Sara C. Shalin

Dr. Sara C. Shalin serves as Chairman of the Department of Dermatology and Professor in Pathology and Dermatology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine. She concurrently directs the dermatopathology subspecialty section and dermatopathology fellowship program, with previous leadership roles including medical director of multiple laboratory sections and director of anatomic pathology operations.

Her academic foundation includes:

• M.D./Ph.D. from Baylor College of Medicine (Ph.D. in Neuroscience, 2006; M.D., 2007)
• Residency in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology at Baylor College of Medicine (Chief Resident, 2010-2011)
• Dermatopathology Fellowship at Harvard Hospitals Combined Dermatopathology Program

Dr. Shalin's research centers on melanoma pathogenesis, inflammatory skin diseases, and vulvar pathology, with emphasis on diagnostic accuracy and molecular mechanisms. Her work bridges clinical dermatology and laboratory medicine, particularly in identifying histopathologic pitfalls and optimizing diagnostic workflows for cutaneous malignancies.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2024-2025) reveals concentrated expertise in dermatopathology diagnostics, with significant contributions to melanoma classification, vulvar lesion characterization, and standardization of immunofluorescence testing. Her leadership in developing appropriate use criteria for ancillary tests demonstrates commitment to evidence-based practice.

Her professional recognition includes:

• Certificate of Recognition in Laboratory Medical Direction from the College of American Pathologists

As program director of the dermatopathology fellowship and UAMS M.D./Ph.D. program director since 2017, Dr. Shalin mentors trainees while advancing educational standards. Her national society involvement includes CAP inspection leadership and committee work shaping dermatopathology guidelines.

She maintains active research collaborations investigating melanoma pathogenesis and inflammatory skin disease mechanisms, working with multidisciplinary teams to translate histopathologic findings into improved diagnostic protocols.