About the Department
The Department of Dermatology at VCU provides comprehensive dermatological care for disorders and diseases in all skin types and ages with a goal of promoting healthy skin through clinical care, education and research.
We serve as a referral base for the following:
- Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
- Alopecia
- Mohs micrographic surgery
As leaders in the field of dermatology, we are proud to share our knowledge with our colleagues, medical students and residents.
Read more about our educational opportunities for medical students and residents
Dermatology at VCU: Building on our History and Moving Forward
The Department of Dermatology has a rich history dating back more than a century and coinciding with the development of the VCU Medical Center.
From the hospital’s first charter as an independent institution, dermatology had a strong presence.
Several notable individuals have been involved in the teaching of dermatology. Thomas W. Murrell, Sr., M.D., became the first faculty member and chief of dermatology, a division of the Department of Internal Medicine.
The American Board of Dermatology (ABD) was the fourth specialty board to be established in the U.S.
The first certifying exam in dermatology was offered.
With its first class of graduates, the dermatology residency training program at the medical center was accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.
W. Kenneth Blaylock, M.D., a graduate of the program, returned to the faculty in 1964 after spending time at Duke University and the National Institutes of Health. He was the first full-time faculty member for dermatology. Prior to this time, all faculty were either part-time or volunteer.
Dr. Blaylock was appointed chair of the Division of Dermatology.
Dr. Blaylock led the effort that enabled the division to become an independent department and he was subsequently appointed department chair.
Dr. Blaylock transitioned to the Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) where he served as chief of the dermatology section for 15 years. During his tenure, he further developed the VAMC as s teaching institution for residents, who spend 50% of their clinical time at the VAMC during the first two years of their training. He has continued as a professor emeritus in Dermatology at VCU.
Algin B. Garrett, M.D. was appointed chair of the Department of Dermatology, serving until 2018 both as chair and director of dermatologic surgery.
Calvin McCall, M.D. joined the VCU faculty and stepped in as Chief of the Dermatology Section at the VAMC in 2008. While chief, he recruited a dermatopathologist, additional clinical faculty and a part-time Mohs surgeon to round out the clinical care and teaching experiences for the residents.
Kimberly Salkey, M.D. became program director of the department’s residency.
Lydia Johnson, M.D., who trained at VCU and practiced clinical dermatology in the community, returned to the university and was appointed chair of the Department of Dermatology.