Rie Yotsu

Dr. Rie Yotsu is an Associate Professor at Tulane University's Weatherhead School of Public Health, specializing in skin-related neglected tropical diseases (skin NTDs). With dual expertise as a board-certified dermatologist and tropical medicine specialist, she bridges clinical dermatology with global public health approaches.

Her research focuses on the epidemiology, surveillance, and management of skin NTDs including leprosy, Buruli ulcer, and yaws, with particular emphasis on digital health innovations. She developed the 'eSkinHealth' app to improve access to care in resource-limited settings and has pioneered integrated approaches to skin NTD control.

Dr. Yotsu's publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to the field since 2009, with recent work focusing on AI-based diagnosis, thermography applications, and global policy frameworks for skin NTDs. Her research spans both clinical dermatology and public health implementation, with field work primarily in West Africa.

As a leader in the field, she has served as a WHO consultant and was instrumental in developing the first WHO framework document on skin NTDs. Her work emphasizes the importance of integrating skin health into universal health coverage frameworks and addressing the stigma associated with skin diseases.

Dr. Yotsu collaborates extensively with researchers across Japan, Africa, Europe, and North America, reflecting the global nature of her work on tropical skin diseases. Her educational background combines Japanese medical training with international tropical medicine expertise from the UK and Japan.