Walter C. Lobitz Jr., M.D., Lecture and Visiting Professorship

Join us in honoring the indomitable spirit of Dr. Wally Lobitz — a master clinician, investigator and world leader in dermatology — at the 2019 Lobitz Lecture:

Keratinocytes and Cancer
Featuring:

Irene Leigh, CBE, RFSE, DSc, FRCP, FMed Sci


Irene M. Leigh C.B.E., F.R.S.E., D.Sc., F.R.C.P., F.Med.Sci.
Dean of Global Engagement, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry
Queen Mary University of London



Dr. Leigh will examine the molecular mechanisms of squamous cell carcinoma and link this to keratinocyte differentiation. This will include data from a national register of keratinocyte cancers, detailed data from the genomics and transcriptomics of keratinocyte cancer and present a unified approach.

Background:
Following appointment as Consultant Dermatologist, Professor Leigh established the Centre for Cutaneous Research at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London (BLSMD) which developed into a premier research center in skin biology and disease. During this period she became:
  • Professor of Dermatology (1992)
  • Professor of Cell and Molecular Medicine (1999)
  • Research Dean (1997-2002)
  • Joint Research Director (2002-5)
  • Dean for e-learning (2005-6). 
She was appointed Head of College and Vice Principal of Dundee University in November 2006 and reestablished a research laboratory in Dundee including the CR-UK Skin Tumor Laboratory. In 2017, she returned to London as Interim Dean at BLSMD, and is currently Dean for Global Engagement.

Dr. Leigh has been a pioneer for women in science, directing numerous research labs throughout her 30+ years of research. She has been awarded the national honors of Officer of the Order of the British Empire and Commander of the Order of the British Empire. She was also awarded the Archibald Gray Medal, the highest honor of the British Association of Dermatologists.