Department of Dermatology

Department of Dermatology TeamThe 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.

1854

From the hospital’s first charter as an independent institution, dermatology had a strong presence.

1905

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.

1932

The American Board of Dermatology (ABD) was the fourth specialty board to be established in the U.S.

1933

The first certifying exam in dermatology was offered.

1958

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.

1964

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.

1966

Dr. Blaylock was appointed chair of the Division of Dermatology.

1973

Dr. Blaylock led the effort that enabled the division to become an independent department and he was subsequently appointed department chair.

1990

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 a 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.

1993

Algin B. Garrett, M.D. was appointed chair of the Department of Dermatology, serving until 2018 both as chair and director of dermatologic surgery.

2007

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.

2018

Kimberly Salkey, M.D. became program director of the department’s residency.

2019

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.