Appointment of Melvin Chiu, MD, MPH, as chair of the Department of Dermatology

Keck School of Medicine of USC has appointed Melvin Chiu, MD, MPH, Professor of Clinical Dermatology (Clinician Educator), as chair of the Department of Dermatology. Dr. Chiu has served with distinction as acting chair over the past 18 months.

“I am confident that Dr. Chiu will continue to foster collaboration, mentorship, and academic excellence both within the department and the Keck School,” says Carolyn Meltzer, MD, dean of the Keck School of Medicine.

Dr. Chiu brings deep expertise and a patient-centered approach to his practice of general medical dermatology with a subspecialty focus on psoriasis and eczema. He has been named a Southern California Super Doctor and Top Doctor in both Los Angeles Magazine and Pasadena Magazine for multiple consecutive years.

A proven leader, Dr. Chiu has held the roles of chief of clinical operations and wellness director for the Department of Dermatology since 2019. He has also served as President of the Los Angeles Metropolitan Dermatological Society and served on many committees of the American Academy of Dermatology such as its Patient Safety Committee, Leadership Forum Work Group, and Skin of Color Work Group. With research interests in medical dermatology, patient safety and quality improvement, provider wellness, healthcare disparities, and access to care, Dr. Chiu has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed papers. He also serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Case Reports and the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Reviews. A dedicated educator, Dr. Chiu has been recognized with the USC Dermatology Faculty Teaching Award in 2020 and 2022.

Prior to joining the Keck School in 2018, Dr. Chiu was on faculty in the UCLA division of dermatology for 13 years. He served as associate health sciences clinical professor, associate residency program director for the UCLA dermatology residency program, and director of the UCLA Psoriasis and Phototherapy Center. Dr. Chiu received his BA degree from the University of California, Berkeley and his MD and MPH degrees from UCLA. He completed his internship in internal medicine at Olive-View UCLA Medical Center and his dermatology residency at UCLA.

Dr. David Peng who led the Department of Dermatology for more than 13 years will continue his current role as USC Health Chief Clinical Officer.

Learn how the Department of Dermatology advances research, patient care, and training.