Distinguished dermatology leader to be recognized at Annual Meeting in Denver
The Medical Dermatology Society is proud to announce Bruce H. Thiers, MD, Distinguished Professor and Chairman Emeritus of the Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina, as the recipient of the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dr. Thiers will be honored at the MDS Annual Meeting on Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Denver, Colorado.
A Career Defined by Leadership and Mentorship
Dr. Thiers’ career spans more than four decades of clinical excellence, editorial leadership, and dedication to advancing medical dermatology. His impact on the field extends far beyond his own practice—through his mentorship, countless dermatologists, researchers, and educators have shaped their careers under his guidance.
After completing his dermatology residency at SUNY Buffalo in 1978, Dr. Thiers joined the faculty there before relocating to the Medical University of South Carolina, where he has been instrumental in building one of the nation’s leading dermatology programs.
Shaping the Voice of Dermatology
As chief editor of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology from 2008 to 2018—and associate editor for a decade before that—Dr. Thiers helped shape the clinical and scientific conversation in dermatology for more than 20 years. He has also served as consulting editor of Dermatologic Clinics and former editor of the Year Book of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery.
His editorial work has influenced how generations of dermatologists approach clinical care and stay current with research.
A Voice for the Specialty
Dr. Thiers served as President of the American Academy of Dermatology from 2020 to 2021, navigating the organization through unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has also served on the boards of the Association of Professors of Dermatology and the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.
In 2022, he received the Thomas G. Pearson EdD Memorial Education Award from the American Academy of Dermatology, recognizing his exceptional contributions to dermatologic education.
Advancing Care for Complex Skin Disease
Dr. Thiers’ clinical expertise centers on dermatologic therapeutics, with particular focus on psoriasis and complex medical dermatology—the very heart of MDS’s mission. His work has improved outcomes for patients whose skin diseases intersect with systemic health challenges.
“Dr. Bruce Thiers is both a leader and a visionary in the field of dermatology,” said Art Saavedra, MD, PhD, MBA, MDS President. “Anyone who knows him well understands his strength in mentorship—a man who has dedicated his career to the advancement of complex medical dermatology. It is both an honor and a privilege to bestow this lifetime achievement award on behalf of the Medical Dermatology Society to Dr. Bruce Thiers.”
About the Lifetime Achievement Award
Each year at the MDS Annual Meeting, the Society honors a senior clinical dermatologist who has demonstrated enduring commitment to advancing medical dermatology through mentorship and outstanding patient care with the MDS Lifetime Achievement Award. Nominations are made by the MDS Board of Directors and past honorees, with final selection by the MDS Executive Committee.
Recipients receive lifetime MDS membership, complimentary annual meeting registration, and recognition before the medical dermatology community.
Join Us in Denver
Dr. Thiers will be recognized during the 2026 MDS Annual Meeting on Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Denver, Colorado. The meeting brings together experts, educators, trainees, and innovators committed to advancing care for patients with complex skin diseases.
