When it came to applying to dermatology residency, the Miller School was the obvious first choice for Heather Woolery-Lloyd, M.D. ’98, Residency ’02, Internship ’99, is a renowned expert in skin of color.
This was important to Dr. Woolery-Lloyd, who knew from the start that she wanted to concentrate on skin of color — a term that did not even exist when she was a student.
“At the time, there weren’t a lot of dermatologists who specialized in skin of color,” said Dr. Woolery-Lloyd, director of the Skin of Color Division in the Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery. “I made it a priority to be well-versed on common skin and hair conditions in skin of color, such as pigmentary disorders, because I wanted to be an expert in this field.”
“I am honored to have contributed to the expanding research and awareness within this dermatological specialty. It is a fascinating and growing field. I have seen so many changes over the past 20-plus years and am excited to see what the future holds.”
During her residency, Dr. Woolery-Lloyd attended the American Academy of Dermatology’s annual meetings, moving from session to session to hear experts in skin of color discuss the latest developments and findings. She also trained with specialists around the country on the use of chemical peels and lasers in darker skin types.
At the time, the department chair, William H. Eaglstein, M.D., also recognized this unmet need in South Florida and the value Dr. Woolery-Lloyd’s expertise would bring to the university’s dermatology program. When she completed her residency at UM/Jackson Health System, during which she served as chief resident, Dr. Woolery-Lloyd was appointed director of Ethnic Skincare, which is now known as the Skin of Color Division.
“I’m grateful that the department has always been on the cutting-edge and ahead of its time,” said Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. “At the time, there were only a few departments in the country with clearly defined experts in skin of color. While the specialty has expanded, UM remains in the forefront under the leadership of our current chair, Robert Kirsner [M.D. ’88., Ph.D. ’04], who continues to champion this mission.”
Dr. Woolery-Lloyd, who is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, has devoted much of her career to advancing this specialty. She regularly participates in clinical research and serves as an investigator in FDA clinical trials, with an emphasis on increasing the inclusion of patients with skin of color. She has authored more than 70 peer-reviewed papers.
As a renowned expert in skin of color, Dr. Woolery-Lloyd lectures nationally and internationally. She also mentors dermatology residents from the Miller School, as well as from programs that may not provide significant exposure to this subspecialty.
“I am honored to have contributed to the expanding research and awareness within this dermatological specialty,” Dr. Woolery-Lloyd said. “It is a fascinating and growing field. I have seen so many changes over the past 20-plus years and am excited to see what the future holds.”
