Departments

Our dermatologists are here to help improve the health and appearance of patients’ skin, and to diagnose and treat both benign and malignant skin conditions. We provide specialized care for the full spectrum of skin disorders, including acne, alopecia areata, psoriasis, inherited skin disease, and skin issues arising after organ transplant and during cancer treatment. We are one of two centers in the state with a pigmented lesion clinic, phototherapy center, and cutaneous lymphoma clinic. The clinical research efforts of our dermatologists have contributed significantly to the treatment of skin tumors such as melanomas and cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. We are actively exploring the uses of advanced technologies such as photopheresis, a therapy for life-threatening and debilitating diseases like cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and graft-versus-host disease. A large portion of the department's research is performed through two separate research entities—the Yale SPORE in Skin Cancer Center and the Spitzoid Neoplasm Repository.

The Fetal Care Center brings together a team of leading experts in maternal-fetal medicine , neonatology , genetics , pediatric surgery , and an array of other top-ranked pediatric specialties. This network of excellence from throughout our health system comes together to provide an elite level of care. Together, a comprehensive care plan is devised for pregnant patients and their developing babies who require specialized medical and surgical care while in the womb or expected interventions after birth. Our expert physicians and surgeons have ensured successful births for thousands of babies who needed specialized care. As leaders in complex in-utero surgery, we are proud to be the first in Connecticut and the region to perform in utero myelomeningocele repair. Myelomeningocele is a condition in which the baby’s backbone and spinal canal do not close before birth. The condition, a type of spina bifida , is a congenital defect of the spine and spinal cord. The surgery is performed before the baby is born (prior to 26 weeks gestation) as this provides the best outcomes. Provided world-class fetal therapy services at Yale New Haven Health for more than 40 years Pioneered the nation’s first Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Yale New Haven Health Yale New Haven Health is one of only a few hospitals in the country to offer couplet care, where mothers and their babies are cared for together in the same room Many procedures available to women with high-risk pregnancies were first developed at Yale School of Medicine’s Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences , including noninvasive fetal anemia assessment, percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS), in utero fetal blood transfusion, and therapies such as fetoscopy and fetal surgery Physicians are leading researchers in the field of fetal medicine A fetal therapy coordinator is available to help patients through the process. The coordinator is there throughout the patient’s care journey, from pregnancy through delivery, and often beyond. They guide patients through testing, meeting with specialists, scheduling appointments, and coordinating the elements of the care plan based on the patient’s needs. For more information or to request an appointment, please call 855-433-8252 , or submit a Fetal Care Center Information Request . Someone is available to answer your call from Monday through Friday, 8am – 4:30pm. Read our list of frequently asked questions about the Fetal Care Center . Here are some of the common conditions we treat at the Fetal Care Center: Cleft lip/palate Congenital heart defects Fetal anemias Gastroschisis Hydrocephalus Intra-abdominal masses Spina Bifida Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome View the full list of conditions . Advanced Prenatal Genetic Testing and Counseling Genetic counseling and prenatal testing are among the most valuable tools to help prospective parents make important decisions regarding a current or future pregnancy. Many things

We offer coordinated, multidisciplinary clinical care for people with rheumatoid and other types of inflammatory arthritis, as well as osteoarthritis and a variety of autoimmune diseases, including lupus, scleroderma, myositis, and vasculitis. Our physicians are experts at diagnosing and treating more than 200 types of rheumatologic disorders, some of which are difficult to pinpoint. Rheumatic disorders affect the joints, muscles, and bones and often include autoimmune diseases that disrupt the body’s immune system by causing inflammation and breaking down connective tissue and related body structures. We work closely with other specialists at Yale including pulmonologists, nephrologists, gastroenterologists, cardiologists, allergists, neurologists, dermatologists, surgeons, and orthopaedists to care for complex rheumatic and autoimmune diseases. Specialized care is offered in the following areas: Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome Rheumatoid arthritis and other types of inflammatory arthritis Scleroderma and myositis Systemic lupus erythematosus Transition program for young adults Vasculitis State-of-the-art infusion sites at Yale New Haven Hospital and in the Yale New Haven Health Interventional Immunology Center in North Haven Full array of imaging and laboratory services Nationally recognized clinical research programs that are integrated with clinical care to offer the most advanced treatments to patients with arthritis and autoimmune diseases

The largest center for specialty dermatology in Connecticut, Yale’s Department of Dermatology is among the oldest in the United States. Our doctors and nurses provide safe, compassionate, and innovative care to all members of our community. We offer treatment for skin conditions, all of which can interfere with quality of life. Cutting-edge therapies are often the only hope for patients with resistant dermatologic illness, which affects the whole skin surface. Our physicians are deeply rooted in research, including the exploration of new technologies such as photopheresis for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and graft-versus-host disease. Our patients often benefit from early access to new treatments and therapies discovered by researchers at Yale. Specialized clinics for organ transplant patients, photopheresis, ichthyosis, and inherited skin disease One of two centers in the state with a pigmented lesion clinic, phototherapy center, and cutaneous lymphoma clinic Cutting-edge microscopically controlled excision (Mohs technique) for recurrence of high-risk cancers Technically advanced referral center for expert diagnosis of benign and malignant skin disorders Large dermatopathology lab, which processes 75,000 patient biopsies annually

Yale Cancer Center is Connecticut's only cancer center designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute—and one of only 57 in the nation. The significance of this designation has profound implications for those who choose Smilow Cancer Hospital as the place where they will be cared for and receive treatment for their cancer. National Cancer Institute cancer centers are national leaders in cancer research, prevention, detection, and treatment. This provides patients at Smilow Cancer Hospital with novel treatment options and expert care.

If a child is complaining of pain in the joints, muscles, bones, or tendons—or exhibits other symptoms of arthritis—a pediatrician might recommend seeing a pediatric rheumatologist. We have the expertise to care for a child’s specific needs when it comes to autoimmune and rheumatologic disorders and related conditions.

As part of our Center of Excellence for Classical Hematology at Smilow Cancer Hospital, our hematologists provide a full spectrum of highly specialized care to patients with nonmalignant hematology disorders and participate in research to advance treatment options. The types of disorders cared for are varied and include thrombosis, anemia, bleeding and platelet disorders, and other hematological conditions and rare diseases. Our hematologists work closely with a specialized team of advanced practice providers (APPs) and nurses, in addition to our colleagues in Laboratory and Transfusion Medicine, in order to provide a multidisciplinary clinical focus. Community outreach and education are key components of the program in order to improve awareness and understanding of non-cancer blood disorders and train the next generation of physicians, APPs, and nurses. We offer treatment for: Thrombosis: blood clots blocking blood vessels Anemia: a lower-than-normal amount of healthy red blood cells Bleeding and platelet disorders: an abnormal decrease or increase in platelets or platelet dysfunction; abnormal bruising or bleeding; low or dysfunctional platelets Other hematological conditions: hemoglobin disorders, thalassemia, red cell enzyme or membrane disorders, low white blood cells Rare diseases: porphyria, PNH, mast cell disorders, eosinophil and histiocyte disorders, cold agglutinin disease

We are committed to providing patient-focused, evidence-based care to all of our patients, pairing clinical expertise with the latest advances in technology. We offer a comprehensive range of imaging services, and tailor each exam to meet each patient’s specific needs. Our board-certified doctors are national and international leaders in diagnostic imaging and advanced image-guided therapies, and they are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of care in patient safety, quality, and satisfaction. We employ a multidisciplinary approach to care, and collaborate with physicians from all medical specialties to make the most accurate diagnosis and determine the best treatment options. Yale patients have access to highly advanced imaging equipment, including an intraoperative MRI/IR/OR suite, and 3D tomosynthesis. Our radiologists conduct advanced research in MRI, MRS, PET, interventional oncology, and image processing. Specialized care is offered in the following areas: Abdominal imaging Breast imaging Cardiovascular imaging Emergency and trauma radiology Neuroradiology Nuclear medicine and molecular imaging (including PET/CT) Pediatric radiology Thoracic imaging Vascular/interventional radiology Rapid, in-house subspecialist imaging interpretations Overnight coverage by three in-house attending radiologists at Yale New Haven Hospital Leader in 3D tomosynthesis mammography imaging and research Leader in screening breast ultrasound Comprehensive multidisciplinary lung cancer screening program with ultra-low-dose CT scanning Cardiac CoreValue planning service, providing a minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve implantation option for patients with severe aortic stenosis MRI for pacemaker patients Ultrasound contrast and elastography imaging Dedicated peripheral vascular ultrasound Integrated musculoskeletal ultrasound device Subspecialized pediatric interventional radiology expertise Recognized expertise in management of primary and secondary liver cancer Molecular imaging for recurrent prostate cancer and the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease Advanced tumor imaging for optimizing best treatment outcomes DaTscan, a diagnostic test for Parkinson’s Disease Portable neuro Intensive Care Unit (ICU) computed tomography (CT) scanning Interventional radiology with state-of-the-art minimally invasive image-guided therapy, including targeted and precision cancer treatments, back pain treatment, and biliary stone laser treatment, among others

Our nationally ranked team of caregivers are experts in diagnosing and managing a broad range of acute and chronic kidney diseases, both in the inpatient and outpatient settings. We offer around-the-clock primary care to patients with established renal disease or hypertension, and our physicians are readily available for consultation on newly referred patients. Our services are comprehensive. In some cases, we consult and collaborate with other doctors and work hand-in-hand with referring providers. In other circumstances, we are principal caregivers for our patients. In nearly all instances, our care is multidisciplinary, involving other physicians and specialists, nurse practitioners, physician associates, and skilled nurses. We are committed to: Being available 24/7 to our patients and referring physicians Open communication with patients, families and referring physicians Applying new approaches to treating and diagnosing renal diseases and their complications Advocating for our patients We offer: A dedicated nephrology floor at Yale New Haven Hospital A large outpatient peritoneal dialysis practice and home hemodialysis practice Clinical trials on the cutting edge of polycystic kidney disease (PKD) that attract patients from surrounding areas and states. Weekend seminars for patients with PKD and inherited kidney disease Dedicated subspecialty services for inherited kidney diseases, hypertension, cardio-renal syndrome, onco-nephrology, and kidney disease in pregnancy Our special services include evaluating and caring for patients with: Acute kidney injury Cardiovascular dysautonomia (e.g., orthostatic hypotension) Chronic kidney disease Diabetic kidney disease Dialysis therapies Electrolyte and/or acid-base disorders Glomerular diseases/Glomerulonephritis Hypertension Inherited kidney diseases Kidney disease and hypertension in pregnancy Kidney disease in cancer Kidney disease in heart failure Kidney transplantation Nephrolithiasis Polycystic kidney disease Largest—and rapidly expanding—kidney transplant program in New England with multidisciplinary care clinics Inherited kidney disease program, with coordinated access to multidisciplinary care for extra-renal disease, advanced genetic testing, and counseling Joint nephrology/urology kidney stone program for management of complex nephrolithiasis Multidisciplinary hypertension program for advanced diagnostic evaluation and management of complex hypertension and cardiovascular dysautonomia Advanced chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease program Dedicated nephrology floor at Yale New Haven Hospital Clinical trials and innovative research protocols in polycystic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, diabetic kidney disease, anemia in kidney disease, and peritoneal dialysis

The Skin & Kidney Cancer Program at Smilow Cancer Hospital brings together an extensive, multidisciplinary team to diagnose, treat, and care for patients with all types of skin cancers, including melanoma, as well as kidney cancers. Established over 30 years ago, our program includes experts in surgery, medical oncology, dermatology, urology, pathology, dermatopathology, radiology, genetics, and radiation oncology. Members of the team are national and international leaders in clinical and laboratory research focusing on improving treatment and outcomes for our patients. From patients who present with an early-stage diagnosis or more complex, metastatic disease, our team is prepared to provide each patient with the most comprehensive and cutting-edge treatment available. Each patient’s care is reviewed by our multidisciplinary care team to develop a personalized treatment plan. Clinical trials are also available to patients through Yale Cancer Center, bringing the latest treatment options to our clinics to benefit patients. Our doctors are at the forefront of melanoma and kidney cancer treatment and research, including novel immunotherapy approaches and the genetic characterization of kidney cancers. Smilow Cancer Hospital places great emphasis on taking care of all of our patients’ needs through a network of supportive care services. Nurses with dedicated knowledge and skills care for our patients through the continuum of their treatment. Patients and their families also have access to social workers to provide psychosocial support, as well as pastoral support, nutritional counseling, physical therapy, palliative care, and integrative medicine. After the initial diagnosis—and depending on the presentation of the disease—each patient is evaluated by our dermatologists, surgeons, urologists, and/or medical oncologists. For some presentations of melanoma and other skin cancers, particularly in the early stages in which disease has not spread beyond the primary site or lymph nodes close to the primary site, surgery may the preferred initial treatment. Specialized surgical expertise is essential for the management of melanoma and other skin cancers, which can occur on any skin site and even in areas not exposed to the sun. Some skin cancers appear in delicate areas such as the face, nose, ear, or hand and often require the expertise of a plastic surgeon. For certain regions of the body, our team collaborates with other highly trained surgical subspecialties, including thoracic surgery and neurosurgery. To care for kidney cancer, we work closely with oncologists and urologic surgeons. In the early stages of melanoma, pathology results from the tumor will determine the risk of developing metastases (spread to distant organs) in the future. If the results indicate a high risk for melanoma metastases, treatments are available to reduce the risk and possibly prevent or delay melanoma recurrence. Adjuvant therapies (or therapies given after surgery

The Autoimmune Skin Disease Program brings together dermatologists, dermatopathologists, rheumatologists, and scientists with expertise in the evaluation and treatment of autoimmune disorders of the skin, hair, and nails that may also affect other organs, such as joints, lungs, and kidneys. Autoimmune disorders of the skin include the following diagnoses: Systemic, cutaneous, and drug-induced lupus Morphea Scleroderma Cutaneous vasculitis Lichen planus Lichen sclerosus Dermatomyositis These conditions lead to skin rashes or other skin changes (e.g., skin thickening or pigmentary changes), which can be very problematic and are frequently life-altering. These conditions may also affect other organs in the body, which may require careful monitoring and treatment. Yale’s Autoimmune Skin Disease Program recognizes this and works with each patient to find the treatment approach that is most suited to their situation and individual goals. The program also strives to identify and evaluate new therapies for these disorders. The primary goal of the Autoimmune Skin Disease Program is to provide optimal care for each patient seen by our specialists. We take an individualized approach to each patient’s diagnosis and their goals, pairing these with the best treatment options. As a tertiary referral center, our health care providers are experienced in the recognition and management of very complex cases that have previously defied diagnosis. The program also has several active clinical trials in which interested patients may have the ability to participate, potentially providing them access to some of the latest molecular therapies undergoing evaluation for the treatment of these disorders. Patients may also have an opportunity to participate in other research projects designed to better understand the molecular pathogenesis of these diseases and their effect on patient well-being with the goal of identifying better treatments. Our team was assembled with the goal of bringing together leading dermatologists with expertise in autoimmune skin disorders and leading physicians in other specialties such as rheumatologists with expertise in systemic autoimmunity. Together, our interdisciplinary team evaluates patients and offers them comprehensive treatment plans. Physicians in the program include internationally recognized leaders in medical education on autoimmune skin disease, scientists who have deciphered the underlying immunology of these disorders, and physicians who have led the evaluation of new treatment approaches for patients with autoimmune conditions of the skin. The Yale Autoimmune Skin Disease Program also includes dedicated pharmacists with specialized training in the practical and safe use of cutting-edge dermatologic medications, including those used to treat cutaneous autoimmune disorders. The pharmacists have vast expertise in effectively coordinating insurance coverage and are another important point of contact for our patients as they na

Leukemia and lymphoma are two of the three primary blood cancers. Leukemia, a cancer of white blood cells, prevents the cells from fighting infections in the body. Lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system, and affects a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes. While the causes of these cancers remain unknown, great strides in treatment, some of which originated from Yale Hematology research, are improving survival rates. Yale uses a multidisciplinary approach to treating leukemia and lymphoma. We offer comprehensive diagnosis and treatment with the overall goal of bringing about a complete remission. Treatment approaches for blood cancers may include chemotherapy, radiation oncology, stem cell or marrow transplantation, or immunotherapy. Each patient receives an individual treatment plan, which includes standard care and/or clinical trials, which offer novel treatment options. Leukemia After initial blood work to identify the level of white blood cells relative to red blood cells and platelets, further testing, such as diagnostic blood tests, flow cytometry, a bone marrow biopsy, and/or molecular/genetic testing, will determine the type of leukemia and severity of disease. There are multiple types of leukemia including: Acute lymphocytic leukemia Acute myeloid leukemia Chronic lymphocytic leukemia Chronic myeloid leukemia Yale Medicine scientists can determine the particular mutation of the cell and target the mutation. Treatment may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, corticosteroids, and/or stem cell transplant. Lymphoma Lymphoma is classified into two broad categories: Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Doctors confirm a lymphoma diagnosis through a lymph node biopsy. Further testing may be performed to determine the disease progression. The most common treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma is chemotherapy. Novel immunotherapy may also be used. Treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma may include active surveillance, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, or stem cell transplantation. Yale Hematology researchers are conducting numerous clinical trials to test new innovative treatment options in both leukemia and lymphoma.