Debjani Sahni Installed as Dr. G. Robert Baler Junior Faculty Professor of Dermatology
Debjani Sahni, MD, has been named the Dr. G. Robert Baler Junior Faculty Professor of Dermatology. The professorship honors the late Dr. Baler, who was appointed as an Instructor of Dermatology at BUSM in 1956 and served as a faculty member in the department continuously until 2013. He was promoted to Clinical Professor of Dermatology in 1988 and appointed professor emeritus in 2001. He died April 18, 2014.
A member of the Department of Dermatology for more than 50 years, Dr. Baler is remembered for his exceptional dedication to teaching the next generation of dermatologists, his outstanding clinical skills and dedication to his patients, and his warm and upbeat personality. He was a kind and gentle physician who was quick with a smile and cared deeply about his profession, his community and, above all, his family.
“I think Dad would be thrilled to know that at this institution with strong academics and compassionate care, now his name is forever linked to a professorship,” said Dr. G. Robert Baler’s son, Joseph Baler, MD. “I want to let Dr. Sahni know that my father will be looking over you. Do not be surprised if he whispers in your ear from time to time with words of advice, encouragement and guidance as you follow your path in dermatology.”
Dr. Sahni joined the BUSM faculty as an instructor of Dermatology and staff dermatologist at Boston Medical Center in 2011. She was promoted to assistant professor in 2012 and serves as director of the multi-disciplinary Cutaneous Oncology Program. She specializes in the care of cutaneous oncology patients, including cutaneous lymphomas and the medical management of melanoma and high-risk non-melanoma skin cancers. Dr. Sahni also directs the Cutaneous Oncology Fellowship and the International Program in Dermatology (IGPD). First established in 1988, the IGPD offers international postgraduate doctors the opportunity to train in dermatology, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities and therapies available in the US.
“We congratulate Dr. Sahni on being named the incumbent Dr. G. Robert Baler Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Dr. Baler’s legacy thus will live on through the work you do,” said Karen Antman, MD, BUMC Provost and BUSM Dean.
Dr. Sahni’s clinical research interests focus on the epidemiology and treatment of skin cancers. She is a member of the Medical Advisory Council for the Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation. Her academic interests include teaching and mentoring. She has lectured both in Europe and the US, and is the author of a number of scientific papers. Since her arrival seven years ago, she has received four Department of Dermatology Teacher of the Year awards.
“I cannot think of a member of our faculty more deserving of this honor than Dr. Sahni,” said Rhoda Alani, MD, Herbert Mescon Professor and Chair of Dermatology.
Dr. Sahni received her MBBS from the United Medical and Dental Schools of Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals in London. After finishing her internal medicine residency she acquired her MRCP (Membership of the Royal College of Physicians) and completed a dermatology residency at the St John’s Institute of Dermatology in London followed by a cutaneous oncology fellowship at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston.
“It is an honor for me to receive this endowed professorship and a significant moment in my career,” Dr. Sahni said. “I am very grateful to Dr. Baler and his family for their ongoing commitment and generosity to the Department of Dermatology.”