Explore UAB

Boni Elewski, M.D., professor and chair of the UAB Department of Dermatology is the 2025 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Gold Medal Award recipient.

The prestigious 2025 Gold Medal is one of the highest distinctions granted by the AAD and is an honor bestowed upon individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the field of dermatology. It recognizes those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and dedication to advancing dermatologic research, education, and patient care.

Dr. Elewski has been acknowledged for her extensive contributions to dermatology through groundbreaking research, influential publications, and commitment to mentorship and education. Dr. Elewski is respected internationally as a leader in dermatological diseases, particularly plaque psoriasis and onychomycosis, which has led to advancements in treatment methodologies and improved patient outcomes worldwide.

The Gold Medal Award reflects the AAD’s commitment to fostering excellence within the discipline, and celebrating individuals whose work has had a lasting impact on both academia and clinical practice. Past recipients have included pioneers in dermatologic science, educators, and clinicians whose efforts have transformed the field.

“I believe my greatest contribution to dermatology has been my work mentoring and teaching both newcomers to the specialty and seasoned physicians,” said Dr. Elewski. “This work has enabled me to impart not only the methodologies and innovations that improve patient lives, but also my love of dermatology and the need to give back to the specialty. I have had the privilege of training scores of dermatology residents, many of whom have gone on to become teachers and leaders. I have also taught countless practicing physicians through CMEs. My dream is this work has set in motion a virtuous cycle of teaching, learning, and healing that benefits patients around the world.”

The award will be formally presented at the AAD’s 2025 Annual Meeting March 6-11 in Orlando, FL, where Dr. Elewski will be recognized among peers and colleagues for her achievements. 

The UAB Department of Dermatology is pleased to announce the promotion of two faculty members effective Oct. 1, 2023.

Please join us in congratulating these individuals and appreciating all they do for our department and to the UAB medical community. 

Venkatram Atigadda, M.D. — Promoted to Associate Professor
Atigadda is originally from Hyderabad, a city located in southern part of India. After a B.S. degree in pharmacy, he came to the U.S. for graduate education at Auburn University, where he obtained a Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry from the Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University.

Lauren Kole, M.D.— Promoted to Associate Professor
Kole serves as the Residency Program Director. She grew up in Carolina Beach, NC, and graduated from Duke University with degrees in Chemistry and Biology. She then attended medical school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she also completed her internship in Internal Medicine. Subsequently, Dr. Kole completed her dermatology training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she served as chief resident. She later joined the faculty in the Department of Dermatology at Yale University before returning to UAB in 2018.