Dr. Suzanne L. Kilmer holds a legendary position in the world of dermatological surgery as one of the most accomplished women in her field, with a 35-year history of cutting-edge research, innovation and success.
Her most notable accomplishments include being the first female president of the American Society of Lasers in Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS); principal investigator in hundreds of FDA clinical trials, with many being the first in human trials; giving more than 500 lectures worldwide to educate doctors; and finally, using these treatments on her own patients. She has won nearly every award in her field for innovation and teaching.
Kilmer’s titles, roles and recognitions are vast, including her current role as clinical professor with the UC Davis School of Medicine’s Department of Dermatology and fellowship director for cosmetic dermatologic surgery for the American Society for Dermatologic Surgeons, where she served on the board of directors, as well as for ASLMS, where she then went on to be president.
Early in her career, she recognized the need for an operational base where she could conduct research and clinical trials as well as care for patients in need of the most innovative treatments. She founded the Laser & Skin Surgery Center in 1993 and has grown it to include five other doctors, a physician’s assistant and seven registered nurses.
The center treats patients in need of device treatments for unusual conditions, birthmarks, skin cancers, anti-aging and aesthetics. One of the world’s largest laser and device centers, they also utilize the full complement of injectables and are noted for very natural-appearing results when caring for their patients.
“It’s endlessly gratifying to develop medical devices that transform lives, then teach these procedures to colleagues to benefit as many patients as possible!”— Suzanne L. Kilmer, M.D
“I absolutely love my work,” says Kilmer. “It’s endlessly gratifying to develop medical devices that transform lives, then teach these procedures to colleagues to benefit as many patients as possible!”
Looking ahead, Kilmer will be advancing the field by continuing her medical advisory board work exploring devices to treat even darker skin types with minimal downtime and combining them to improve outcomes. She will also continue growing the Laser & Skin Surgery Center into the future.
