Leonard Sperling

Leonard Sperling, M.D., serves as Professor of Dermatology and Pathology at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) in Bethesda, MD, holding the Sulzberger Endowed Chair and serving as Vice-Chair of Dermatology since 2014 after 17 years as Department Chair (1997-2014).

His academic credentials include:

• B.S. Summa Cum Laude from Yale College
• M.D. from University of Pennsylvania (Alpha Omega Alpha)
• Dermatology Residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center
• Dermatopathology Fellowship at Armed Forces Institute of Pathology

Dr. Sperling's research pioneers hair disorder diagnostics, specializing in alopecia mechanisms and dermatopathology. His work bridges clinical observation with microscopic analysis, establishing standardized approaches for hair loss evaluation that have transformed diagnostic protocols in military and civilian practice.

Recent publications (2022-2023) reveal evolving focus on under-recognized scarring alopecias and scalp biopsy standardization, building on his seminal 2012 atlas which remains the definitive reference for hair pathology. His scholarship consistently emphasizes practical clinical-pathological correlations.

Award recognition includes:

• Whiting Research Award (American Hair Research Society)
• Nickel Teaching Award (American Society of Dermatopathology)
• Helwig Research Award (American Society of Dermatopathology)

As an educator, he founded the National Capital Consortium's first dermatopathology fellowship (AGCME-approved), mentoring generations of military dermatologists. His leadership established structured training pathways while maintaining active clinical service in complex hair disorder cases.

Within USUHS's Department of Dermatology, Dr. Sperling directs the dermatopathology division and hair disorders specialty service, maintaining collaborative ties with Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for translational research on combat-related skin conditions.