Ashish C. Bhatia, MD, FAAD, FASLMS, is the new President of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS).
Wausau, WI Ashish C. Bhatia, MD, FAAD, FASLMS was introduced as President of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) during the annual Business Meeting on April 24, 2025. ASLMS is the world's largest professional organization dedicated to promoting research, education, and high standards of clinical care in the field of medical laser and energy-based applications.
Dr. Bhatia is the Director of Dermatologic / Laser Surgery & Clinical Research at Oak Dermatology, an Associate Professor of Clinical Dermatology at Northwestern University, and an Adjunct Professor of Clinical Dermatology at Rush University School of Medicine. He is an internationally recognized expert in dermatologic, laser, and cosmetic surgery. His clinical expertise includes Mohs and reconstructive surgery, skin cancer prevention and therapy, laser surgery, skin resurfacing procedures, and cosmetic procedures including lasers, fillers, and neuromodulators. He also has a special interest in restorative procedures for adults and children with burns, surgical scars, and traumatic scars.
He has published extensively in journals and textbooks and is a sought-after teacher and speaker. Through clinical research, publications, public service initiatives, and the use of innovative educational technologies, Dr. Bhatia has made a broad range of intellectual and practical contributions to the field.
Dr. Bhatia is involved in the inception and development of numerous drugs and devices that have come to market over the last decade. He works with engineers, basic scientists, and researchers to advance technologies that can improve lives. He has helped scientists through the processes of patent, funding, development, and commercialization of new products. Recent innovations brought to market include lasers for both functional and aesthetic applications, devices and injections for adipose reduction, and devices used for autologous regeneration of tissue and skin repigmentation with numerous clinical applications, including burns, trauma, and surgical reconstruction.
In his first address as ASLMS President, Dr. Bhatia emphasized how ASLMS is where technology and innovation happen, and they occur through collaboration with basic scientists, biomedical engineers, clinicians, colleagues, and industry. “The magic of ASLMS is that it is one society that brings everybody together,” said Bhatia. “ASLMS is the place where science, innovation, health, and beauty come together.”
Dr. Bhatia succeeds Arisa E. Ortiz, MD, who now serves as the Society’s Past President. The 2025-26 ASLMS Executive Committee also includes President-Elect Omar A. Ibrahimi, MD, PhD; Vice President Girish S. Munavalli, MD, MHS, FACMS; Secretary Kristen M. Kelly, MD; Treasurer Molly Wanner, MD, MBA; and Historian J. Stuart Nelson, MD, PhD.
Other new members of the Board include representatives for Basic Science, Guillermo Aguilar, PhD; Industrial/Research & Development, Vladimir Paul-Blanc, BA; Laser Medicine, Catherine M. DiGiorgio, MD; and Laser Surgery, David Ozog, MD.
In addition, the Board of Directors appointed Briana Halle, MD as the new Resident/Fellow Student Board Representative and Giulia Mansutti, PhD as the new Early Career Scientist Student Board Representative. View the complete list of ASLMS Board of Directors.
The American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, Inc. (ASLMS) is the largest multi-disciplinary professional organization dedicated to the development and application of lasers and related technology for health care applications. ASLMS promotes excellence in patient care by advancing biomedical application of lasers and other related technologies worldwide. ASLMS members include physicians, surgeons, nurses, and allied health professionals representing multiple specialties, physicists involved in product development, biomedical engineers, biologists, industry representatives, and manufacturers. Learn more about the Society’s mission, vision, and leaders.