Abel Torres

Abel Torres, MD, JD serves as Associate Professor at Loma Linda University School of Public Health with concurrent adjunct appointments in Dermatology and Basic Sciences at the School of Medicine. His academic profile bridges clinical dermatology, public health policy, and medical legal frameworks, reflecting his dual medical and legal credentials.

His educational background includes a BS from New York University (1977), MD (1979), and JD from Loyola Marymount University (1991). Clinical training encompasses Internal Medicine Internship and Residency at Loma Linda University Medical Center (1979-1982), Dermatology Residency at New York University Medical Center (1982-1985), and specialized fellowships in Advanced Dermatologic Surgery/Mohs Surgery at UCSF (1985-1986) and Wound Healing at NYU Medical Center.

• Medical Degree: 1979
• Juris Doctor: 1991
• BS: 1977

Torres' research spans dermatologic surgery, skin cancer management, medical ethics, and medicolegal issues. His work examines ethical dilemmas in cosmetic procedures, teledermatology implementation, diversity in dermatology, and regulatory compliance. Recent publications analyze title protection laws for physicians, adolescent cosmetic procedures, and rural dermatology workforce development, demonstrating his unique intersection of clinical practice and legal scholarship.

Analysis of his 60+ publications reveals consistent focus on risk management in dermatologic procedures, evolving standards in Mohs surgery, and ethical frameworks for emerging technologies. His scholarship increasingly addresses healthcare disparities and diversity initiatives alongside traditional clinical topics.

Torres contributes to dermatology residency and fellowship programs at Loma Linda, which include ACGME-accredited Procedural Dermatology training. The department offers specialized clinical services in General Adult Dermatology, Pediatric Dermatology, Psoriasis, Phototherapy, and Procedural Dermatology including Mohs surgery and cosmetic procedures.

His academic service includes participation in consensus guideline development, as evidenced by co-authorship on ASDS cosmetic dermatologic surgery fellowship milestones and isotretinoin procedural intervention recommendations. His work on cultural competence for 21st century dermatologists reflects commitment to inclusive medical practice.