Dr. Olivia Ware Joins UW Dermatology Faculty

Please join us in welcoming Olivia Ware, MD, (she/her/hers) to the Department of Dermatology as an Acting Instructor and dermatologist based at Harborview Medical Center! Dr. Ware specializes in skin of color, physician burnout, pigmentary disorders, hair disorders, and hidradenitis suppurativa.

Dr. Ware was recruited to establish and take on the role of Director of UW Dermatology’s future Skin of Color Center of Excellence. The new center will be devoted to excellence in the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders in patients with skin of color. As Director, Dr. Ware will focus on community outreach and education, offer mentorship to underrepresented students, residents, and fellows, and serve as an ambassador for our Department.

Dr. Ware joins us after recently graduating from the Dermatology Residency program at the University of California, San Francisco, where she served as Chief Resident in her final year. During her residency, Dr. Ware earned a reputation as an exceptional leader and communicator. She is known for her empathetic patient counseling, clear teaching of trainees, and her ability to bridge the gap between staff and physicians in the clinic.

Dr. Ware earned her BA in Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology at Whitman College in 2013. She earned her MD at Howard University College of Medicine in 2020. After completing her MD, Dr. Ware completed her Internal Medicine Internship in 2021 at MedStar/ Georgetown Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC. She then went on to complete her Dermatology Residency at the University of California, San Francisco, and recently graduated from the program in 2024. 

Dr. Ware is excited to return to the PNW and take advantage of all the great hiking and camping opportunities. With family in the area, she looks forward to spending time with her niece and enjoying South Lake Union and Lake Washington. She is a big Arsenal fan and loves cooking, hosting wine nights, and participating in book clubs.

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Ware to our faculty as the Director of the Skin of Color Center of Excellence. Dr. Ware brings a wealth of expertise in community outreach, education, and mentorship, and we are excited about the positive impact she will make on underrepresented students and patients of color. Her work will further enrich our department and contribute to our ongoing commitment to diversity and excellence.

We look forward to the innovations and leadership Dr. Ware will bring to our team!