Joel M. Gelfand, MD, MSCE, FAAD is the James J. Leyden Professor of Clinical Investigation and Professor of Dermatology and Epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine. He is also Co-Founding Director of the Center for Clinical Sciences in Dermatology, Director of the Psoriasis and Phototherapy Treatment Center, and Senior Scholar at the Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics. He is an internationally recognized expert in psoriasis, clinical epidemiology, drug safety, and clinical trials. Dr. Gelfand is the author of over 330 scientific publications, editorials, reviews, and textbook chapters (cited over 40,000 times), which appear in many prestigious dermatology, rheumatology, and general medical journals including JAMA and the New England Journal of Medicine. He is Deputy Editor for Clinical Research for the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, is the recipient of many esteemed national medical awards, has delivered over 10 named lectures, and has served on various boards of directors to advance the field of psoriasis care.
Dr. Gelfand’s research (funded by NIH, PCORI, FDA, foundations, and industry) has redefined psoriasis, a condition affecting 125 million people worldwide, as a systemic inflammatory disease that enhances the risk of cardiovascular events and premature mortality resulting in changes in standard of care guidelines worldwide. He conducts patient-centered, “real-world” research through the Dermatology Clinical Effectiveness Research Network (DCERN), which he founded in 2009 and involves over 50 dermatology practices in the US. His research is regularly covered by print and television media. He is also a dedicated mentor and has trained a new generation of physician scientists in dermatology, rheumatology, and cardiology who focus on psoriatic disease.
The goal of his research and clinical practice is to improve psoriasis patient outcomes in the skin and joints, while lowering the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and mortality. He regularly appears in Castle Connolly’s list of “Top Doctors” and is listed in America’s Best Dermatologists by Newsweek Magazine.
Dr. Gelfand earned his medical degree from the Harvard Medical School (magna cum laude) and completed dermatology residency at the University of Pennsylvania, where he also received a Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology.
Donations to the NPF to honor Dr. Gelfand can be made at: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/Gelfand
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