Shawn G. Kwatra

Shawn G. Kwatra, MD is a Professor and Chair of Dermatology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where he also serves as Chief of Service at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). With secondary appointments in Microbiology and Immunology, Dr. Kwatra leads both a basic science laboratory and clinical trials unit, focusing on precision medicine approaches to chronic inflammatory skin diseases.

• Education: MD from Wake Forest University School of Medicine (2012), Residency at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (2017)
• Research: Specializes in skin of color research, neuroimmune mechanisms of itch, and racial disparities in dermatological pathogenesis

His work spans prurigo nodularis, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis in diverse populations, with over 200 peer-reviewed publications in journals like New England Journal of Medicine and Nature Medicine. Current research trends focus on cytokine profiling, biologic therapies, and systemic immune dysregulation in chronic pruritus.

• Awards: Inducted into Johns Hopkins Distinguished Teaching Society for mentorship of medical students and trainees

As a National Secretary/Treasurer of the Skin of Color Society and member of the National Eczema Association’s Scientific Advisory Council, Dr. Kwatra integrates clinical leadership with translational research to address both biomedical and societal aspects of dermatological care.