Advancing Dermatologic Surgery and Skin Cancer Research
Led by Dr. Kira Minkis at Weill Cornell Medicine, our research focuses on local anesthetics, immunocompromised patients, wound care, and Mohs micrographic surgery.
Kira Minkis, M.D. Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Dr. Minkis received her Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry with Honors at New York University. She pursued her medical education and doctorate in molecular oncology and immunology at New York University School of Medicine. Her doctoral dissertation research focused on studying the immune response to melanoma and development of a therapeutic vaccine for melanoma.
Dr. Minkis completed her training in dermatology at New York Presbyterian Hospital – Weill Cornell Medical Center, where she was awarded the Distinguished House Staff Award. Following her residency training, she completed a fellowship in Procedural Dermatology and Mohs micrographic surgery at Northwestern University and, in addition, was one of the first seven dermatologists in the US to have completed the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Cosmetic Dermatologic Surgery Fellowship.
Due to her extensive research experience in the role that the immune system plays in skin cancer, Dr. Minkis is very interested in caring for patients at high risk for skin cancer development, such as those with altered immune systems following organ transplantation.
Areas of Research
Our lab focuses on advancing dermatologic surgery through evidence-based research in multiple key areas.
Research examining how anatomic regions impact the duration of lidocaine and ropivacaine during dermatologic procedures.
2 PublicationsExploring the role of inflammatory skin disease in Mohs surgery outcomes for patients with altered immune systems.
1 PublicationDeveloping alternative bolstering techniques for full-thickness skin grafts to improve patient outcomes.
1 PublicationInvestigating Mohs surgery as a precipitant of bullous disease and reviewing reported cases.
1 PublicationOur Team
Our lab brings together talented researchers and medical students dedicated to advancing dermatologic science.
Kira Minkis, M.D. Ph.D.
Chelsea Handfield
M4, M3, and M2 students actively contributing to research