10/16/2026
The Dermatology Foundation®’s annual Clinical Symposium brings together extraordinary faculty who generously share their time, expertise and passion for
education.
Susan Taylor, MD, is the Bernett Johnson Professor of Dermatology at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia.
Alopecia Areata: An Update:
Dr. Susan Taylor describes how alopecia areata (AA) is a non-scarring alopecia caused by T-cell–mediated destruction of the hair bulb following collapse of immune privilege, involving IFN-γ, MHC-I expression, and proinflammatory cytokines.
Dr. Taylor also highlights that genetic susceptibility has been linked to HLA variants and that in the US, data show higher prevalence among Asian, Black, and Hispanic patients, with women affected more than men.
Photoprotection in Skin of Color: Understanding Photodamage and Optimizing Sunscreen Strategies
Dr. Susan Taylor reviews the differential effects of UVB, UVA, and high-energy visible light across skin phototypes and discusses optimized photoprotection strategies tailored to all skin types, with emphasis on Fitzpatrick IV–VI.
For more about Dr. Susan Taylor’s work, click on 🔗 I’m BIO
