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David Leffell, MD, Dermatology, New Haven, CT

David Joel Leffell MD

Dermatology•New Haven, CT

Dermatologic Surgery

David Paige Smith Professor of Dermatology, Plastic Surgery & Otolaryngology; Section Chief

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  • 40 Temple St5TH floor Suite 5aNew Haven, CT 06510

  • Phone+1 203-785-3466

  • Fax+1 203-785-5256

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Summary

  • I founded the Section of Dermatologic Surgery & Cutaneous Oncology in the Department of Dermatology at Yale in 1988. Since that time the program has grown to combine patient-centered sub-specialty care with ongoing translational research. In 1996 we were part of the team that discovered the PTCH1 gene. Other areas of research include melanoma, skin imaging, anti-aging devices and treatments, wound healing, and the genetics of non-melanoma skin cancer. I have trained 24 fellows in Procedural Dermatology (ACGME Fellowship) and have 3 faculty colleagues in the Section. In addition for 15 years I was the CEO of the 1200 physician Yale Medical Group and for almost a decade deputy dean for clinical affairs. I continue my research in skin cancer and melanoma and operate several days a week. In addition I am a venture partner with Tullis Health Investors and an adviser to Dermasensor. I serve on the boards of Validus and the Hopkins School.

Education & Training

  • Yale College
    Yale CollegeBS cum laude, Biology, Cum laude and honors in the major, 1973
  • University of Michigan
    University of MichiganResidency, Dermatology, 1987 - 1988
  • Yale-New Haven Medical Center
    Yale-New Haven Medical CenterResidency, Dermatology, 1984 - 1986
  • New York Presbyterian Hospital (Cornell Campus)
    New York Presbyterian Hospital (Cornell Campus)Residency, Internal Medicine, 1981 - 1984
  • McGill University Faculty of Medicine
    McGill University Faculty of MedicineClass of 1981

Certifications & Licensure

  • NY State Medical License
    NY State Medical License 1982 - Present
  • CT State Medical License
    CT State Medical License 1984 - 2026
  • FL State Medical License
    FL State Medical License 1991 - 1998
  • MI State Medical License
    MI State Medical License 1987 - 1991
  • Dermatology
    American Board of Dermatology Dermatology
  • Internal Medicine
    American Board of Internal Medicine Internal Medicine

Awards, Honors, & Recognition

  • America's Top Doctors Castle Connolly, 2003-2014
  • Top Doctors: New York Metro Area Castle Connolly, 2003-2014
  • New York Magazine: Top Doctors Castle Connolly, 2002-2014
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Clinical Trials

Publications & Presentations

PubMed

Press Mentions

  • Yale Medicine Honors Six Faculty Members for Clinical Excellence & Distinguished Careers
    Yale Medicine Honors Six Faculty Members for Clinical Excellence & Distinguished CareersSeptember 29th, 2025
  • 2023 ‘Top Doctors’ List Features Over 250 Yale Medicine Physicians
    2023 ‘Top Doctors’ List Features Over 250 Yale Medicine PhysiciansMay 3rd, 2023
  • How Much Sunlight You Really Need to Get Enough Vitamin D
    How Much Sunlight You Really Need to Get Enough Vitamin DSeptember 30th, 2021
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Professional Memberships

Other Languages

  • French

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