Faculty

Christopher Bunick

MD, PhD
Associate Professor of Dermatology
Yale School of Medicine

Dr. Christopher Bunick is an Associate Professor of Dermatology and Translational Biomedicine at Yale University School of Medicine. Clinically, he specializes in general medical dermatology and dermatologic surgery. He also performs unique dermatologic research studying the three-dimensional structures of skin-related proteins using x-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy. Dr. Bunick received his B.S. at Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN), and his M.D. and Ph.D. degrees at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He completed medical internship, dermatology residency, and a dermatology research fellowship (mentored by Nobel Laureate Dr. Thomas A. Steitz) at the Yale University School of Medicine (New Haven, CT). Chris’ research has pioneered a new focus in dermatology on fundamental biochemistry and structural biology, particularly around connecting the atomic resolution mechanisms of action of a therapeutic to its clinical performance and safety. Complementing his basic science research, Chris has and continues to lead multiple dermatology clinical trials at the Yale Center for Clinical Investigation.

2026 Sessions

Managing Relapse and Long-Term Disease Control in Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is characterized by an unpredictable course with frequent relapse. This session reviews strategies for maintaining disease control and minimizing recurrence. Faculty will discuss long-term use of emerging therapies, including JAK inhibitors, and how to monitor safety. NPs and PAs will also learn how to address the psychosocial burden of chronic hair loss.

Presenter

Sunday, September 27 7:50–8:05 AM
Room Marquis Ballroom B/C
Faculty

Christopher Bunick

MD, PhD
Associate Professor of Dermatology
Yale School of Medicine

Dr. Christopher Bunick is an Associate Professor of Dermatology and Translational Biomedicine at Yale University School of Medicine. Clinically, he specializes in general medical dermatology and dermatologic surgery. He also performs unique dermatologic research studying the three-dimensional structures of skin-related proteins using x-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy. Dr. Bunick received his B.S. at Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN), and his M.D. and Ph.D. degrees at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He completed medical internship, dermatology residency, and a dermatology research fellowship (mentored by Nobel Laureate Dr. Thomas A. Steitz) at the Yale University School of Medicine (New Haven, CT). Chris’ research has pioneered a new focus in dermatology on fundamental biochemistry and structural biology, particularly around connecting the atomic resolution mechanisms of action of a therapeutic to its clinical performance and safety. Complementing his basic science research, Chris has and continues to lead multiple dermatology clinical trials at the Yale Center for Clinical Investigation.

Ask the Experts: Interactive Panel Q&A

This interactive panel session brings together expert faculty to address key questions and real-world challenges in clinical practice. Through audience-driven discussion, attendees will gain practical insights, diverse perspectives, and evidence-based guidance on complex topics. Emphasis will be placed on open dialogue, allowing learners to engage directly with experts and apply takeaways to everyday practice.

Panelist

Sunday, September 27 8:05–8:15 AM
Room Marquis Ballroom B/C
Faculty

Christopher Bunick

MD, PhD
Associate Professor of Dermatology
Yale School of Medicine

Dr. Christopher Bunick is an Associate Professor of Dermatology and Translational Biomedicine at Yale University School of Medicine. Clinically, he specializes in general medical dermatology and dermatologic surgery. He also performs unique dermatologic research studying the three-dimensional structures of skin-related proteins using x-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy. Dr. Bunick received his B.S. at Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN), and his M.D. and Ph.D. degrees at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He completed medical internship, dermatology residency, and a dermatology research fellowship (mentored by Nobel Laureate Dr. Thomas A. Steitz) at the Yale University School of Medicine (New Haven, CT). Chris’ research has pioneered a new focus in dermatology on fundamental biochemistry and structural biology, particularly around connecting the atomic resolution mechanisms of action of a therapeutic to its clinical performance and safety. Complementing his basic science research, Chris has and continues to lead multiple dermatology clinical trials at the Yale Center for Clinical Investigation.

Co-Chairs / Scientific Advisors

Joseph Merola

MD, MMSc, FAAD, FACR
Department of Dermatology and Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology
UT Southwestern Medical Center and O'Donnell School of Public Health

Joseph F. Merola, MD, MMSc is Chair of Dermatology at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX; he is Professor of Dermatology, Medicine and Rheumatology at UTSW and the Peter O’Donnell Jr School of Public Health. He holds the Mary Kay Distinguished Chair in Dermatology. Dr. Merola is board-certified in Dermatology, Internal Medicine, and Rheumatology. He earned his medical degree at the NYU School of Medicine and his Masters at Harvard Medical School. He completed an internship in Internal Medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, residency in Dermatology at NYU Medical Center. He continued with a residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Rheumatology at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital / Harvard Medical School in Boston. He was elected to the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Dermatology, is the Founding President of PPACMAN, is on the Scientific and Medical Boards of the National Psoriasis Foundation, Board of the International Dermatology Outcome Measures Group and president-elect of GRAPPA, the Board of the American Skin Association, on the Medical and Scientific Board of the Lupus Foundation of America. He is also the recent past president of the Medical Dermatology Society and is president-elect of the Rheumatology-Dermatology Society. He is a councilor for the International Eczema Council as well as the International Psoriasis Council. He has served on multiple committees including the AAD Guidelines Committee. Dr. Merola has published over 340 peer-reviewed publications and received numerous awards for education, research and mentorship.

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