Center of Excellence - Dermatopathology

Division Leadership

Jose A. Plaza, MD

Director

Catherine Chung, MD

About the Division

The Division of Dermatopathology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is led by Dr. Jose A. Plaza and includes Dr. Catherine Chung, who serves as Program Director. The division plays a central role in the diagnosis and management of patients with cutaneous disorders through close collaboration with dermatology, oncology, and other clinical and research colleagues. The service processes approximately 18,000 skin specimens annually, reflecting both substantial clinical volume and a high degree of diagnostic complexity.

Members of the division are integral participants in multidisciplinary conferences, including dermatology grand rounds and the melanoma tumor board, contributing to coordinated, patient-centered care. The dermatopathology service provides expert interpretation of skin biopsies and consultation in the diagnosis of both benign and malignant cutaneous diseases. A robust consultation practice supports a large number of referred cases, particularly in the setting of cutaneous melanoma, consistent with the institution’s role as a tertiary referral center.

The division employs advanced diagnostic technologies, including immunohistochemistry, direct immunofluorescence, and molecular testing, to support precise and clinically relevant diagnoses. In addition to clinical service, the division maintains an active research program, with faculty contributing to impactful peer-reviewed publications. Faculty members are nationally and internationally recognized and are frequent invited speakers at major professional meetings, including USCAP, ASCP, CAP, ASDP, ISDP, IAP, and AAD.

The division offers a one-year ACGME-accredited fellowship in dermatopathology. The program provides comprehensive training across the spectrum of inflammatory and neoplastic skin diseases, with significant exposure to consultation material from outside institutions. Fellows are actively involved in daily sign-out, teaching conferences, and multidisciplinary activities, including dermatology grand rounds and melanoma tumor board. Depending on their primary training background, fellows also receive additional focused experience in dermatology or anatomic pathology, ensuring a well-rounded and rigorous educational experience.