Pediatric Dermatology

dermatologist examining a young girl

Dermatology

Our pediatric dermatologists provide expert care for infants, children, and adolescents with skin diseases. Our nationally recognized dermatologists are authorities in their fields and have been recognized in Castle Connolly’s “Top Doctors” and New York Magazine “Best Doctors” each year.

Our Expertise

We treat the full range of pediatric skin conditions, from common ailments like atopic dermatitis or “eczema” (chronic red, itchy rash), acne, birthmarks and hemangiomas (benign tumors of the blood vessels) to complex genetic disorders and systemic illnesses affecting the skin. We use laser treatments to improve vascular birthmarks such as infantile hemangiomas and port-wine stains, with excellent results. 

We know that children often require specialized care and understanding, and our physicians are expertly trained to help them and their family through the treatment process. Our skin specialists will review your child’s medical history, assess the condition, and recommend treatment based on up-to-date research and proven technology. 

Our Programs and Clinics

We see patients in the ColumbiaDoctors outpatient locations, as well as in our ambulatory operating room at Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital. Additionally, our doctors care for patients with specialized needs in interdisciplinary clinics:

The Vascular Anomalies Program

Children and adolescents with complex vascular birthmarks are cared for in this specialized clinic led by Dr. Maria Garzon, the Director of Pediatric Dermatology at Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital.

Vascular Anomalies Program

Pediatric Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) Interdisciplinary Clinic

The Interdisciplinary EB Clinic, launched in June 2007, provides comprehensive care for infants and children with EB. This rare group of inherited skin diseases results in lifelong fragile skin and blistering. A team of dermatologists, nutritionists, occupational and physical therapists and social workers work together to address concerns and provide optimal care for patients and their families affected by this group of disorders.

Pediatric Cutaneous Oncology Clinic (PCOC) 

Our pediatric dermatologists, along with physicians from cutaneous oncology and pediatric oncology collaborate in the care of children with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (a blood cancer affecting the skin) and other skin-related malignancies.

Tuberous Sclerosis Center of Excellence

Dr. Christine Lauren participates in this interdisciplinary team of pediatric clinicians and researchers who care for children with this neurocutaneous condition.

Education

Our pediatric dermatologists are integral faculty members at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, where they help to fulfill the academic mission of our institutions. They teach in the classroom and in our patient care settings, working with medical students, resident physicians, and clinical fellows. Dr. Garzon oversees the dermatology curriculum in undergraduate medical education. Dr. Lauren plays a critical role in the resident physician training program as the Associate Program Director of the Dermatology Residency Program. Dr. Garzon and Dr. Morel oversee our American Board of Dermatology approved Pediatric Dermatology Fellowship Program. 

Our pediatric dermatologists are invited faculty at local, national and international meetings and their original work has been widely presented and published in the medical literature. They remain active members of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Academy of Pediatrics and Society of Pediatric Dermatology.

Research

Our ongoing clinical research program helps advance patient care, affording the opportunity to provide the latest and most effective treatments.

  • Dr. Maria Garzon is one of the founders of the Hemangioma Investigator Group, a multicenter consortium dedicated to the care of children with vascular anomalies  She along with Dr. Morel, Dr. Lauren and other members of this group work to advance knowledge about these disorders through collaborative research, education, and advocacy.
  • Our pediatric dermatologists are also founding members of PeDRA, the Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance, the research arm of the Society of Pediatric Dermatology. It is a collaborative research network of over 200 clinicians.
  • Dr. Kimberly Morel leads our pediatric team in the care of patients with Epidermolysis Bullosa as well as overseeing clinical studies related to advancing the care of children with this condition.She is active in the Epidermolysis Bullosa Clinical Research Consortium (EBCRC), a multi-institutional collaborative network of pediatric providers specializing in this rare group of inherited skin diseases.
  • Dr. Christine Lauren is currently collaborating with other pediatric specialties at Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital to answer clinical research questions related to the care of pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis or “eczema,” a common pediatric skin disorder.