Alan Nathan Moshell, MD

Provider is directly employed by MedStar Health

Alan Moshell, MD, is the former Chief of the Division of Dermatology at Georgetown University School of Medicine. Dr. Moshell is an established and highly experienced dermatologist with more than 40 years of treating dermatological disease in adults. He currently specializes in allergic contact dermatitis, photosensitivity, and immunologically based skin disease, such as blistering diseases and eczema.

True to his investigative nature, Dr. Moshell constantly studies the current literature and uses this information to apply newly developed approaches and treatment modalities that can benefit his patients. Dr. Moshell is the only dermatologist in the Washington, DC region performing artificial UV exposure to quantitate photosensitivity in patients with suspected photosensitive diseases. He is also one of few dermatologists to do photo patch testing (a specialized procedure to look at allergic reactions to chemicals and/or sunlight) in addition to an extended battery of other tests for allergic contact dermatitis.

Dr. Moshell received his medical degree from the New York University School of Medicine, where he stayed to complete his residency in dermatology and an NIH sponsored fellowship in dermatology. Following his training, Dr. Moshell served as a medical officer and later a clinical consultant in dermatology for the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. For nearly 30 years he worked in several positions at the NIH, including Expert in the Dermatology Branch of the NIH’s National Cancer Institute; Skin Diseases Program Director and Branch Chief for the NIH’s National Institute of Arthritis, Diabetes, and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; and Branch Chief and Program Director for the NIH’s National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

As the author of more than 50 peer-reviewed journal articles and one book, Dr. Moshell is an active participant in the continuing education and advancement of the dermatology field. Dr. Moshell has been honored numerous times for his contributions to the field of dermatology. Some of these recognitions include the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Skin Association, Presidential Citation from the Society for Investigative Dermatology, Certificate of Appreciation from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the Distinguished Service Award from DEBRA of America, and the National Institutes of Health Director’s Award on 5 occasions. He has been a committee member and has held officer positions for numerous professional societies, including the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Dermatological Association, the Society for Investigative Dermatology, the Association of Professors of Dermatology, and the American Contact Dermatitis Society.

As an advocate for academic medicine, Dr. Moshell has dedicated himself to the training and early career development of academic dermatologists. For over a decade, he has been involved in resident education at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Over this time, his influence has greatly increased the likelihood that dermatology resident graduates pursue an academic medical career. These individuals will lead future advancements in dermatological treatment and contribute to the education of future and currently practicing dermatologists.

Philosophy of Care
“I approach each patient as a partner with whom I’m working to improve their health and quality of life. For this reason, I take the time to explain the disease process to my patients as well as the steps we’ll be taking to evaluate their diagnosis and find treatment options. My goal is for my patients to feel comfortable and confident throughout the diagnosis and treatment processes.”

“I follow treatment guidelines set by the national organizations in dermatology but will consider additional options/modalities. I’m ready and willing to adopt new treatment approaches, based on academic literature and findings, to find the treatment that works best for each patient.”

“For patients referred by other physicians, I will perform the requested evaluations, develop a treatment plan, and send a report, but then send the patients back to their physician, unless specifically requested to assume their care.”