Dr. Laurie Parsons was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and graduated from Memorial University Medical School before moving to Ottawa to complete studies and credentialing in the specialty of dermatology. Currently she is practicing dermatology at the University of Calgary academic centre, where she has the privilege of being part of the team training the next generation of dermatologists. Her interests are in the subspecialty areas of contact dermatitis and wound healing, where roughly 50% of her clinical time is divided between these two areas. She has just wrapped up 12 years as the Medical Director of the Sheldon Chumir wound clinic in Calgary, Alberta, where the clinic grew from one actively practicing physician to 9 physicians from various specialties working towards a common goal of creating an inclusive interdisciplinary environment for patients with wounds.

Upon completing her training, Dr. Parsons returned to Newfoundland, where she practiced in a grossly underserved community, being only one of two dermatologists in a population of over 500,000. Working collegially was the only way forward, and this rural experience underscored how the disparities in dermatology care are a wider problem in the geographically vast country. After spending 10 years in Newfoundland, she moved to Calgary for family reasons, and though her roots are in the east coast of Canada, there is a greater appreciation for all aspects of this country, and western roots have grown deep.

Privileged to be a part of the University of Calgary’s Dermatology Training program, Dr. Parsons has been the Chair of Selections and is now the CBD lead for the program. Teaching is a sacred commitment, and Dr. Parsons has been actively involved in teaching in the IIWCC, where she remains as an ad hoc faculty member and trains NSWOCC nurses interested in wound healing. Recognizing a need, she will also be starting the first-ever peristomal dermatitis clinic in Canada for the fall of 2025.

Building on her interests and her belief in the importance of advancing EDI, Dr. Parsons completed a diploma in the field with Cornell University and continues to incorporate EDI principles in interactions with students, colleagues, and patients. Her philosophy is perhaps best reflected in her guiding principle, inspired by the Dalai Lama: “Whenever possible, be kind… and it is always possible.” This value has shaped her approach to patient care, mentorship, and leadership.

She currently serves as Chair of the Specialty Committee in Dermatology at the Royal College, where, in light of recent changes within the RC and RCI, she is committed to ensuring the specialty continues to thrive into the next century. She has also served as Past President of the Canadian Contact Dermatitis Society, Interim Residency Program Director, and Interim Chief of the Calgary Division of Dermatology.

Dr. Parsons has been a member of the CDA for over 20 years since finishing residency in Ottawa. She is forever grateful for the teachers who have mentored her, and she believes in passing this forward. She believes we are stronger as a group than as individuals, and being able to contribute to the specialty and the organization is important and one of the founding values. She has also been a member of the Skin of Colour Society internationally, involved in the education, EDI, and annual meeting committees, and plans to continue to be involved even after she is no longer on the CDA Board. Guided by the belief that “what you do has far greater impact than what you say,”

Dr. Parsons emphasizes service, striving always to be her best through dedication to others. For her, being a part of this truly marvellous organization is an opportunity to do more.

CDA Committees & Working Groups

• EDI Committee – Member
• Professors of Dermatology – Member
• Education Committee – Member

Professional Affiliations

• EADV
• International Contact Dermatitis Society
• International Association of Wound Healing Societies