News Summary
Dr. Ruth Ann Vleugels has been appointed as the new Chair of Dermatology at Penn Medicine. Known for her expertise in autoimmune connective tissue diseases, she will lead the department starting September 1, 2026. Dr. Vleugels brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Mass General Brigham, and she aims to enhance patient care and research in her new position.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Ruth Ann Vleugels, MD, MPH, MBA, an internationally recognized authority in autoimmune connective tissue diseases, has been appointed as the new Chair of Dermatology at Penn Medicine. This significant appointment was announced on February 11, 2026, and will become effective on September 1, 2026. Dr. Vleugels is poised to lead one of the nation’s foremost dermatology departments into its next era of advancements in patient care, research, and education.
Leadership and Expertise to Bolster Penn Dermatology
Dr. Vleugels brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished background to her new role at Penn Medicine. Her expertise encompasses autoimmune connective tissue diseases and pioneering new therapies in the field of dermatology. Prior to this appointment, she served as the Heidi and Scott C. Schuster Distinguished Chair in Dermatology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) and as the Senior Medical Director in the Office of the Chief Operating Officer at Mass General Brigham (MGB). She also held a position as a professor of Dermatology at Harvard Medical School.
Her academic and professional credentials are extensive, including a medical degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. She further advanced her education with a Master of Public Health from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and a Master of Business Administration from the MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Vleugels completed her internship at BWH, followed by residency training through the Harvard Combined Dermatology Program, and a medical education fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. These diverse qualifications have enabled her to develop innovative strategies, particularly in infusion services and virtual care operations at MGB.
A Vision for Clinical Care and Research
Dr. Vleugels has demonstrated strong leadership in dermatology and a deep commitment to medical education throughout her career. She has been instrumental in leading numerous clinical programs, including those dedicated to autoimmune skin disease, connective tissue disease, dermatomyositis, and atopic dermatitis at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Furthermore, she co-directs the Rheumatology-Dermatology Program at Boston Children’s Hospital. Notably, Dr. Vleugels established and directs the Dermatology-Rheumatology Fellowship at BWH, which stands as the only formal training program of its kind nationwide.
Her research focuses on rare autoimmune skin disorders and emerging medical therapies. She has held significant leadership positions within prominent dermatologic societies, serving as past president of the New England Dermatologic Society and immediate past president of the Rheumatologic Dermatology Society. Dr. Vleugels also serves on the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Dermatology, which is the world’s largest dermatologic society representing over 20,000 physicians.
Continuing a Legacy of Excellence
Penn Medicine’s Department of Dermatology has a rich history, founded in 1874 as the first academic dermatology department in the United States. It is recognized globally as a leading center for dermatology research and is one of only six centers in the nation designated as a Skin Biology Disease Research Center by the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Vleugels will succeed George Cotsarelis, MD, who led the department for 15 impactful years, significantly expanding its size and scope across all mission areas. The department maintains high standards with dedicated research laboratories and facilities, consistently leading in advancing patient care through research and clinical trials.
The appointment of Dr. Vleugels is expected to further enhance Penn Dermatology’s global influence and its commitment to patient access and innovative care strategies. Kevin B. Mahoney, CEO of the University of Pennsylvania Health System, highlighted her forward-thinking leadership, clinical expertise, and business acumen as qualities that will propel Penn Dermatology’s impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has been named the new Chair of Dermatology at Penn Medicine?
Ruth Ann Vleugels, MD, MPH, MBA, an internationally recognized authority in autoimmune connective tissue diseases, has been appointed as the new Chair of Dermatology at Penn Medicine.
When was this appointment announced?
This significant appointment was announced on February 11, 2026.
When will Dr. Vleugels’ new role become effective?
Dr. Vleugels’ new role will become effective on September 1, 2026.
What is Dr. Vleugels’ area of expertise?
Dr. Vleugels is an internationally recognized authority in autoimmune connective tissue diseases and pioneering new therapies in the field of dermatology.
What was Dr. Vleugels’ previous role?
Prior to this appointment, she served as the Heidi and Scott C. Schuster Distinguished Chair in Dermatology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) and as the Senior Medical Director in the Office of the Chief Operating Officer at Mass General Brigham (MGB).
Where is Penn Medicine located?
Penn Medicine is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Key Features of the Appointment
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| New Chair | Ruth Ann Vleugels, MD, MPH, MBA |
| Institution | Penn Medicine Dermatology |
| Announcement Date | February 11, 2026 |
| Effective Date | September 1, 2026 |
| Primary Expertise | Autoimmune Connective Tissue Diseases |
| Previous Affiliations | Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Mass General Brigham, Harvard Medical School |
| Educational Background | MD, MPH, MBA |
| Unique Program Developed | Dermatology-Rheumatology Fellowship at BWH (only formal training program of its kind nationwide) |
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