David Joel Leffell MD

Dermatologic Surgery

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

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

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Certifications & Licensure

NY State Medical License 1982 - Present
CT State Medical License 1984 - 2027
FL State Medical License 1991 - 1998
MI State Medical License 1987 - 1991
American Board of Dermatology Dermatology
American Board of Internal Medicine Internal Medicine

Awards, Honors, & Recognition

CMS Meaningful Use Stage 1 Certification EpicCare Ambulatory - Core EMR, Epic Systems Corporation, 2012, 2014-2017
CMS Meaningful Use Stage 2 Certification EpicCare Ambulatory 2014 Certified EHR Suite, Epic Systems Corporation, 2012, 2014-2017
America's Top Doctors Castle Connolly, 2003-2014

Clinical Trials

Absorbable Suture Versus Tissue Glue to Repair Defects Following Mohs Surgery Start of enrollment: 2011 Feb 01
Completed
Not Applicable

Publications & Presentations

PubMed

M10, a bioadhesive UV filter with enhanced and long-lasting photoprotection.
Juliette Bertrand, Lise Ainié, Sa Rang Kim, Nina Séjourné, Amélie Dupont
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2026-04-10
Clinical practice guidelines for the management of basal cell carcinoma in Gorlin syndrome.
Brian A Cahn, Runze Zhang, Allie M Sidwell, Christie Mena Adam, Jessica Tiv
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2026-02-01
Primary Care Physician Use of Elastic Scattering Spectroscopy on Skin Lesions Suggestive of Skin Cancer.
Stephen P Merry, Ivana T Croghan, Kimberly A Dukes, Brian C McCormick, Gerard T Considine
Journal of Primary Care & Community Health. 2025-06-05

Press Mentions

Yale Medicine Honors Six Faculty Members for Clinical Excellence & Distinguished CareersJune 23rd, 2026
Yale Medicine Honors Six Faculty Members for Clinical Excellence & Distinguished CareersSeptember 29th, 2025
2023 ‘Top Doctors’ List Features Over 250 Yale Medicine PhysiciansMay 3rd, 2023