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Meet the ASLMS President and Program Chairs

ASLMS Program Chairs coordinate and plan the programming for the ASLMS Annual Conference. These individuals have been working hard to put together an excellent program for ASLMS 2026! 



Ashish C. Bhatia, MD, FAAD, FASLMS

 

Ashish C. Bhatia, MD, FAAD, FASLMS
ASLMS 2025-2026 President
Associate Professor of Clinical Dermatology, Northwestern University; Director of Dermatologic/Laser Surgery & Clinical Research at Oak Dermatology

Dr. Bhatia is an internationally recognized expert in dermatologic, laser, and cosmetic surgery. His clinical expertise includes Mohs and reconstructive surgery, skin cancer prevention and therapy, laser surgery, skin resurfacing procedures, and cosmetic procedures including lasers, fillers, and neuromodulators. He also has a special interest in restorative procedures for adults and children with burns, surgical scars, and traumatic scars.

He has published extensively in journals and textbooks, and is a sought-after teacher and speaker. Through clinical research, publications, public service initiatives, and the use of innovative educational technologies, Dr. Bhatia has made a broad range of intellectual and practical contributions to the field. One such contribution was co-founding the Chief Academy, a leadership workshop for residents designed to provide formal mentorship in business and the clinical setting.

Dr. Bhatia is involved in the inception and development of numerous drugs and devices that have come to market over the last decade. He works with engineers, basic scientists, and researchers to advance technologies that can improve lives. He has helped scientists through the processes of patent, funding, development, and commercialization of new products. Recent innovations brought to market include lasers for both functional and aesthetic applications, devices and injections for adipose reduction, and devices used for autologous regeneration of tissue and skin repigmentation with numerous clinical applications, including burns, trauma, and surgical reconstruction.

He founded the Department of Clinical Research for an 800+ physician group where he oversaw clinical trials across 15 specialties. He was appointed as chairperson for the organization’s charitable initiatives, which included serving the greatest needs of the local community (healthcare delivery, food insecurity, and shelter assistance).

Dr. Bhatia received his medical degree from Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine, where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha national medical honors society and earned awards for both achievement and service. He completed his residency in Dermatology at the Medical College of Virginia Hospitals, where he served as Chief Resident. Subsequently, he completed an intensive fellowship in Mohs Surgery, Cutaneous Oncology, Reconstruction, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery at SkinCare Physicians in Boston, Mass., under the direction of the leaders in the field from Boston University, Harvard University, and Yale University School of Medicine.

Dr. Bhatia is an Associate Professor of Clinical Dermatology at Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine. He also serves on faculty at Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, where he teaches hands-on skills in dermatologic surgery, lasers, and aesthetics.

Dr. Bhatia’s memberships include the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS), and the American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS). He served on the board of directors of the ASDS and ASLMS. He also served as a web editor and on the editorial board of JAMA Dermatology.

Dr. Bhatia also serves on the Editorial Board of Practical Dermatology. He is an Assistant Editor for Practice Update and serves on the International Editorial Board for the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery.




Lesley R. Clark-Loeser, MD

 

Lesley R. Clark-Loeser, MD
ASLMS 2026 Co-Chair
Dermatologist at Precision Skin Institute

Dr. Lesley Clark-Loeser is a board-certified dermatologist and South Florida native who returned home in 2005 after completing her education and training in the Northeast. She earned both her undergraduate and medical degrees from George Washington University, followed by an Internal Medicine internship at Pennsylvania Hospital and a Dermatology residency and dermatopharmacology fellowship at NYU School of Medicine, and an additional fellowship in pigmented lesions at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

As co-founder of Precision Skin and Body Institute, Dr. Clark-Loeser specializes in cosmetic, medical, and integrative dermatology. She has authored numerous articles and book chapters and has served as a principal investigator in over 30 clinical trials. She is extremely proud of Precision Skin’s growing research division, furthering practice’s mission of advancing dermatologic care.

Committed to community outreach, she launched the Survivor’s Initiative in 2016 to provide free laser treatments for breast cancer-related scars and tattoos and supports survivors of human trafficking through the ASLMS New Beginnings Task Force. She also educates youth on sun safety and serves on local nonprofit boards.

Dr. Clark-Loeser is a member of multiple professional organizations, including the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Florida Academy of Dermatology, and the Women’s Dermatologic Society. She also participates in the Davie Chamber of Commerce and the Broward Dermatologic Society.




Girish S. Munavalli, MD, MHS, FACMS

 

Girish S. Munavalli, MD, MHS, FACMS
ASLMS 2026 Co-Chair
Medical Director and Founder of Dermatology, Laser & Vein Specialists of the Carolinas

Dr. Munavalli is the medical director and founder of Dermatology, Laser & Vein Specialists of the Carolinas. He trained in Dermatology at Emory University and was board-certified in 2002. He completed Dermatologic Surgery fellowships in Mohs Micrographic Surgery, Cutaneous Oncology, Facial Reconstruction, Cosmetic Surgery, and Laser Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco. He also completed a cosmetic fellowship in phlebology and advanced laser surgery fellowship at the Maryland Laser, Skin, and Vein Institute.

Dr. Munavalli is board-certified by and a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, and a member and fellow of the following organizations:

  • American College of Mohs Micrographic and Cutaneous Oncology
  • American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
  • American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery
  • American Venous and Lymphatic Society
His academic affiliations include Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the Wake Forest University Department of Dermatology.

He is the author of 105 peer-reviewed publications and 20 book chapters, and has given over 375 lectures nationally and internationally. He has been recognized by his peers as Charlotte Top Docs 2021-2025, Castle Conolly Top Doctor 2022-2025, and Newsweek America’s Best Cosmetic Dermatologists 2022-2024.

Mona Sadeghpour, MD

 

Mona Sadeghpour, MD
ASLMS 2026 Co-Chair
Founder of SkinMed Institute

Dr. Mona Sadeghpour is a Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained Dermatologist with a distinguished background in laser and cosmetic dermatology. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Texas at Dallas Collegium V Honors Program and earned her medical degree from Yale University School of Medicine. She completed her dermatology residency at the University of Pittsburgh, where she served as Chief Resident, followed by an ASDS-accredited fellowship in laser and cosmetic surgery at SkinCare Physicians in Boston.

During her fellowship year, Dr. Sadeghpour was awarded the ASDS Frederic Brandt Grant to study the role of lasers in the treatment of melasma. Her research projects have been recognized with multiple national awards, including the ASLMS Best of Session Abstract Award and the ASDS Drs. Alastair and Jean D. Carruthers Research Abstract Award.

Dr. Sadeghpour spent the first part of her career in Colorado serving as the Director of Laser and Cosmetic Surgery Program at University of Colorado, where she trained dermatology residents in safe, effective, and evidence-based execution of cosmetic procedures . After her academic career, Dr. Sadeghpour founded SkinMed Institute, an innovative private practice in Denver, Colorado. There she established a Center of Excellence for treatment of skin conditions in patients with Skin of Color, and her unique expertise was sought after by many patients who travelled far to see her. Most recently, she relocated to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to be closer to her roots and her family.

Dr. Sadeghpour continues to lecture and teach medical students, residents, and physicians nationwide through multiple national societies, where she also holds leadership roles.

In her spare time, you will find her maximizing time with her family and friends, or outdoors playing tennis, running, hiking, and biking.