Core Research Areas
The Department of Dermatology’s core areas of research focus on inflammatory skin diseases, including cutaneous t-cell lymphoma (CTCL), dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and psoriasis from both clinical and basic science approaches. Our mission is to serve the dermatological needs of the people of Arkansas and beyond by establishing a strong research environment. Our goals are to discover the underlying mechanisms of skin diseases, work towards new treatments, develop new research programs, train future research faculty and medical professionals, and collaborate with other academic medical centers and industry.
Clinical Trials
The UAMS Dermatology Clinic is a new, state-of-the-art facility dedicated to both general dermatology and cutaneous lymphomas including cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). We are fully equipped with nine exam rooms, two procedure rooms, one dedicated exam room for clinical trials, one clinical trials office, nursing support, and research staff. The clinic is staffed by three full-time board-certified physicians and nine residents in training.
Principal Investigators

Dr. Wong meets with a patient in the Dermatology clinic
Henry K. Wong, M.D., Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Dermatology in the College of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He serves as a Principal Investigator on our dermatologic clinical trials. Read his full bio.

Dr. Shi meets with a patient in the clinic
Vivian Y. Shi, M.D., FAAD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She serves as a Principal Investigator on our dermatologic clinical trials and is the Director of the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinic. Read her full bio.
UAMS Study Has Additional Health Benefit for Participant
Dermatology Research Lab

Microscope image of a tissue sample
In addition to sponsored clinical trials, Dr. Henry Wong directs his own investigator-initiated research projects. The main focus of his research is on abnormal gene expression in cutaneous lymphoma, and how gene expression and epigenetic biomarkers can be used to improve diagnosis and therapies. Because cutaneous lymphomas are rare and often look like a rash, they can be mistaken for psoriasis, eczema, and other benign inflammatory dermatoses. This can delay appropriate therapy for years, and result in disease progression. For these studies, Dr. Wong retains a basic-research laboratory in the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. This lab is equipped for modern cell culture and molecular genomics applications, and is strictly devoted to research use only (RUO) procedures.
Contact Us

Dr. Wong and team examine data in a lab
We are continuously working to understand dermatologic diseases and how our patients are affected. We trust that the knowledge gained from our research and clinical trials will lead to better treatments and outcomes for all. Some of the areas of focus for our research include: Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma, Psoriasis, Atopic Dermatitis, Hydradenitis Suppurativa, and Pyoderma Gangrenosum.
If you are interested in participating in a Dermatological Clinical Trial, please contact us by phone at 501-320-7651, or by email at dermresearch@uams.edu.
Also, please visit ARResearch.org for other research opportunities.