Afsaneh Alavi

Afsaneh Alavi, M.D., is a Professor of Dermatology at Mayo Clinic's Rochester campus, where she serves as the medical lead for dermatology clinical trials and Director of the Medical Dermatology Fellowship. Her primary appointment resides in the Department of Dermatology within Mayo Clinic's College of Medicine.

Dr. Alavi completed her medical education at Kerman University of Medical Sciences (MD, 1988), followed by dermatology residency there (1997). She pursued advanced training in Canada, including a residency at University of Toronto (2011), a Wound Healing fellowship (2007), and an MSc in Community Health with focus on Wound Healing and Preventative Care (2013).

Her research focuses on inflammatory skin disorders, particularly hidradenitis suppurativa, pyoderma gangrenosum, and neutrophilic disorders. She investigates wound healing mechanisms, skin manifestations of gastrointestinal diseases, and severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions. Her clinical trials leadership has significantly advanced therapeutic options for chronic inflammatory wounds.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals dominant themes in biologic therapies for hidradenitis suppurativa (particularly secukinumab and adalimumab), wound care innovations including tissue-engineered substitutes, and phenotypic characterization of inflammatory skin disorders. Her work bridges clinical practice with translational research through extensive collaboration.

• Practitioner of the Year Award, Canadian Dermatology Association (2017)
• Hidradenitis Suppurativa Research Award, HSF Foundation (2019)
• Supervisor of the Year Award, Mayo Clinic Department of Dermatology (2022)
• President's Cup, Canadian Dermatology Association (2018)

Dr. Alavi has secured numerous clinical trials as principal investigator, focusing on inflammatory skin conditions. Her mentorship contributions are recognized through multiple teaching awards. She actively participates in wound care research consortia and leads the Mayo Clinic Pharmaceutical Formulary Subcommittee.

She co-directs the Wound Symposium and serves on committees related to hidradenitis suppurativa research through the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation. Her international collaborations include leadership roles in the World Union of Wound Healing Societies.