Santa Barabara Dermatology Meeting 2026
Dear readers,
Join us for the 7th annual Santa Barbara Dermatology Meeting December 3-6 at the beautiful Ojai Valley inn located in Ojai Valley California. This meeting will feature world class faculty where we will discuss Psoriasis, Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Atopic Dermatitis, Alopecia Areata, Melanoma, Acne, Rosacea, Neurotoxins, Injectable Fillers, Aesthetic Medicine, Surgical Dermatology, and many other topics that are consistent with our stakeholder surveys and gap analysis. There will also be a high focus on case-based learning. Please feel free to reach out with you have any questions and we can't wait to see you in Ojai. You can register directly using the highlighted link below.
Dates: Dec 3 - 6, 2026
Ojai Valley Inn
905 Country Club Rd
Ojai, CA 93023
Speakers
Santa Barbara Dermatology Meeting 2026
2026 Keynote Speaker
April Armstrong, MD MPH
Dr. April Armstrong is Professor and Chief of Dermatology at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). She is an internationally renowned dermatologist and clinical researcher in inflammatory skin diseases including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and HS.
Dr. Armstrong obtained her medical degree from Harvard Medical School and completed dermatology residency at Harvard. She also obtained a Master of Public Health degree from Harvard School of Public Health. Prior to being the Chief of Dermatology at UCLA, Dr. Armstrong served as Associate Dean for Clinical Research at the University of Southern California (USC), where she led initiatives to improve research infrastructure and streamline processes to provide an efficient environment for research. She also served as Vice Chair in the Department of Dermatology at USC, as well as at the University of California Davis and University of Colorado previously.
Dr. Armstrong is a federally funded investigator whose research focuses on (1) evaluating novel systemic and topical therapies for inflammatory skin diseases, (2) identifying treatment goals and comorbidities associated with skin diseases, and (3) increasing patient access using innovative, technology-enabled healthcare delivery methods. Dr. Armstrong has conducted over 150 clinical trials and published over 500 articles in scientific journals.
Dr. Armstrong has a long history of service to the medical profession on a national and international level. She serves as a board member of the American Academy of Dermatology, immediate Past Chair of the Medical Board at the National Psoriasis Foundation, Co-President of the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA), councilor for the International Eczema Council and International Psoriasis Council, and a board member for the International Dermatology Outcome Measures and the California Society of Dermatology and Dermatological Surgery (CalDerm). She is also an editorial board member of JAMA Dermatology and had also served on the editorial boards of JAAD and other journals. Dr. Armstrong is past President of the American DermatoEpidemiology Network and Sacramento Valley Dermatology Society.
Dr. Armstrong is also a passionate educator, having mentored numerous medical students, residents, and postdoctoral research fellows. She has received institutional and national teaching awards for her educational efforts.
Michael Heffernan, MD
Meeting Director
Dr. Heffernan is an internationally recognized complex medical dermatologist and clinical trialist. After serving as the founding chair of Dermatology at the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine he served as a Distinguished Medical Fellow for Eli Lilly & Co. He is now the co-owner of San Luis Dermatology & Laser Clinic and he is the US Dermatology Lead for Probity Medical Research. Dr. Heffernan has published over 80 peer reviewed articles and textbook chapters. He has been the principle investigator for nearly 150 research studies and he has provided over 500 invited lectures around the globe.
Roberta is Medical Director & President of Santa Barbara Skin Institute located in Solvang and Santa Barbara. She grew up in California, went to Middlebury College at age 17y and from there, continued her graduate education on the east coast. After surgical fellowship training, she joined began a joyful stint in academic practice at Washington University where she helped recruit our own Dr. Heffernan. She served a decade as Director of Dermatologic Surgery/ Mohs Fellowship Training at Wash U before returning to California in 2008. She currently serves as an Associate Clinical Professor at UC Irvine Department of Dermatology. Her private practice focuses on Mohs/Skin Cancer & Reconstructive Surgery, as well as Aesthetic Laser & Minimally-Invasive techniques. She is active in her specialty's key organizations and has served on the Board of Directors of the American College of Mohs Surgery, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and the International Transplant Skin Cancer Collaborative. She has authored over 50 manuscripts, edited the first edition of the textbook 'Surgery of the Skin', and has given countless talks nationally and internationally on Mohs surgery/ reconstruction and Facial Rejuvenation. Dr. Sengelmann is best known for her elegant surgical technique, attention to detail. She has 4 children, 2 dogs and is married to Dr. Tamir Keshen, a retired Pediatric Surgeon.
Roberta Sengelmann, MD FACMS
Meeting Co-Director
Dr. Neal Bhatia is a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego, California. He serves as Director of Clinical Dermatology at Therapeutics Clinical Research and as chief medical editor for Practical Dermatology. He is widely published and has a background in immunology as well as interests in mechanisms of therapy, skin cancer, and medical dermatology.
Neal Bhatia, MD
Dr. Brent Moody completed his medical degree at Emory University School of Medicine. He completed a residency program in both internal medicine and dermatology at the Washington University School of Medicine Barnes-Jewish Hospital where he served as Chief Resident. He completed a comprehensive fellowship in Mohs Micrographic and Dermatologic Surgery with Dr. George Hruza at the Laser and Dermatologic Surgery Center in St. Louis, Missouri. In addition, Dr. Moody is board-certified in dermatology by the American Board of Dermatology and has been practicing in Nashville since 2003. Dr. Moody has served the local dermatology community as Chairman of the Tennessee Dermatology Society and Treasurer of the Nashville Dermatology Society. He is active on the national level as the Chairman of the Public Policy Committee of the American College of Mohs Surgery.
Brent Moody, MD
Anthony J. Mancini, MD is Professor of Pediatrics and Dermatology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Head of the Division of Pediatric Dermatology at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, where he also serves as Associate Program Director for the pediatric dermatology fellowship training program. He is a Fellow of both the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Mancini’s clinical and research interests include infantile hemangiomas and other vascular lesions, atopic dermatitis, and pediatric education. He has published over 275 peer-reviewed articles, abstracts, books and book chapters. He is co-author of Hurwitz Clinical Pediatric Dermatology (3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th editions), co-editor of the AAP publication Pediatric Dermatology – A Quick Reference Guide (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th editions), and Pediatric Section Editor of Dermatology (1st, 2nd and 3rd editions). Dr. Mancini is Past President of the Society for Pediatric Dermatology, where he also served 10 years as Secretary-Treasurer, and past Program Chair of the World Congress of Pediatric Dermatology. Dr. Mancini’s greatest passions are his family and the mentorship of young physicians as they progress in their training and early careers.
Anthony Mancini, MD
Eric Simpson, MD MCR
Eric L. Simpson, MD, MCR, is a professor of medical dermatology with special interests in chronic inflammatory skin diseases and skin cancer at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland, OR. Dr Simpson received his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, TX. He completed his internship in internal medicine at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, TX and his residency in dermatology at OHSU. Dr Simpson is board certified in dermatology.
Dr Simpson is actively involved in clinical research and is currently funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and industry partners to study new approaches to chronic skin disease treatment and prevention. His collaborations are global in scope and he has been invited to present his research and approach to patient care at international conferences in Europe, North and South America, and Asia. He has published over 400 scientific articles in several high-impact peer-reviewed journals including the New England Journal of Medicine and The Lancet.
Dr. Simpson supports patient advocacy and improving research quality by serving as Co-Chair of the Harmonizing Outcome Measures in Eczema (HOME)--a volunteer group of patients, providers, and other stakeholders whose mission is to improve the quality of eczema research to better suit the needs of patients and policy-makers. He is also serving as Chair of the NEA Research Advisory Committee.
Ted (Edward) Lain, MD MBA
Dr. Ted Lain is a board-certified dermatologist and Chief Medical Officer at Sanova Dermatology, serving patients in the Greater Austin area including Pflugerville, and Steiner Ranch, Texas. He specializes in medical dermatology, skin cancer detection, hair and nail disorders, cosmetic injectables, and advanced laser skin rejuvenation. Dr. Lain provides comprehensive care for conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancer, along with minimally invasive aesthetic treatments designed to deliver natural, refreshed results.
A recognized leader in cosmetic dermatology, Dr. Lain is a Physician Trainer for Allergan, the maker of BOTOX® Cosmetic and the JUVÉDERM® family of fillers. He trains physicians and medical professionals on safe and effective injection techniques and is the only Allergan Physician Trainer based in Austin. His expertise in injectables and laser treatments makes him a trusted choice for patients seeking both medical and cosmetic dermatology in Central Texas.
Dr. Lain graduated with highest honors from The University of Texas before earning his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine and his MBA from Rice University. He completed his internship in Internal Medicine and residency in Dermatology before returning to Texas to practice. Having spent most of his life in the Texas climate, he understands firsthand the impact of sun exposure and environmental factors on skin health.
Dr. Lain lives in Austin with his wife and two children and enjoys the outdoor lifestyle of Central Texas. He has been recognized as a Texas Super Doctor and remains committed to delivering expert, patient-centered dermatologic care.
Kavita Mariwalla, MD FAAD
Dr. Kavita Mariwalla is a board certified dermatologist and nationally recognized key opinion leader in dermatology and dermatologic surgery. Her expertise is in the areas of anti-aging procedures and skin cancer treatment. She is sought after for opinions on cosmetic formulations and is regularly invited as a featured speaker in the United States and overseas.
Prior to starting her own private practice, Dr. Mariwalla was the Director of Cutaneous Oncology at St. Luke’s – Roosevelt and Beth Israel Medical Centers in New York. Dr. Mariwalla has been recognized for extensive work in the area of dermatologic education and is considered an expert injector of fillers and neuromodulators. She has written two editions of the widely used book, Primer in Dermatologic Surgery, which is highly regarded by residents and seasoned dermatologic surgeons. She is also the author of the Cosmeceutical Compendium, an encyclopedic guide on ingredients commonly used in cosmetic formulations. Most recently, Dr. Mariwalla released her fourth book entitled The Business of Dermatology. She is also the host of the popular Instagram Live series 21@21.
In addition to authoring several books, Dr. Mariwalla is editor of “Surgical Pearls” for the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology and is Vice President of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Women’s Dermatologic Society and American Society for Dermatologic Surgery in the past and is a three-time recipient of the ASDS President’s Award for outstanding contributions to the field of dermatologic surgery. Dr. Mariwalla received the prestigious honor of “Iron Surgeon” at the 2019 ASDS meeting.
On the national and international stage, Dr. Mariwalla is noted for sharing her injection techniques during live demonstrations at the American Academy of Dermatology annual meetings and is prolific in her writing and speaking engagements at home and abroad. Her private practice has been nominated for the “Best of Long Island,” since its inception in 2012. She has also been recognized as a “Super Doctor” and “Top Doctor” by Castle Connolly for the last four years. Dr. Mariwalla earned her degree in medicine at the Yale School of Medicine where she also completed her dermatology residency and fellowship training.
When not working, you can find Dr. Mariwalla building LEGO® with her three boys and trying to perfect pizza on the BBQ alongside her husband Kabir.
Bruce D. Ragsdale, MD (aka “Rags”) attended medical school at UCSF and completed his pathology residency at Massachusetts General Hospital. Rags’ dermatopathology fellowship was served at the University of Pennsylvania; he trained in dermatopathology by Drs. Wallace Clark, Martin Mihm, George Murphy, and David Elder. With 45 years of experience in pathology, Rags has authored several book chapters including those in the three most recent editions of Lever’s Histopathology of the Skin, as well as numerous papers published in peer review journals. With a special interest in skeletal/soft-tissue diseases, Dr. Rags has published much original work in these fields.
After 10 years at AFIP and being on faculty of nine different medical schools, Dr. Rags returned to the California Central Coast in 1997 to found Western Pathology. Dr. Rags is continuously active in researching/presenting interesting and compelling case studies/thematic materials for dermatopathology organizations and various groups at the local, state and international levels.
Bruce Ragsdale, MD