Introduction
Our team, Department of Dermatology of Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, aims to provide the highest clinical care for patients, top-notch training for future practitioners of dermatology, and a productive setting for basic and applied research on diseases of the skin. Patient satisfaction and quality clinical care are our number one priority. Our department is nationally recognized for its expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders and skin cancer. Since Dr. Tsu-Man Chiu assumed the position of department chief in August 2022, we have particularly strengthened the care of severe and complex dermatologic diseases, while maintaining excellence across all subspecialties. The department’s focus areas are described below.
Immunologic Skin Diseases
We provide advanced and precise care for autoimmune and autoinflammatory skin diseases, including autoimmune blistering diseases (pemphigus, bullous pemphigoid), cutaneous manifestations of systemic autoimmune disorders (such as lupus erythematosus and dermatomyositis), chronic inflammatory diseases due to immune dysregulation (such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, prurigo nodularis), chronic urticaria, alopecia areata, vitiligo, and hidradenitis suppurativa. We aim to become the leading dermatologic immunology center in central Taiwan.
Severe Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions (SCARs)
We actively manage and treat severe drug-induced skin reactions such as Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), and generalized bullous fixed drug eruption (GBFDE). Through collaboration with the divisions of rheumatology, plastic surgery, and others, we have successfully treated numerous SJS/TEN patients. Furthermore, our hospital developed robust electronic systems for tracking and assessing potential culprit drugs in patients with suspected drug allergies.
Oncology-Related Adverse Drug Reactions
As our hospital’s oncology teams for lung and other cancers continue to expand, we increasingly manage skin adverse effects caused by chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, Antibody–drug conjugate (ADC), and immunotherapy. Given the rapid advancement of cancer treatments, timely recognition and multidisciplinary management of related skin reactions are critical to ensuring that patients can continue their cancer therapies safely and effectively. For chronic or difficult-to-heal wounds, we work with the hospital’s Wound Care Center to provide advanced dressing and wound management options, significantly improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Aesthetic Medical Center
Our center integrates academic dermatologic expertise with advanced laser and energy-based technologies to provide comprehensive medical and aesthetic skin care. We are committed to balancing innovation with patient safety to ensure the highest standards of care and clinical excellence.
(1) Excellent Team and High-Quality Service
At the Aesthetic Medical Center, all procedures are performed by board-certified dermatologists. We combine traditional dermatologic therapy with cutting-edge technology to achieve optimal results.
Our advanced devices include the Pulsed Dye Laser, Fotona QX MAX Laser System, Fotona Dynamis Line Laser System, HydraFacial skin care system, and a variety of energy-based platforms for skin tightening and rejuvenation.
In addition, we offer minimally invasive aesthetic procedures, such as Botox and dermal filler injections, designed to enhance facial harmony, restore youthful contours, and rejuvenate natural appearance. Our goal is to address each patient’s aesthetic concerns through safe, evidence-based, and effective treatments.
(2) Advanced Laser and Energy-Based Equipment
– Excimer Light Therapy: for vitiligo and selected inflammatory skin diseases.
– Pulsed Dye Laser: for port-wine stains, hemangiomas, acne scars, telangiectasia, erythema, hypertrophic scars, and keloids.
– Er:YAG Laser: for skin resurfacing, wrinkle reduction, texture improvement, and removal of benign skin tumors.
– Nd:YAG Laser: for treatment of pigmentation disorders, melasma, nevi, and tattoo removal.
– Tixel Device: for improvement of fine wrinkles, skin texture, striae distensae, and stretch marks.
– HydraFacial System: for deep cleansing, exfoliation, and skin hydration.
– Radiofrequency (RF) Devices: for non-invasive skin tightening and collagen remodeling.
– Ultrasound-Based Lifting Systems: for deep tissue tightening and facial contour enhancement.
Our mission is to advance the field of aesthetic dermatology through clinical excellence, innovation, and education, while upholding the highest standards of safety and ethical practice.
Education and Specialist Training
Through the dedicated efforts of past and current faculty, our department has established a solid foundation in both education and clinical excellence. We emphasize a balanced approach to teaching, research, and clinical service, always prioritizing patient well-being.
We maintain a rigorous and comprehensive dermatology training curriculum, host diverse educational conferences, and continually nurture outstanding dermatology specialists.
Medical Research and Clinical Trials
We actively collaborate with faculty from Chung Shan Medical University, engaging in interdisciplinary research such as immunology with the Institute of Immunology and skin image analysis with the Department of Medical Informatics. These collaborations foster mutual growth and scientific advancement while encouraging residents to participate in research.
Our faculty also participate in multiple clinical drug trials, offering new treatment opportunities to patients with unmet needs, particularly those not yet eligible for national insurance coverage. These efforts contribute meaningfully to the progress of dermatologic medicine.
Academic Contributions and Professional Leadership
Our faculty actively contribute to national consensus guidelines for dermatologic diseases such as psoriasis, generalized pustular psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and skin toxicities related to lung cancer targeted therapies, as well as acne management.
Department members also serve in leadership roles in major professional societies, including the Taiwanese Dermatological Association (TDA), the Taiwan Association for Psoriasis and Skin Immunology (TAPSI), and the Taiwan Association of Medical Education.