James J Contestable

James J Contestable, MD is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Dermatology at Uniformed Services University School of Medicine and serves as Director of the Dermatology and Laser Clinic at Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune. A Board-Certified Dermatologist and active-duty U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander, he provides comprehensive skin care for military personnel while maintaining academic affiliations through USU's School of Medicine.

His educational background includes:

• Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, University of Florida (2004-2008)
• Molecular Biology, University of South Florida (2009)
• Medical Degree, Uniformed Services University (2009-2013; Navy Surgeon Generals Award recipient)
• Transitional Year Internship, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (2013-2014)
• Dermatology Residency, Naval Medical Center San Diego (2017-2020; House Staff Council President)

Dr. Contestable's research centers on scar revision and rehabilitation, particularly for military personnel with combat-related injuries, alongside skin cancer diagnostics and autoimmune blistering diseases. His clinical expertise extends to keloids, acne keloidalis nuchae, and laser treatments for complex dermatologic conditions. His work bridges military medicine with civilian dermatology practice, emphasizing solutions for service-specific skin conditions.

Analysis of his publications reveals consistent focus on practical dermatologic solutions: scar management techniques dominate recent work (2019-2020), while earlier publications address autoimmune conditions (2014-2016) and military occupational hazards like jet fuel exposure (2017). The research demonstrates progression from foundational autoimmune disease studies toward innovative scar rehabilitation methods relevant to combat trauma.

His scientific recognition includes:

• Navy Surgeon Generals Award (2013)
• Navy Flight Surgeon of the Year - NAVCOMPAC (2017)
• Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (2012)
• Florida Blue Key Leadership Honor Society (2007)

Dr. Contestable actively mentors residents, PA students, and medical students in clinical dermatology while serving on the Dermatology In-Review Advisory Council and reviewing for three medical journals. His volunteer work with The Addis Clinic provides weekly pro bono virtual care for underserved African patients, demonstrating commitment to global dermatology outreach beyond military service obligations.

He leads the Dermatology and Laser Clinic at Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune, which functions as both a clinical service center for active-duty personnel and a teaching facility for future dermatology professionals. The clinic integrates laser technologies with traditional dermatologic care, specializing in military-relevant conditions including occupational exposures and trauma-related skin disorders.