Departments
Skin & Kidney Cancer Program
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 surgeryDermatology
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 annuallyMedical Dermatology
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.Surgery
Yale’s Department of Surgery is a premier center for adult and pediatric surgical treatment, providing comprehensive care for a full range of conditions and diseases. To ensure that our patients experience shorter hospital stays and less postoperative discomfort, we employ the latest technologies and surgical techniques, and perform minimally invasive surgery whenever possible. Our renowned surgeons and faculty continue to push the frontiers of surgical science through innovative treatment and leading-edge research, with the ability to offer treatment options that can be difficult to find elsewhere. More state-of-the-art surgical suites at Yale New Haven Hospital than in any other hospital in the region Collaboration with the Yale Department of Biomedical Engineering and with industry to develop 3-D bioprinting for the regeneration, repair, and replacement of human tissue and vessels Nationally recognized Center of Excellence and designated training center for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) Yale’s Endocrine Neoplasia Laboratory is an internationally renowned multidisciplinary research group in which surgeons work with endocrine geneticists to decipher the molecular genetics of endocrine tumor disease First program in Connecticut to offer three different minimally invasive bariatric surgical techniques: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, LAP-Band® surgery, and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomyYale Cancer Center
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.Psoriasis Treatment Program
Patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis often require a host of medications to manage their disease. One type in particular—biologics—are highly effective, but they can be complicated to administer. They are also expensive, which means navigating insurance coverage can be difficult and result in treatment delays. The Psoriasis Treatment Program brings together a board-certified medical dermatologist who specializes in psoriasis and a pharmacist from Yale New Haven Hospital Ambulatory Clinical Pharmacy Services who is an expert in psoriasis medication management and coordinating insurance coverage. Together, this dedicated team can manage patients’ care in a seamless fashion, which ensures prompt care. One medical professional focuses on the disease process and treatment selection; the other medication management. In this collaborative model, patients meet with their physician first to discuss a treatment plan and talk separately with the pharmacist. The pharmacist talks in depth with the patient, obtaining a complete medical history and answering all questions related to potential laboratory tests and prescribed medications, which can include injections they self-administer at home, as well as oral and topical treatments. The two points of access mean that patients aren’t condensing all of their questions about their treatment plan into one appointment, and the two medical professionals communicate closely about their psoriasis patients. If one is not available to help, the other can. Patients can work directly with their pharmacist on all issues related to medications, side effects, and insurance coverage in between follow-up appointments with their physician. Having two points of contact allows patients timely access to their medical team as well as their prescribed medications. The program brings together a physician who has expertise in treating psoriasis and a pharmacist with additional training in outpatient care and in dermatologic medications, including those for psoriasis. Managing medications for dermatologic patients is the pharmacist’s full-time job. The pharmacist educates patients about the medications and can obtain insurance coverage and set up home delivery of the medications, taking many hassles and obstacles out of the patient’s hands.Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Our surgeons and clinical specialists are dedicated to improving the lives of adults and children affected by cancer treatments, congenital defects, degenerative diseases, and traumatic injuries. Providers offer patients the most effective, safest, and current surgical techniques, paired with individualized, compassionate care. In caring for our patients, we harness the latest in medical care and technologies, as well as the safest, most effective cosmetic surgical procedures. Our expertise ensures that, whenever possible, our patients experience shorter hospital stays and less postoperative discomfort. Our surgeons are also experts in enhancing the aesthetic balance of the face and contours of the body, creating a more youthful appearance and improving symmetry. Our team includes leading plastic surgeons, clinical specialists, and nurse practitioners who work together to address each patient’s needs in managing adult and pediatric conditions that require plastic and reconstructive surgery. Specialized care is offered in the following areas: Airway and sleep disorders Breast reconstruction Cosmetic surgery Craniofacial conditions Hand and microsurgery Maxillofacial and orthognathic surgery Melanoma and skin cancer Developed procedures, such as the barrel stave osteotomy, for novel comprehensive skull care for children born with skull deformities Developed important data defining neuropsychological outcomes for children with such craniofacial disorders as craniofacial and plagiocephaly Active participants and leaders in such humanitarian care organizations as Operation Smile and Hand Help