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Zain Syed, MD

Zain Syed, MD

Dr. Zain Syed is a Baltimore native graduating from Johns Hopkins University & University of Baltimore before earning his medical degree from the University of Virginia. He completed his dermatology residency at the University of Maryland, he is a Board Certified Dermatologist and a member of the American Academy of Dermatology. Dr. Syed completed further fellowship training in Mohs Micrographic Surgery at the Dayton Skin Surgery Center in Dayton, Ohio and is also a member of the American College of Mohs Surgery and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. He has served as the president of the Maryland Dermatologic Society, published multiple articles in professional journals and has presented scientific papers at various national and international professional meetings.

Education/Training:

  • Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology Fellowship | July 2015 – July 2016
  • Dayton Skin Surgery Center – Dayton, OH
  • Dermatology Residency | July 2012 – June 2015
  • Chief Resident | July 2014 – June 2015
  • University of Maryland – Baltimore, MD
  • Internal Medicine Internship | July 2011 – June 2012
  • MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center – Baltimore, MD
  • Clinical Research Fellowship (Photodermatology) | July 2010 – June 2011
  • Henry Ford Medical Center – Detroit, MI
  • Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) | August 2006 – May 2010
  • University of Virginia School of Medicine – Charlottesville, VA
  • Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) | August 2005 – August 2006
  • University of Baltimore – Baltimore, MD
  • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering & Computer Engineering | August 2001 – May 2005
  • Johns Hopkins University – Baltimore, MD

Certifications & Licensures

  • Board Certified in Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery
    American Board of Dermatology
    December 2021
    Diplomate
  • American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine
    November 2020
    Board Certified in Dermatology
  • American Board of Dermatology
    September 2015
    Licensed Physician, State of Maryland, April 2016-Present

Work Experience

  • Dermatologist, Mohs Micrographic Surgeon, Vein Specialist
    Surgical Director & Lab Director, Mohs and Skin Surgery Center
    Skin Care Specialty Physicians, Lutherville, MD
    August 2016 – Present
  • Rotation Coordinator & Preceptor
    Medstar Health (Baltimore) Internal Medicine Residency Program
    July 2017 – Present
  • Speakers Bureau & Consultant
    Castle Biosciences
    2021 – Present

Publications:

  • Hira MA, Siddiqui FS, Moore R, Syed ZU, Milia en plaque associated with prayer-related frictional changes. Cureus 2025; 7:17.
  • Hira MA, Moore RF, Syed ZU, Intravascular melanoma metastasis detected during Mohs Micrographic Surgery for invasive melanoma. Dermatologic Surgery 2025; 51(3): 316-7.
  • Syed ZU, Operating in a different light: Eliminating surface reflectance with cross-polarized loupes during Mohs Micrographic Surgery. Dermatologic Surgery 2024; 50(12): 1208-10.
  • Qureshi Z, Syed ZU, Treatment of symptomatic fluoroscopy-associated telangiectasias on the dorsal hand with foam sclerotherapy. Dermatologic Surgery 2024; 50(8): 779-81.
  • Syed ZU, Reconstruction of a full thickness defect involving nasal tip, bilateral nasal ala and alar rim with complete loss of cartilage. Dermatologic Surgery 2024; 50(4): 377-80.
  • Halilu F, Wu J, Fuscaldo, J, Dunsmore N, Syed Z, Daley P. Cases from a Community Hospital…JCHIMP Series #2: 66-Year-Old Man with Recurrent Painful Rashes and Oral Ulcerations. Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives 2024; 14: 66-71.
  • Syed ZU, Reconstruction of a large defect involving nasal tip, dorsum, sidewall, ala and alar rim. Dermatologic Surgery 2021; 47(12): e227-9.
  • Syed ZU, Donnelly HB. Pull through marking suture technique for precise contouring sutures. Dermatologic Surgery 2021; 47(3): 418-20.
  • Syed ZU, Madden N, Donnelly HB. Canthal rotation flap: analysis of flap mechanics. Dermatologic Surgery 2021; 47(1): 111-5.
  • Syed ZU, Donnelly HB. Novel fasciotomy for the keystone flap. Dermatologic Surgery 2018; 44(10): 1345-7.
  • Sutherland L, Laschinger M, Syed ZU, Gaspari A. Treatment of alopecia areata with topical sensitizers. Dermatitis 2015; 26(1): 26-31.
  • Pattamadilok B, Suneetha Devpura, Syed ZU, et al. Quantitative skin color measurements in acanthosis nigricans patients: colorimetry and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine 2012; 28(4): 213-5.
  • Hamzavi IH, Lim HW, Syed ZU. Ultraviolet-based therapy for vitiligo: what’s new? Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology 2012; 78(1): 42-8.
  • Syed ZU, Hamzavi IH. Role of phototherapy in patients with skin of color. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery 2011; 30(4): 184-9.
  • Syed ZU, Hamzavi IH. Atypical hidradenitis suppurativa involving the posterior neck and occiput. Archives of Dermatology 2011; 147(11): 1343-4.
  • Haider AH, Crompton JG, Oyetunji T, Risucci D, Dirusso S, Basdaq H, Villegas CV, Syed ZU, Haut ER, Efron DT. Mechanism of injury predicts case fatality and functional outcomes in pediatric trauma patients: the case for its use in trauma outcome studies. Journal of Pediatric Surgery 2011; 46(8): 1557-63.
  • Devpura S, Pattamadilok B, Syed ZU, et al. Critical comparison of diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and colorimetry as dermatological diagnostic tools for acanthosis nigricans: a chemometric approach. Biomedical Optics Express 2011; 2(6): 1664-73.
  • Ibrahimi O, Syed Z, Sakamato F, Avram M, Anderson RR. Treatment of tattoo allergy with ablative fractional resurfacing: a novel paradigm for tattoo removal. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2011; 64(6): 1111-4.
  • Syed ZU, Hamzavi IH. Phototherapy and photomedicine considerations for patients with skin of color. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine 2011; 27(1): 10-6.
  • Syed ZU, Khachemoune A. Inverse Psoriasis: Case Report and Review. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology 2011; 12(2).
  • Syed ZU, Hamzavi IH. Faculty of 1000 Medicine, 1 Dec 2010; http://f1000.com/6531956.
  • Syed Z, Wanner M, Ibrahimi OA. Aquagenic wrinkling of the palms: A case report and review. Dermatology Online Journal 2010; 16(7): 7.

Presentations:

  • The Burow’s Pinch Graft. Presenter [ePoster]. American College of Mohs Surgery. May 2026. Austin, TX.
  • Flap Failure and Revision. International Derm Surgery [Virtual]. April 11, 2026.
  • Taking Mohs Layers from Challenging Anatomic Sites. Moderator and Speaker. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. November 16, 2025. Chicago, IL.
  • Practical Surgery for Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Speaker. Crescent Dermatology Association Conference. September 6, 2025. Reston, VA.
  • Melanoma. Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine. May 15, 2024. Baltimore, MD.
  • Surgical Management of Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Speaker. American Academy of Dermatology Conference. March 8, 2024. San Diego, CA.
  • Practical Surgery for Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Speaker. Atlantic Dermatology Conference. May 14, 2023. Baltimore, MD.
  • Cutaneous Oncology and Dermatopathology. Moderator. Atlantic Dermatology Conference. May 12, 2023. Baltimore, MD.
  • Some horses DO have stripes: An uncommon presentation of a common skin disorder. Internal Medicine Grand Rounds. Greater Baltimore Medical Center. March 31, 2023. Baltimore, MD.
  • Dermatology Board Review, Part II. Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine. June 14, 2022. Baltimore, MD.
  • Dermatology Board Review, Part I. Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine. June 8, 2022. Baltimore, MD.
  • Inpatient Skin Biopsies. Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine. February 8, 2022. Baltimore, MD.
  • The use of cross-polarized loupes in Mohs Micrographic Surgery. Rapid Pearls. American College of Mohs Surgery. May 2019. Baltimore, MD.
  • Randall Gunther, Elizabeth Stein, Julia Harrington, Lena Mak, Tyler McBride, Zaineb Makhzoumi, Zain U. Syed, Allan C. Harrington. The effect of lidocaine dilution on pain and duration of intradermal anesthesia. Poster Presentation. American College of Mohs Surgery. May 2018. Chicago, MD.
  • Reconstruction of lower medial eyelid and canthal defects: The canthal “carousel” flap. American Society of Dermatologic Surgery. November 2016. New Orleans, LA.
  • A novel fasciotomy technique for the keystone flap. Rapid Pearls. American College of Mohs Surgery. April 2016. Orlando, FL.
  • Hemostasis and anticoagulation in dermatologic surgery. Dermatology Grand Rounds. Wright State University. April 2016. Dayton, OH.
  • Dermatologic disease of the male genitalia. Urology Grand Rounds. University of Maryland Medical Center. February 2015. Baltimore, MD.
  • Scabies infestation with disseminated HSV superinfection. Gross and Microscopic Presentation. American Academy of Dermatology. March 2014. Denver, CO.
  • Randomized, controlled trial comparing efficacy of antibiotic therapy alone versus antibiotic therapy in conjunction with quadruple pulse therapy using Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa. World Congress of Dermatology. May 2011. Seoul, South Korea.
  • Spectroscopic and colorimetric analysis of acanthosis nigricans in patients with hyperinsulinemia. Poster. Henry Ford Hospital Research Symposium. May 2011. Detroit, MI.
  • Randomized, controlled trial comparing efficacy of antibiotic therapy alone versus antibiotic therapy in conjunction with quadruple pulse therapy using Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa. Photomedicine Society. February 2011. New Orleans, LA.
  • Spectroscopic and colorimetric analysis of acanthosis nigricans in patients with hyperinsulinemia. Photomedicine Society. February 2011. New Orleans, LA.
  • Jared Christophel, Garth Essig, Zain Syed, Mark Jameson, Paul Levine. Margin Status in the Treatment of Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Does Wide Excision Matter? Fitz-Hugh Symposium on Contemporary Management & Cutting-Edge Advances in Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery. June 2009. Charlottesville, VA.
  • Paul Nagy, Zain Syed, William Boonn, Reuben Mezrich. The CV Manager: A Web-based Curriculum Vitae Knowledge Management System. Radiological Society of North America. November 2006. Chicago, IL.

Professional Groups:

  • American College of Mohs Surgery
    Mohs Surgeons Leading the Future, 2026-2027
    Pathology Question of the Week Committee, 2024-Present
    Fellow, 2020 – Present
    Associate, 2016 – 2020
  • Crescent Dermatology Association
    Resident Mentorship Committee, 2025 – Present
    Founding President, 2024 – 2025
  • Atlantic Dermatology Conference
    Baltimore, MD 2023
    Scientific Program Committee Member
  • Maryland Dermatologic Society
    Immediate Past President, 2021 – 2023
    President, 2019 – 2021
    Vice President, 2017 – 2019
  • American Vein and Lymphatic Society
    Member, 2018 – Present
  • Dermatology Foundation
    State Vice-chair for Maryland, Fall 2017 – 2019
    Leader’s Society, 2017 – Present
  • American Medical Association
    Member, 2016 – Present
  • American Academy of Dermatology
    Fellow, 2015 – Present
  • American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
    Fellow, 2015 – Present

Honors & Awards:

  • France Merrick Graduate Business Scholarship – University of Baltimore
  • John Boswell Whiting Award – Johns Hopkins University
  • Eta Kappa Nu Honor Society
  • Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society
  • Golden Key National Honor Society
  • National Society of Collegiate Scholars
  • Maryland Distinguished Scholar

Community Service Activities:

  • Community Skin Cancer Screening
    Northwest Hospital, LifeBridge Health
    November 2025
  • Annual Skin Cancer Screenings
    Claire Marie Foundation
    2017 – 2025
  • Southeast Michigan Vitiligo Support Group
    Henry Ford Medical Center, Department of Dermatology
    July 2011 – June 2012
  • Annual Skin Cancer Screening
    University of Virginia, Department of Dermatology
    2009
  • Undergraduate Tutor and Mentor
    Golden Key National Honor Society, Johns Hopkins University
    2003 – 2005
  • Years of Experience: 11
  • Years with SCS Physicians: 10