We are delighted to announce Dr Thy N. Huynh as a touchDERMATOLOGY Future Leader 2026, selected for her work helping to expand access to specialist care and clinical trials for children.
We are delighted to welcome Dr Thy N. Huynh as a touchDERMATOLOGY Future Leader 2026.
Thy N. Huynh, MD, FAAD, is Associate Professor of Dermatology and Pediatrics, Division Chief of Pediatric Dermatology and Medical Director of Clinical Trials in Dermatology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (Jackson, MS, USA). As the only dermatologist in Mississippi who is double board-certified in general and pediatric dermatology, she is helping to expand access to specialist care and clinical trials for children across a medically underserved region.
Alongside her clinical and research work, Dr Huynh is committed to dermatology education and mentorship. Her contributions have been recognized with the American Academy of Dermatology Excellence in Patient Care Award and the University of Mississippi School of Medicine Trailblazer Award for excellence in medical student education.
In this Q&A, Dr Huynh discusses what drew her to pediatric dermatology, the mentors who shaped her career, and how targeted therapies and digital health could improve care for patients in underserved communities.
Q: What drew you to dermatology, and how did your interest in your current area of focus develop?
I was drawn to dermatology through its combination of visual diagnosis, complex medical problem-solving, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patients’ quality of life across all stages of life.
My interest in research began during medical school through a NIH Linked Training Award (TL1) grant to study the genetics of scleroderma and expanded during my dermatology research fellowship, where I focused on translational research in inflammatory and genetic skin diseases. Caring for patients with complex dermatologic conditions, particularly children, across Mississippi has shaped my interests in both general and pediatric dermatology, while highlighting the importance of improving access to specialty care in rural and underserved communities. These experiences have ultimately led me to focus on advancing dermatologic care through research, education, health equity, and innovative approaches to patient care.
Q: Is there a specific patient, mentor, or experience that shaped your path in this field?
Two mentors who profoundly shaped my career path in dermatology were Dr Bruce Korf (University of Alabama) and Dr Robert Brodell (University of Mississippi Medical Center).
Funny enough, Dr Korf is a medical geneticist, pediatrician, and child neurologist and an early influence on my career trajectory, as he introduced me to the field of pediatric dermatology. He served as my mentor during my entire medical school journey, including a research year to study genetic skin disorders. His mentorship sparked my interest in translational research and taught me the value of approaching complex clinical problems with scientific curiosity.
Later, Dr Brodell played an instrumental role in my development as a clinician, educator, and researcher, emphasizing thoughtful patient care, meaningful mentorship, and the importance of asking clinically relevant questions that can improve dermatologic practice.
Together, they shaped my career-long commitment to integrating clinical care, research, and education to improve patient outcomes.
“Caring for patients with complex dermatologic conditions, particularly children, has highlighted the importance of improving access to specialty care in rural and underserved communities.”
Thy N. Huynh
Q: What current innovations in dermatology excite you the most?
I am excited to be a part of the advancements in targeted topical and biologic therapies that are transforming our ability to treat complex inflammatory skin diseases, skin cancers, and pediatric skin conditions, while teledermatology and digital health have tremendous potential to expand access for rural and underserved communities.
Disclosures: This short article was prepared by touchDERMATOLOGY in collaboration with Dr Huynh. No fees or funding were associated with its publication.
Citation: Dr Thy N. Huynh on expanding access to pediatric dermatology: touchDERMATOLOGY Future Leaders 2026. touchDERMATOLOGY. XX September 2026.
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