Born in Montreal, Dr. Mark Kirchhof pursued an undergraduate degree in molecular biology at McMaster before earning an MD/PhD in immunology from Western University. After completing residency at the University of British Columbia, he now serves as Head of Dermatology at the University of Ottawa and The Ottawa Hospital in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

With a decade of experience in practice, Dr. Kirchhof has developed a specialized interest in inflammatory skin diseases. He is a recognized authority in the field, having authored over 90 publications and presented at numerous local, national, and international conferences. Dr. Kirchhof’s recent accolades include the 2020 University of Ottawa Award for Excellence in Continuing Professional Development, the 2020 Dermatology Residency Program Clinical Teacher Staff Award, two 2021 University of Ottawa CME Educator Awards for Professional Competency and Leadership (Manager) Competency, and the 2022 Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) Early Career Volunteer Award.

Dr. Kirchhof has been an active member of the CDA since joining as a dermatology resident in 2009, becoming a full member in 2014. From 2011 to 2012, he served as the Junior CDA Representative for the University of British Columbia Dermatology Program, and from 2012 to 2014, he was the Senior CDA Representative.

From 2016 to 2023, Dr. Kirchhof was the CDA Representative on the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons Dermatology Section and a non-voting member of the CDA Board. He led the New Investigators Symposium at the CDA Annual Conference from 2018 to 2021, participated in the 2020 CDA Virtual Meeting Committee, and currently chairs the CDA Advocacy and Stakeholder Relations Committee for 2022–2024. Additionally, he served as CDA Vice President from 2023 to 2024 and is currently President Elect. He has also been an examiner for the Royal College for the past seven years.

Dr. Kirchhof has also contributed to the Future of Dermatology Working Group and the CDA Guidelines Committee, as well as being heavily involved in the CDA’s advocacy work.

“Change is inevitable. We are at a time in history marked by tremendous and rapid change. Our specialty, our health care system, and our society are facing great challenges with the introduction and expansion of social media, the rise of influencer-based expertise and artificial intelligence, the erosion of the public health care system, the downfall of medical experts, the rise of “Google Doctors,” political segregation, and tendencies towards extremism and absolutism. Within this growing tide of challenges, we truly become aware of how important our personal and professional communities are to our careers and well-being. The CDA continues to provide a forum for our togetherness, and together we are stronger and more capable of facing the challenges that lie ahead. I hope to play a small part in the continued success of dermatology and dermatologists in Canada, with the CDA acting as our collective voice to promote and advocate for our future.”

Dr. Kirchhof’s commitment to advancing dermatology and supporting the CDA underscores his dedication to addressing both the current and future challenges within the field. As he steps into his role as CDA President Elect, Dr. Kirchhof remains focused on driving the continued success and evolution of dermatology in Canada. His vision and leadership aim to unite Canadian dermatologists and enhance the impact of the CDA as a key advocate for the specialty.

Professional Affiliations:

• Associate Professor – University of Ottawa
• Head of Dermatology – University of Ottawa and the Ottawa Hospital
• Member of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology
• Member of the American Academy of Dermatology

CDA Committees and Working Groups

• Executive Committee
• Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Committee
• Human Resources & Compensation Committee
• Advocacy & Stakeholder Relations Committee
• Governance & Nominating Committee
• Finance & Audit Committee
• JCMS Editorial Board

Connect with Me

• LinkedIn
• Practice