Dr. David Polsky

Dr. David Polsky, MD, PhD, is a highly regarded dermatologist and physician-scientist at NYU Langone Health, where he serves as Professor of Dermatology and Pathology and holds the Alfred W. Kopf, MD, Professorship in Dermatologic Oncology. He is also Director of the NYU Langone Skin Cancer Biobank and leads the Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group. Dr. Polsky earned his MD and PhD degrees from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and completed his residency in dermatology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Board-certified in Dermatology, he provides expert care for patients with skin cancers, including melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers, integrating clinical practice with innovative diagnostic approaches.

A pioneer in the field of melanoma research, Dr. Polsky is widely known for his work in biomarker discovery and circulating tumor DNA as a tool for early detection and monitoring of skin cancer progression. His laboratory focuses on translational research that bridges molecular genetics and clinical applications, particularly in the development of blood-based diagnostics. He has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed articles and has played a central role in shaping national guidelines on skin cancer screening and management. His contributions to the field have advanced the use of liquid biopsies in dermatologic oncology and opened new avenues for minimally invasive cancer surveillance.

In addition to his research and clinical leadership, Dr. Polsky is an esteemed educator and mentor to dermatology residents, fellows, and junior investigators. He has served on editorial boards of major dermatology journals and has been an invited speaker at national and international conferences focused on melanoma and skin cancer research. Through his combined expertise in dermatopathology, translational science, and patient-centered care, Dr. Polsky is recognized as a leader in advancing the early detection and treatment of skin cancer.