leavitt, DO Faculty Dr. Matt Leavitt is a board-certified dermatologist and the Chairman, Founder, and CEO of Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery (ADCS), the country's largest dermatology practice. He is also the Founder and Chairman of Ameriderm, a division that provides billing services for dermatology practices. Dr. Leavitt's vision led to the development of ADCS’s research division which has undertaken numerous studies for major pharmaceutical companies. Additionally, Dr. Leavitt founded Medical Hair Restoration (MHR), which he grew into a national practice for surgical hair transplantation that became the second-largest hair restoration practice in the country. Dr. Leavitt now holds the office of Executive Medical Advisor with Bosley, the largest hair restoration group in the world. Dr. Leavitt is the Chairman of the KCU-GME/ADCS Orlando Dermatology Residency Program. He has served as President of the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD) and is a founding father of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery, where he served as its first vice president. Dr. Leavitt was also one of the founding members and is currently the president of the Hair Foundation. Dr. Leavitt is presently a Clinical Assistant Professor in Dermatology for the University of Central Florida and Kansas City University. Dr. Leavitt is a member of the advisory boards and a national speaker for Allergan. Formerly he was a member of the advisory boards of Merck and Pfizer (now Johnson & Johnson) and Photomedex, Abbvie, amongst others. Dr. Leavitt has served as a special consultant to Lexington International. Dr. Leavitt is recognized both nationally and internationally as an accomplished author, clinical researcher, surgeon, and lecturer on the subject of hair loss. He has received numerous grants and awards including the prestigious Golden Follicle, from the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons. Recently he was featured on the cover and lead article for The Dermatologist. Dr. Leavitt is a founder and 21-time chairman of the annual Live Surgery Workshop. Dr. Leavitt has authored numerous articles for dermatology, hair, and cosmetic journals and chapters in textbooks. He has been interviewed by the print and electronic media including The New York Times, The WSJ, Forbes, Men's Vogue, Parents Magazine, etc. as well as appearing on America's Health Network, CBS's 'The Early Show,' The Learning Channel, NBC iVillage. Through the Leavitt Family Foundation, he has co-sponsored fourteen annual charity golf tournaments benefiting Ronald McDonald House and the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation (CCF). He serves on the CCF boards both nationally and locally. He has been recognized by Ernst & Young as a finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year and received numerous awards from the business community, such as Smart Awards, Florida Medical Business, etc. A graduate of the University of Michigan and Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Leavitt completed his residency at Ohio University Grandview Medical Center. PS Home

Business 201 Faculty < Back Mireya Hawthorne CEO & Principal Mireya Gonzalez Hawthorne serves the insurance and risk management needs of commercial clients in a variety of industries including retail, food service, manufacturing, public entity, financial services, healthcare, construction, property management and development. Mireya specializes in large-scale corporate risk management and solves critical risk and asset management objectives for middle market corporations. Areas of expertise include multi-state property and casualty programs, negotiating favorable terms for difficult or unique Directors and Officers Liability placements, negotiating Bonds, Products Liability coverage, helping clients turn around adverse Workers' Compensation experience, and insuring hard to place Property Schedules. She brings over 20 years of extensive insurance, risk financing, and risk management experience to MGRA. Mireya began her insurance career in San Antonio, Texas with Nationwide Insurance. A leading sales executive in personal lines and a nationally ranked producer of property and casualty insurance. Promoted to Dallas County Portfolio Manager & led the underwriting division for her district to the state Sales Conference each year. Became one of ten districts in Texas to reach Pacesetter’s (annual award) 4 consecutive years. In 1998, went to Summit Global Partners & excelled as an Account Executive/Producer. Served the insurance and risk management needs of companies such as WBK Construction Co, Hardscape Construction, Bell Sports, Monitronic’s, Broadcast.com , BroadbandNow, Trintel, ABC Pest Control, NTTA, and NV Holdings. She was recruited by Marsh USA in 2002 to develop new engagement opportunities for middle to large markets in their consulting and risk management division. She developed relationships with companies such as D.R. Horton, Carreker Financial, and Mary Kay, Inc. She managed client risks to strengthen their balance sheets, reduce expenses, and benefit their overall bottom line. Specialties: Technology Consulting firm, Franchised Food Service, Development of National Insurance Programs for Groups/Associations/Franchises, Construction, Mgmt Consulting, Service Organization, Products Liability, Executive Risk Arena-DnO, EnO, EPLI, Crime & Fiduciary https://www.mgrainc.com/ Business201 Home

Lawrence Schachner, MD < Back Lawrence Schachner, MD Faculty Bio coming soon. PS Home

Jennifer Cather, MD < Back Jennifer Cather, MD Faculty Dr. Jennifer Cather leads Mindful Dermatology. She is a board-certified dermatologist, an active member of the American Academy of Dermatology and is an internationally recognized authority in complex medical dermatology, aesthetics, and skin cancer. Dr. Cather is passionate about diagnosing and managing patient conditions, from the most severe diseases, such as psoriasis or atopic dermatitis, to common skin conditions. Whether seeking the latest medical or rejuvenation advancements in dermatological care, Dr. Cather and her team at Mindful Dermatology are fully invested in our patients. They are constantly raising the standard for dermatology care by providing innovative, research-based therapies and actively seeking new treatments through clinical research. Dr. Cather, a Southern California native, and her husband, Chris, have two daughters, Wonder and Magic. Outside of work, Dr. Cather enjoys staying active and living a healthy lifestyle, whether it's snow skiing, snorkeling, hiking, or stargazing with her husband. PS Home

James Del Rosso, DO < Back James Del Rosso, DO Faculty James Q. Del Rosso, D.O. has been practicing dermatology since 1986, and in the Las Vegas area at the Las Vegas Skin & Cancer Clinics since 1997. He is an Adjunct Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the Touro University of College of Osteopathic Medicine in Henderson, Nevada, and has the distinction of being the first and only dermatology residency program director in the history of the state of Nevada. Prior to coming to Las Vegas, Dr. Del Rosso served as Head of the Section of Dermatology at the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Athens, and Visiting Faculty Member in Dermatology at Ohio State University (OSU) in Columbus where he twice was honored as Educator of the Year by the dermatology residents and dermatopathology fellows. He received his D.O. degree from Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, interned at Doctors Hospital in Columbus, completed a dermatology residency at Atlantic Skin Disease and Skin Surgery in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and a fellowship in Mohs micrographic surgery and cutaneous oncology at OSU. At his practice in Henderson, Nevada, he is proud of the quality of service provided and has an exceptional support staff of nurses and medical assistants who are dedicated to quality patient care. Dr. Del Rosso is an internationally renowned dermatologist. He is Clinical Editor of the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, has published multiple peer-reviewed articles and textbook chapters, and was President of the American Acne & Rosacea Society, American Society of Mohs Surgery, and the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. He is one of the most highly requested and well-respected educators in dermatology, invited to present regularly at dermatology meetings both nationally and internationally. Dr. Del Rosso has many outside interests, especially music, and stays busy at times with four children and six grandchildren. PS Home

Dermpath On Demand is an online educational website for all things dermatopathology. Join Dr. Clay Cockerell in the library 24/7/365 to view eSlides and case review videos. Clay's Library provided by Cockerell Dermatopath ology DOD Home https://youtu.be/Nmer2qVf96E

Labatory improvement reduce turnaround time.Continuous Specimen Flow Changes Night Shifts to Day Shifts While Reducing Turn-Around-Time < Back Continuous Specimen Flow Changes Night Shifts to Day Shifts While Reducing Turn-Around-Time Clay Cockerell, MD, JD, MDA | Mary deBram-Hart, BS, HT | Erico Von Bueren, PhD, MD, MOR | Brenda Wander | Mark Fussner, BS, CT | Claudio Scancich | Craig Reed | Brand McCarley Jul 26, 2022 Labatory improvement reduce turnaround time. To reduce average TAT from 36-42 hours to 24-26 hours, the laboratory was restructured to include, relocation and a new floor plan for linear specimen workflow with a larger workspace. Conventional tissue processors were replaced with continuous flow, rapid tissue processors, cassette batch sizes reduced to an maximum of 32, and fully automated embedding was introduced. Personnel was rescheduled to decrease family unfriendly working hours (3pm-5am) and total hours, while increasing laboratory efficiency. MATERIALS & METHODS Customized WinSURGE® (Computer Trust Corp) Scanning Records using customized tools in Microsoft ® Excel ® 2013. Floorplans analyzing pathway crossings. Analysis of scheduled personnel shifts, family unfriendly (3pm-5am) schedules, and overtime. Analysis of cassette number reduction by increasing the number of spatially separated cross sectioned ellipse/s in Tissue-Tek® Paraform® Sectionable Cassette Systems (Sakura Finetek, Torrance, CA). Specimens were processed on Tissue-Tek VIP® 5, Tissue-Tek Xpress® x120, and embedded on Tissue-Tek AutoTEC® (Sakura Finetek, Torrance, CA). RESULTS The Paraform Sectionable Cassette System allows multiple cross sectioned ellipse/s in one cassette, locking their orientation from grossing to microtomy. Using Paraform Cassettes resulted in less cassettes grossed, processed, embedded, sectioned, and less slides stained and reviewed. Daily volumes decreased from 1,600 to 1,358 (-13%), reducing costs and increasing profitability. OLD vs. NEW LABORATORY SETUP The new laboratory set-up reduced overall daily working time for the entire Team from 215.5 hrs. to 136 hrs. (-79.5 hrs./-37%) while reducing the daily family unfriendly time (3pm to 5am) by 61% from 119.5 hrs. to 44 hrs./ 75%. The highest reduction of working and family unfriendly time was achieved in Embedding: -52 hrs./-100%, followed by Microtomy and Grossing. The Grossing and Microtomy Teams assist loading and unloading the Tissue-Tek Xpress x120 and Tissue-Tek AutoTEC, allowing task variety. The 4 stacked graphs on the left show the effect on working hours, the 4 stacked graphs on the right show the effect on family unfriendly hours. Noticeably, cumulative overtime was reduced from an average daily total of 16 hours to 0 hours. Overall, all Teams highly appreciated these changes and do not want to return to the previous set-up. CONCLUSIONS Specimens are oriented at grossing eliminating misorientation with manual embedding. Excisions can have multiple cross sectioned ellipse/s and are correctly oriented at grossing using Paraform Sectionable Cassette System reducing the total number of cassettes generated. Only 2% of the daily volume needs manual embedding due to specialty circumstances. Utilization of the Tissue-Tek Xpress x120 and Tissue-Tek AutoTEC allows 80% of specimens to be ready for microtomy within 7 hours after arrival into the laboratory. Continuous flow, rapid tissue processing means no more large batches, bottlenecks, or waiting time. The Tissue-Tek AutoTEC allowed 6 Histotechnicians to change their hours from night shift to day shift, allowing them to work more employee/family friendly shifts. Better hours and less blocks meant staff are able to perform additional duties allowing variety during the work day.  Designing a laboratory in a new building with a Lean workflow floor plan eliminated retraced steps and excessive walking time. Clients, Pathologists, and employees are happier. ABOUT CLAY J. COCKERELL, MD, JD, MBA Dr. Clay J. Cockerell is a world-renowned specialist in treating and diagnosing skin disorders and has diagnosed over three million biopsies. An internationally recognized pioneer in his field and double board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology, Dr. Cockerell has been practicing medicine since 1986. He is currently the Founder & President of Cockerell Dermatopathology and the Program Director of the Health Education Services dermatology residency program sponsored by the Lake Granbury Medical Center. Also, Dr. Cockerell sees patients a few days per month to assist with resident training and to keep his clinicopathological skills sharp. Dr. Cockerell has held numerous leadership positions within several highly regarded medical associations. Most notably, he served as the President, Secretary & Treasurer and a member of the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Dermatology, President of the Texas Dermatological Society, and President of the Dallas Dermatological Society. Also, Dr. Cockerell holds leadership roles as Founder and President of Cockerell Dermatopathology and a former AmeriPath Board of Directors member. Dr. Cockerell and his wife, Brenda, had a lifelong dream of producing wine and, in 2005, purchased a vineyard in Calistoga, California. They now produce wine under the Coquerel Family Wine Estates label. Dr. Cockerel and Brenda have two children, Charles and Lillian, and they have been married for forty-six years. In addition, Dr. Cockerell and Brenda enjoy traveling, golf, and winter sports. ABOUT COCKERELL DERMATOPATHOLOGY The Cockerell Dermatopathology story begins with Dr. Clay J. Cockerell's vision to establish a practice whose mission is to treat each specimen as if it came from one of own family members. Family! At Cockerell Dermatopathology, every employee is driven by a relentless pursuit of diagnostic excellence. We specialize in evaluating dermatologic disorders, tackling cases ranging from the routine to the most challenging. Our practice continuously invests in cutting-edge technologies to best serve each referring clinician and their patients. These innovations result in higher-quality diagnostic slides, quicker turnaround times for routine cases, and seamless deployment of EMR interfaces. From an educational perspective, Cockerell Dermatopathology is more than a dermatopathology practice. We host numerous in-person and internet-based education events and boast a state-of-the-art 14-headed microscope for dermatology resident training sessions. Our services extend beyond borders, serving hundreds of clinicians in Texas, throughout the United States, and globally. With a highly accessible team of board-certified dermatopathologists and a dedicated support staff, our vision is simple yet profound. Family, we treat every specimen as if it were from one of our own family members. Previous Next