Founding Chair of the University of Florida Department of Dermatology
The University of Florida College of Medicine has appointed Vladimir Vincek, M.D., Ph.D., a professor and director of dermatopathology, to become the founding chair of the new Department of Dermatology, effective January 1st, 2012.
“Dermatology is an important specialty in medicine, and it is the right time in our UF history to create a Department of Dermatology, one that will provide needed care to our community and to the citizens of Florida, and one that will train the next generation of much needed dermatologists,” said Michael L. Good, M.D., dean of the College of Medicine. As founding chair and an accomplished physician, scientist and educator, Dr. Vincek has a vision to create a world-class department, and the drive, determination and leadership skills to realize that vision.”
Dermatology was a division under the Department of Medicine for many years. The new designation allows UF to join the ranks of other top academic medical centers that have established dermatology departments and also allows for the dedication of more staff and resources to the specialty, Vincek said.
There is a growing clinical need for dermatology services. Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers, and Florida has the second highest rate of melanoma cases in the nation. Melanoma cases are also becoming more common in young people.
“My goal is to reorganize clinical operations,” said Vincek, who is both a practicing clinical dermatopathologist and a researcher in the area of melanoma and genetics.
