How Miller School Alumni Are Advancing Evidence‑Based Dermatology in Practice
Three Miller School of Medicine alumni reflect on mentorship, rigorous training and applying science‑driven dermatologic care in private practice.
Three Miller School of Medicine alumni have been practicing together in dermatology for more than a decade, caring for patients, staying ahead of skin care trends and debunking misinformation that often floods our social media feeds. The shared Miller School training of Diane Walder, M.D., Lucy Chen, M.D., and Stacy Chimento, B.A. ‘02, M.D. ‘08, reflects a legacy of academic excellence that continues to shape patient care well beyond campus.
The practice started with Dr. Walder, who completed her dermatology residency in 1984 at the University of Miami/Jackson Health System and eventually opened her own clinic, now called Diane Walder Dermatology by Riverchase. She knew improving the lives of her patients would be her primary goal. That meant being the expert her patients needed her to be and providing medical guidance rooted in science and academic rigor.
“After my residency ended, I served as a part-time faculty member for one year under Dr. Harvey Blank, the founder and first chair of UM’s Department of Dermatology,” said Dr. Walder. “After that, I started my own practice and, over the course of 40 years, I have built a clinic that provides exceptional care to patients.”
Evidence‑Based Dermatology Rooted in Miller School Training
Dr. Walder recognized that bringing in talented and dedicated associates would bolster her clinic’s mission to provide care that reflects the highest level of dermatologic training.
“I had the most amazing training at the Miller School of Medicine, and I don’t think there’s a better place to learn,” said Dr. Walder. “So, when it came time to hire associates, I would look to the Miller School because they were trained the best and had the most experience.”
Dr. Walder’s search would bring talented Miller School alumni to her practice, including Dr. Chen and Dr. Chimento, two fellow graduates from the Miller School’s dermatology residency program. Both agree that joining Dr. Walder’s practice has been a positive, life-changing experience and an extension of the academic mentorship they received at the Miller School.
“I joined the practice in 2017, after residency training, and I was introduced to the practice through a mutual friend,” Dr. Chen said. “I knew I wanted to work in private practice and I found Dr. Walder’s practice to be a good fit. Her also being an alumna made me feel comfortable throughout the interview process.”
Addressing Skin Care Trends With Science, Not Social Media
In their time working together, they have seen many trends in skin care. Their patients are younger than those they have seen in the past. Rather than being seen for an existing skin condition, patients are visiting with a desire to learn more about preventive measures to keep their skin healthy through informed, proactive care.
“We have seen a massive change in patients pursuing ‘clean skin care,’ where they move away from chemicals or fillers and explore more natural options,” said Dr. Chimento, who also earned her M.D. from the Miller School. “We see a lot of young patients interested in learning how they can boost the natural processes occurring in their bodies, such as collagen production.”
The Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the Miller School offers residents an exceptional breadth of clinical experience, shaped by Miami’s unique population. This broad patient base allows trainees to study and treat a spectrum of dermatologic conditions, creating physician leaders whose influence extends nationally and internationally.
It is a level of hands-on, real-world training that is difficult to replicate anywhere else. Many of the residents trained at the Miller School go on to leadership roles in other dermatology departments across the U.S.
“At the Miller School, you see everything,” Dr. Walder said. “When I was a resident, I saw tropical diseases, leprosy and various forms of skin cancer. You are exposed to so much and you also have the excellent faculty that you learn from. I truly believe it is the best dermatology program in the world.”
More from Miller School Alumni
Miller School honors four distinguished alumni at the 2026 Medical Alumni Awards for leadership, research and service.
The Miller School of Medicine unveils Alumni Studio, a digital archive sharing alumni and institutional history from anywhere.
More than 200 Miller School of Medicine alumni returned to campus to celebrate legacy and look ahead into the future.
Miller School alumnus Dr. Rimsky Denis focuses on community, education and prevention in his Little Haiti practice.
Tags: alumni, dermatology, Dr. Philip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, medical alumni, residency