Jennifer McNiff

Jennifer McNiff is Professor of Dermatology and Pathology at Yale School of Medicine, where she serves as Director of the Yale Dermatopathology Laboratory and Section Chief of Dermatopathology. As Medical Director of Yale Dermatopathology, she leads a team that reviews complex skin cases from around the world, providing specialized diagnostic expertise in cutaneous pathology.

Her educational background includes an MD from the University of Vermont (1986), residency at the University of Virginia Health Services Center (1990), Chief Residency at the same institution (1991), and fellowship training at the Medical College of Virginia (1992).

Dr. McNiff is internationally recognized for her expertise in dermatopathology, with research focused on clinicopathologic correlations in skin disease, mycosis fungoides, lupus erythematosus, graft vs. host disease, and immunofluorescence techniques. Her work bridges clinical dermatology and laboratory pathology to improve diagnostic accuracy for complex skin conditions. She emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary review, stating: 'Our team of dermatopathologists reviews complex and challenging cases together daily, in a consensus conference at a multi-headed microscope.'

Her publication record shows consistent contributions to understanding skin cancers, inflammatory conditions, and diagnostic techniques, with recent work focusing on immunohistochemical markers like PRAME and IRF8 for differential diagnosis of challenging skin lesions.

Scientific awards and recognition include:

• Founder's Award (2024) from the American Society of Dermatopathology
• University of Vermont Award for Academic Achievement (2021)
• Walter R Nickel Award for Excellence in Teaching Dermatopathology (2011)

As past President of the American Society of Dermatopathology, Dr. McNiff is frequently invited to speak at national and international meetings. She serves on editorial boards of specialty publications and collaborates extensively with colleagues across Yale's departments including Dermatology, Pathology, and the Yale Cancer Center. Her Yale Dermatopathology Laboratory is described as 'the most sophisticated and technically advanced laboratory in the region,' with histotechnologists bringing over 100 years of combined experience.

Dr. McNiff's approach centers on patient care: 'For me, it is all about the patient and the knowledge that we are positioned to help both patients and their treating physicians by generating accurate and timely diagnoses.'