Dr. Vivian Shi Joins UW Dermatology Faculty

Please join us in welcoming Vivian Shi, MD, (she/her/hers) to the Department of Dermatology as a Professor and dermatologist based at the Roosevelt Dermatology Center!

Dr. Shi will establish and lead clinical research in our department as our first ever Clinical Trials Unit Director—with a goal to build a CTU that provides shared trial resources/support for all investigator-initiated and sponsored clinical research within dermatology. She also intends to launch and provide multispecialty care for people with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). 

Dr. Shi comes to us from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Ark., where she was an Associate Professor of Dermatology. She also served as the Director of Clinical Trials, the Dermatology Research Fellowship program, and the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinic. 

Dr. Shi received her BS in Physiological Sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles, Calif. in 2006. She went on to receive her MD at the University of Illinois, Chicago, IL in 2012. Dr. Shi completed her Internal Medicine Internship in 2013 at University of Chicago/Northshore. She then completed her Dermatology Residency at the University of California, Davis, Calif., where she was a chief resident during her final year from 2015-2016. 

Dr. Shi has years of experience as a clinician-scholar, with expertise in inflammatory skin diseases such as hidradenitis suppurativa and atopic dermatitis. She is the editor for three reference textbooks, on hidradenitis suppurativa, atopic dermatitis, and clinical decision-making in dermatology. She has a notable record of securing research funding focused primarily on chronic inflammatory skin diseases. She is also on the Executive Board of Directors for the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation. 

Dr. Shi is known for being a compassionate and supportive mentor to her students. Over her career, she has helped many medical students, residents, and research fellows discover their paths.  

Outside of work, Dr. Shi enjoys hiking with her 11lb Maltopoo Bubbles, exploring new restaurants with her husband and friends. Most recently she has been trying to perfect a grilled cheese sandwich recipe for her 3-year-old son, while being semi-forced to watch Blippi Wonders. 

We’re so happy Dr. Shi is joining us and are looking forward to her many contributions to our department!