About the Chair: Brian Adams, MD

Brian Adams, MD, MPH, was named chair of the UC Department of Dermatology effective July 1, 2014. Dr. Adams also holds the Drs. Diya F. Mutasim & Hugh M. Gloster Jr. & Harry L. Claassen Endowed Chair of Dermatology. He previously served as interim chair of the department from Jan. 1, 2013, through June 30, 2014.

Dr. Adams graduated cum laude from Yale College in 1991 and received his medical degree from Yale School of Medicine in 1995. He obtained his M.P.H. from Harvard School of Public Health in 2003.

Dr. Adams joined the faculty of the department in 1999 after completing his internship and residency at the UC College of Medicine.

A board-certified dermatologist, he also serves as director of dermatology for the Cincinnati Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and leads the UC dermatology department’s sports dermatology clinic. 

Additionally, Dr. Adams is a member of the Athletic Training Program at the School of Human Services within UC's College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services.

He is the official dermatologist for the Women’s Tennis Association and a member of several national committees related to sports medicine and dermatology. His ongoing research focuses on skin cancer prevention among athletes. 

Adams authored the 2006 book “Sports Dermatology” and has authored or co-authored more than 135 manuscripts, abstracts and book chapters (including the chapter on sports dermatology for the International Olympic Committee’s medical textbook).

He also serves as an assistant coach for the Archbishop Moeller High School varsity cross country team.

Dr. Adams has previously served as Chair of the American Academy of Dermatology Sports Committee and is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine’s Combative Sports Interest Group.

Dr. Adams is married to Dr. Jilda Vargus-Adams who is a Professor of Pediatrics and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center where she cares for children with cerebral palsy.  His oldest daughter, Charlotte, runs cross-country and track for Wellesley College.  Corinne, his younger daughter, attends Walnut Hills High school and plays softball and shoots air rifle.