Getting Involved in the Community as a Dermatologist, With Elizabeth Kiracofe, MD

In this segment of the lastest episode of The Medical Sisterhood, host Mona Shahriari, MD, speaks with Elizabeth A. Kiracofe, MD, about her early career path, formative influences, and the organic development of her community-focused dermatology work.1

Kiracofe, known for her role as board-certified dermatologist and founder of Airia Comprehensive Dermatology, reflects on initially planning to pursue pediatrics, shaped by her background working with children and influenced by her parents’ careers as educators. However, during medical school, she found that the realities of pediatric care, particularly the emotional demands of treating seriously ill children and interacting with distressed families, prompted her to reconsider her direction.

Her eventual transition into dermatology was influenced in part by an early mentor, a dermatologist who exposed her to the specialty at a young age and encouraged her interest. Even as she explored other fields, including emergency medicine, Kiracofe found herself consistently drawn to dermatologic cases. This pattern ultimately solidified her decision to pursue dermatology, aligning both with her clinical interests and her comfort within the specialty.

Alongside her clinical journey, Kiracofe highlights the parallel development of her commitment to community engagement and advocacy. Early experiences, including involvement in grassroots efforts such as founding a local Relay for Life initiative, helped shape her perspective on service and impact. These experiences later translated into her work with the Women’s Dermatologic Society, where she became involved in community outreach initiatives focused on underserved populations.

Kiracofe describes how her involvement in shelter-based educational programming, initially limited to occasional volunteer sessions, evolved into a more hands-on commitment. Over time, she increased the frequency of her visits, ultimately establishing a regular presence at a local shelter to provide dermatologic education and guidance. A pivotal moment occurred when a shelter resident’s dermatology appointment was unexpectedly delayed by several months, despite extensive preparation. Confronted with the limitations of the healthcare system, Kiracofe recognized an unmet need and took direct action.

This experience led to the creation of her foundation, which emerged not from a formal strategic plan but from an immediate need to provide care. Leveraging the flexibility of her private practice, she began delivering dermatologic services on-site, illustrating a pragmatic, patient-centered approach to addressing care gaps. As she recounts, the initiative began with minimal resources but was driven by a clear commitment to meeting patients where they are, both literally and figuratively.

Editor’s note: This segment was summarized with the help of AI tools.

References

1. Shahriari M, Kiracofe E. The Medical Sisterhood: Exposure is Power-Women in Medicine Creating Opportunity, With Elizabeth Kiracofe, MD. April 30, 2026. Accessed May 1, 2026. https://www.hcplive.com/view/the-medical-sisterhood-exposure-is-power-women-medicine-creating-opportunity-elizabeth-kiracofe-md.