Our Team
Julie C. Harper, MD
Julie C. Harper, MD
She received her medical degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia School of Medicine, and went on to complete an internship in Internal Medicine. She completed her undergraduate degree at Southeast Missouri State University and her dermatology residency at the University of Missouri, Columbia.
Dr. Harper is a Founding Director of the American Acne and Rosacea Society and is the organization’s past-President. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and recently served on the AAD’s Acne Work Group, tasked with writing acne treatment guidelines. Dr. Harper is also a member of the Women’s Dermatological Society and a former President of the Alabama Dermatological Society. She was a Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at the University of Alabama-Birmingham through 2020.
She has written and spoken on the subject of acne and rosacea extensively. Some of Dr. Harper’s writings can be found in journals, and publications.
Education:
| 1987-1991 | Southeast Missouri State University B.S. |
| 1992-1996 | University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine M.D. |
| 1996-1997 | University of Missouri-Columbia Internal Medicine Internship |
| 1997-2000 | University of Missouri-Columbia Dermatology Residency |
Academic Appointments:
| 2007 | Present The Dermatology and Skin Care Center of Birmingham- Private Practice |
| 2007-2020 | University of Alabama-Birmingham Department of Dermatology Clinical Associate Professor |
| 2005-2006 | University of Alabama-Birmingham Department of Dermatology Associate Professor Residency Program Director |
| 2000-2005 | University of Alabama-Birmingham Department of Dermatology Assistant Professor Assistant Residency Program Director |
Certification:
| American Board of Dermatology October 2000 |
Licensure:
| State of Alabama |
Honors/Awards:
| 2013 | Southeast Missouri State Alumni Merit Award Recipient |
| 1996 | Alpha Omega Alpha honor Society |
| 1995-1996 | Senior Medical School Class Vice-President |
| 1996 | Dermatology Clerkship Award |
| 1991 | Beta Beta Beta Biology Honor Society |
| 1988 | Phi Eta Sigma Freshman Honor Society |
Activities Committees:
| 2015-2017 | American Acne and Rosacea Society President-Elect |
| 2015-2017 | American Academy of Dermatology Acne Work Group |
| 2013 | CerVe® National Television Commercial |
| 2012 | E3 Medical Mission Trip to Urubamba, Peru |
| 2010-2012 | AAD Private Sector Advocacy Task Force |
| 2009-2010 | President of the Alabama Dermatological Society |
| 2008-2009 | President elect of the Alabama Dermatological Society |
| 2007-2008 | Treasurer/Secretary of the Alabama Dermatological Society |
| 2005-present | American Acne and Rosacea Society Founding Director |
| 2006 | Faculty of 1000 Faculty contributor |
| 2004 | Practical Dermatology Contributing Editor |
| 2003-2005 | American Academy of Dermatology Telemedicine Task Force |
| 2003-2007 | Dean’s Council of Graduate Medical Education |
| 2002-2005 | American Academy of Dermatology Allied Health Professionals Task Force |
| 2002 | American Academy of Dermatology Leadership Retreat Participant |
| 2002-2005 | UAB Medical Education Committee |
| 2002-2005 | Women’s Dermatologic Society Chair-website committee |
| 2001-2002 | Medical Education Assessment Committee |
| 2001-2006 | UAB medical student mentor |
| 2001 | Women’s Dermatologic Society Board of Directors Young Physician Representative |
| 2000-2001 | American Academy of Dermatology Telemedicine Task Force |
| 1999 | Camp Discovery - Counselor |
Publications/Posters:
- Draelos ZD, Elewski BE, Harper JC, Sand M, Staedtler G, Nkulikiyinka R, Shakery K. A phase 3 randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled trial of azelaic acid foam 15% in the treatment of papulopustular rosacea. Cutis. 2015; 96(1):54-61.
- McDaniel DH, Hamzavi IH, Zeichner JA, Fabi SG, Bucay VW, Harper JC, Comstock JA, Makino ET, Mehta RC, Vega VL. Total Defense + Repair: A Novel Concept in Solar Protection and Skin Rejuvenation. J Drugs Dermatol. 2015; 14(7):s3-11.
- Hudgens S, Harper JC, Daniels SR, Banderas B, Varon S, Alexis AF. Validation of a New Patient-Reported Outcome Measure for Facial Acne: The Acne Symptom and Impact Scale (ASIS). J Drugs Dermatol. 2015; 14(6):552-9.
- Harper JC. The efficacy and tolerability of a fixed combination clindamycin (1.2%) and benzoyl peroxide (3.75%) aqueous gel in patients with facial acne vulgaris: gender as a clinically relevant outcome variable. J Drugs Dermatol. 2015; 14(4):381-4.
- Alexis A, Daniels SR, Johnson N, Pompilus F, Burgess SM, Harper JC. Development of a new patient reported outcome measure for facial acne: the Acne Symptom and Impact Scale (ASIS). J Drugs Dermatol. 2014 Mar; 13(3):333-40.
- Coda AB, Hata T, Miller J, Audish D, Kotol P, Two A, Shafiq Fm Yamasaki K, Harper JC, Del Rosso JQ, Gallo RL. Cathelicidin, kallikrein 5, and serine protease activity is inhibited during treatment of rosacea with azelaic acid 15% gel. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2013; 69(4):570-7.
- Dreno B, Layton A, Zouboulis CC, Lopez-Esterbaranz JL, Zalewska-Janowska A, Bagatin E, Zampeli VA, Yutskovskaya Y, Harper JC. Adult female acne: a new paradigm. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2013; 27(9):1063-70.
- Wolverton SE, Harper JC. Important controversies associated with isotretinoin therapy for acne. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2013; 14(2):71-6.
- Harper JC. Gender as a clinically relevant outcome variable in acne: benefits of a fixed combination clindamycin phosphate (1.2%) and benzoyl peroxide (2.5%) aqueous gel. J Drugs Dermatol. 2012; 11(12):1440-5.
- Tanghetti E, Harper JC, Oefelein MG The efficacy and tolerability of dapsone 5% gel in female vs male patients with facial acne vulgaris: gender as a clinically relevant outcome variable. J Drug Dermatol. 2012; 11(12):1417-21.
- Harper JC. Benzoyl peroxide development, pharmacology, formulation and clinical uses in topical fixed combinations. J Drugs Dermatol. 2010; 9(5):482-7.
- Harper JC. Should dermatologists prescribe hormonal contraceptives for acne? Dermatol Ther. 2009;22(5):452-7.
- Harper JC. Evaluating hyperandrogenism: a challenge in acne management. J Drugs Dermatol. 2008;7(6):527-30.
- Thiboutot DM, Harper JC, O’Connell K, Rich P, Sondheimer SJ. Improving outcomes through collaboration. Cutis. 2008;81(1 Suppl):26-31.
- Harper JC. Tailoring individualized treatment plans for acne. Cutis. 2008;81(1 Suppl):23-5.
- Collier CN, Harper JC, Cafardi JA, Cantrell WC, Wang W, Foster KW, Elewski BE. The prevalence of acne in adults 20 years and older. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008 Jan;58(1):56-9. Epub 2007 Oct 22. Erratum in: J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008 May;58(5):874. Cafardi, Jennifer A [added].
- Sami N, Harper JC. Topical Retinoids. In Wolverton editor: Comprehensive Dermatologic Drug Therapy 2nd edition. 2007.
- Harper JC. Antiandrogen therapy for skin and hair disease. Dermatol Clin. 2006 Apr;24(2):137-43, v. Review
- Harper J. Dermatology. In: Cooper and Pappas editors: Cecil’s Review of General Internal Medicine 8th edition. Elsevier Inc. 2005: 893-896
- Harper J. The use of topical retinoids for inflammatory acne: a review of the pharmacoeconomic considerations. Managed Care Interface 2005;18(3):51-55.
- Harper JC. Hormonal therapy for acne using oral contraceptive pills. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery 2005; 24:103-106.
- Harper J. An update on the pathogenesis and management of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2004;51(Suppl 1):S36-S38.
- Harper J. Propionibacterium acnes: bacterial resistance to antibiotic medications. Infectious Disease in Children. Sept 2004:10-11
- Berson D, Chalker D, Harper J, Leyden J, Shalita A Webster G. Current concepts in the treatment of acne: report from a clinical roundtable. Cutis 2003: 72(1S):5-15.
- Harper J. Acne vulgaris. eMedicine 2002
- Harper J. Oral contraceptives for acne: a guide to safety and efficacy. Practical Dermatology. 2004; 1(2):29-30.
- Harper J. A sensible approach to anti-aging therapy in rosacea. Practical Dermatology. 2004; 1(3):17-18.
- Harper J Choosing safe options to manage acne in pregnant women. Practical Dermatology. 2004;1(4):21-23.
- Harper J. Light for acne: present realities and possibilities. Practical Dermatology. 2004;1(5):18-19.
- Harper J. Environmental factors in acne and rosacea. Practical Dermatology. 2004; 1(6):21-22.
- Harper J. Acne and rosacea: no free pass for sun worshippers. Practical Dermatology. 2004;1(7):29-30.
- Harper J Diet and Acne: is there a connection. Practical Dermatology. 2004; 1(9):23-24.
- Harper J Insight on diagnosing and managing ocular rosacea. Practical Dermatology. 2004; 1(11):29-30.
- Harper J. A year in review: what 2004 taught us about acne. Practical Dermatology. 2004; 1(12):17-18.
- Harper J, Thiboutot D. Pathogenesis of acne: recent research advances. In: Yancy editor: Advances in Dermatology 2003; 19:1-10.
- Boyce S, Harper J. Paraneoplastic Dermatoses. In:Callen J, Thiers B, editors. Dermatol Clin 2002; 20:523-532.
- Harper J, Griess T, Hendriks B. DNCB-A Safe Alternative in the Treatment of Warts. Poster March 2001 AAD.
Presentations:
| 2015 | How to Improve Outcomes in Acne, Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference Las Vegas, NV |
| 2015 | Rosacea Update, Georgia Dermatology Physician Assistants PEARLS Conferenc Atlanta, GA |
| 2015 | Adult Female Acne, DERM2015 Las Vegas, NV |
| 2015 | Acne and Rosacea, American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting San Francisco, California |
| 2015 | Acne Treatment Controversies, American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting, San Francisco, California |
| 2015 | Practical Guidelines for Using Spironolactone in Acne Patients, American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting, San Francisco, California |
| 2015 | The Science of Cosmeceuticals and Nutraceuticals, American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting, San Francisco, California |
| 2015 | Dermatologic Drug Safety and Efficacy, American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting, San Francisco, California |
| 2015 | Translating Evidence into Practice: Acne Guidelines, American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting, San Francisco, California |
| 2014 | Presenter, Sociedade Brasileria de Dermatologia, Recife, Brazil |
| 2014 | Adult Female Acne, DERM2014, Las Vegas, NV2014 Acne Treatment Controversies, American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting, Denver, CO |
| 2014 | Dermatologic Drug Safety and Efficacy, American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting, Denver, CO |
| 2014 | Challenges and Controversies in Acne, Winter Clinical Dermatology Conference, Kohala Coast, Hawaii |
| 2013 | Treating the Aging Face, Women’s and Pediatric Dermatology Seminar Newport Beach, California |
| 2013 | Acne and Rosacea Therapy Pearls, Southeastern Consortium, Birmingham, AL |
| 2013 | Acne Treatment Controversies, American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting, Miami, FL |
| 2013 | Acne: An Expert’s Tips, Caribbean Dermatology Symposium, Grand Cayman |
| 2013 | Rosacea is an Inflammatory Disease, Caribbean Dermatology Symposium, Grand Cayman |
| 2012 | Acne Vulgaris, Georgia Dermatology Physician Assistants PEARLS Conference Atlanta, Georgia |
| 2012 | Common Controversies in Dermatologic Drug Therapy, American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting, San Diego, California |
| 2012 | Acne & Rosacea Update, American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting San Diego, California |
| 2012 | Acne & Rosacea, American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting, San Diego, California |
| 2012 | Acne from an Expert, Hawaii Dermatology Seminar, Kohala Coast, Hawaii |
| 2012 | Rosacea Developments, Hawaii Dermatology Seminar, Kohala Coast, Hawaii |
| 2011 | Acne Update, Dermatology Summer Symposium, Destin, FL |
| 2011 | What’s New in Rosacea? Women’s and Pediatric Dermatology Seminar, San Francisco, California |
| 2011 | Acne in Adult Women, Women’s and Pediatric Dermatology Seminar, San Francisco, California |
| 2011 | Controversies in Dermatologic Drug Therapy, American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana |
| 2011 | Acne and Rosacea Update, American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana |
| 2010 | Acne and Rosacea Update, Director, American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting, Miami, FL |
| 2010 | Controversies in Dermatologic Drug Therapy, American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting, Miami, FL |
| 2010 | The Newest on Drugs, Diet and Diagnosis of Acne, Las Vegas Dermatology |
| 2010 | Rosacea News, Las Vegas Dermatology |
| 2010 | Topical Treatment in Acne and Rosacea, Alabama Dermatology Society Beach Meeting, Sandestin, Florida |
| 2009 | Hormonal Aspects of Acne- Session Director, American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting, San Francisco, California |
| 2009 | Should Dermatologist Prescribe Hormonal Contraceptives? American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting, San Francisco, California |
| 2009 | Update on Acne in Females, Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada |
| 2008 | Presenter, American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting, San Antonio, TX |
| 2008 | Acne Controversies, Society of Pediatric Dermatology Annual Meeting, Snowbird, Utah |
| 2008 | Acne Update, Intermountain Dermatology Meeting, Sun Valley, Idaho |
| 2007 | Presenter, American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting, Washington, DC |
| 2007 | Community Acquired MRSA, World Congress of Dermatology, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| 2006 | Hormonal Influences in Acne Vulgaris, American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting, San Francisco, California |
| 2005 | Acne Symposium- Session Director, American Academy of Dermatology Summer Meeting, Chicago, Illinois |
| 2005 | An Alternative Approach to Acne Treatment in Women, Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference, Las Vegas, NV |
| 2004 | Hormonal Aspects of Acne Vulgaris, Hawaii Dermatology |
| 2004 | Acne in Women, Jazz Festival Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana |
| 2004 | Acne and Acne Foolers, American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting, Washington, DC |
| 2004 | Acne Vulgaris, Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, Washington, DC |
| 2004 | Acne Vulgaris - Dermatology Nurse Association - Orlando, FL |
| 2003 | Hormonal Aspects of Acne - Indianapolis Basic Science Review Course |
| 2003 | What’s New in Acne Vulgaris - Pacific Dermatology Association - Las Vegas, NV |
| 2003 | What’s New in Acne Vulgaris - Fall Clinical Dermatology meeting - Las Vegas, NV |
| 2003 | Retinoids in the Management of Acne Vulgaris - Hawaii Dermatology |
| 2003 | Retinoids in the Management of Acne Vulgaris - Society of Investigative Dermatology - Miami, FL |
| 2003 | Acne and Acne Foolers - AAD San Francisco - Summer AAD Chicago |
| 2003 | Update on the Pathogenesis and Management of Acne - American College of Osteopathic Dermatology - Telluride, CA |
| 2002 | Update on the Pathogenesis and Management of Acne - Colorado Dermatologic Society |
| 2002 | Cost of Acne Therapy - Summer AAD New York |
| 2002 | Acne and Acne Foolers - AAD - Summer AAD New York |
| 2002 | Hormonal Aspects of Acne - Valley of the Sun Conference - Scottsdale, AZ |
| 2001 | Acne and Acne Foolers - Summer AAD Anaheim |
| 2000 | Dermatology Primer - Jefferson County Family Practice |
| 2000 | Dermatology Primer - American College of Physicians Missouri State Meeting |
| 2000 | ermatology Primer - American College of Physicians Southeast Missouri Chapter |
Research:
| 2013 | A Phase 3 randomized, double-blind, vehicle controlled trial of azelaic acid foam 15% in the treatment of papulapustular rosacea – Investigator |
| 2010-2011 | Evaluation of the cutaneous innate immune and protease responses of adults to Azelaic gel (Finacea) - Principal Investigator |
| 2010-2011 | A Phase IV, Open-label study evaluating the use of Solodyn (Minicycline HCL extended-release tablets), Ziana and Triaz foaming cloths as combination acne therapy for potential isotretinoin candidates - Principal Investigator |
| 2009 | An Open Label, 8-week study to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of MaxClarityII in subjects with acne - Principal Investigator |
| 2004 | A 12-week, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, parallel-design study of 5% dapsone topical gel and vehicle control in patients with acne vulgais SBIR Teledermatology Grant Phase I |
| 2003 | A phase III Multicenter, randomized, double-blind, active and vehicle-controlled study of safety and efficacy of velac gel for the treatment of acne vulgaris. |
| 2002 | A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study evaluating the efficacy of norgestimate 180-250mcg/EE 25 mcg in the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris |
| 2002 | A 15 week, randomized, double-blind multicenter study comparing the clinical efficacy and safety of azelaic acid 15% gel (SH H 655 BA) with metronidazole 0.75%gel in patients with papulo-pustular facial rosacea |
Rebecca Edwards, CRNP
Rebecca Edwards, a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner, has been practicing since 2002. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Samford University in 1998. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in Nashville, Tennessee in 2001. During her nurse practitioner studies, she was a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
Rebecca is nationally certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She is licensed by the Alabama Board of Nursing.
Rebecca is an active member of the Nurse Practitioner Society of the Dermatology Nurses’ Association, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, Alabama State Nurses Association, and the Central Alabama Nurse Practitioner Association.
Katie Tuck, CRNP
Katie Tuck, a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner, has been practicing since 2000. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Samford University in 1995 and her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1999. During her nursing studies, she was a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
Katie is licensed by the Alabama Board of Nursing and certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
Katie has received specialized training in dermatology and is able to provide a full scope of dermatological services. She can examine, diagnose, treat, and prescribe appropriate medical therapy for patients’ dermatological needs and can perform complete skin examinations.
Katie also is skilled in performing dermatological procedures such as biopsies and cryotherapy, and treats such conditions as acne, rosacea, warts, eczema, pre-skin cancers, skin cancers, hyperpigmentation, complete skin examinations along with a host of other dermatology conditions.
Katie and her husband along with her two children reside in Mt. Olive, and they are active members of Gardendale First Baptist Church.
Leia Ferlisi, Licensed Aesthetician
Leia Ferlisi is a Vestavia native and current resident. She received her BA from the University of Montevallo. Leia is a licensed Medical Aesthetician who has been with The Dermatology & Skin Care Center of Birmingham for 9 years. She loves learning and has attended many educational seminars and trainings to stay up to date with the latest in skin care products and treatments. She is extremely knowledgeable about all of the skin care products and what results to expect.
Leia specializes in customized facials for each patient, HydraFacial, microneedling, chemical peels, dermaplane, microdermabrasion, Morpheus8 and laser hair removal. With your initial consult with Leia, your skin care concerns will be addressed as well as any questions you have. She will make skillful recommendations as to what skin care regimen is best for your needs and concerns as well as treatments to help you achieve the best results for your skin.
Logan Lowery, Practice Manager
Logan has been with the Dermatology & Skin Care Center for 10 years. She was previously the Front Office Manager and transitioned into the Practice Maner in 2019. Logan is a Certified Physician Practice Manager since 2022. She enjoys helping meet the needs of each patient and is always up for a challenge to improve our office.
Logan resides in Helena where she enjoys spending time with her husband, three children and their family dog; Elvis. During her free time she enjoys spending time at her sons’ sporting events, relaxing with her family, and mentoring other women.
She hopes to help shape our clinic into the best it can be to bring our patients the best care possible. She believes in leading our team by example, and hopes to bring out the best versions of each of our employees.