Prof. Dr. Bijan Safai | Genomics | Best Researcher Award
Chair, New York Medical College, United States
Dr. Bijan Safai, M.D., D.Sc., is a distinguished dermatologist and immunologist renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to skin cancer research, immunodermatology, and AIDS-related Kaposi’s Sarcoma. As the Chair of Dermatology and Professor of Dermatology, Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology at New York Medical College (NYMC), Dr. Safai has dedicated his career to advancing dermatological research, education, and patient care. Prior to NYMC, he established a comprehensive dermatology program at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), focusing on skin malignancies, lymphoma, and Kaposi’s Sarcoma. His pioneering work on immunological factors in skin diseases has earned him global recognition, with over 200 publications, multiple national and international awards, and significant leadership roles in dermatology and immunology.
Publication Profile
🎓 Education
Dr. Safai completed his M.D. from Tehran University School of Medicine, followed by an Immunology Fellowship at NYU Medical School and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. He later received a Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) from the University of Gutenberg, strengthening his expertise in dermatological immunology and research.
👨⚕️ Experience
Dr. Safai’s career spans decades of leadership in dermatology and immunology. At MSKCC, he was appointed Chief of Dermatology (1978) and expanded research on skin cancer, lymphoma, and Kaposi’s Sarcoma, leading to pivotal discoveries in AIDS-related skin conditions. He played a crucial role in the identification of the AIDS virus (HIV), isolation of HIV’s GP21 antigen, and development of the first HIV serologic test. After 19 years at MSKCC, he joined NYMC (1993) as Professor and Chair of Dermatology, where he modernized residency training programs and introduced innovative patient-care models. Additionally, he served as President and Chair of the Board of Directors of PAGNY, a leading physician group with over 4,000 members, further demonstrating his influence in medical leadership.
🏆 Awards and Honors
Dr. Safai has received multiple national and international awards recognizing his contributions to dermatology, immunology, and HIV research. He earned a citation from New York City Mayor Ed Koch for his skin cancer-screening initiatives and was honored for his pioneering work on Kaposi’s Sarcoma and AIDS-related skin conditions. As President of the Fisher Medical Foundation, he helped establish Alzheimer’s Research Center at Rockefeller University, highlighting his commitment to advancing medical science.
🔬 Research Focus
Dr. Safai’s research spans immunodermatology, skin malignancies, and stem cell applications in dermatology. His landmark 1981 textbook “Immunodermatology” revolutionized the field, emphasizing the immune system’s role in skin diseases. His work on cytokine production in keratinocytes and Kaposi’s Sarcoma’s viral etiology was instrumental in identifying Herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) as its causative agent. More recently, he has focused on AI-driven dermatology, stem cell therapies for wound healing, and healthcare accessibility.
🔚 Conclusion
Dr. Bijan Safai is a pioneering figure in dermatology and immunology, with profound contributions to skin cancer research, HIV/AIDS studies, and immunodermatology. His leadership in medical education, groundbreaking research, and patient-centered innovations have solidified his legacy as a global authority in dermatology.
📚 Publications
Mucosal angioleiomyoma: mucoscopic findings adding value to diagnosis.
Utilizing AI to Improve Healthcare Access and Address Disparities in Dermatology.
Artificial Intelligence in the Non-Invasive Detection of Melanoma.
Geospatial analysis of dermatologist distribution and access among US seniors.
Follicular Skin Disorders, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and the Microbiome: A Systematic Review.
The Efficacy of Stem Cells in Wound Healing: A Systematic Review.