Dr. Lewis

Dr. Alexander Lewis is a native Californian who spent most of his youth in Pennsylvania. After attending Ursinus College he received his MD degree from Hahnemann University (now Drexel University) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1976, Dr. Lewis began his dermatology residency at the Stanford University School of Medicine in Palo Alto, California. Upon completion of residency and certification by The American Board of Dermatology, Dr. Lewis established a private practice in Walnut Creek, California. While in private practice, Dr. Lewis has participated as a member of the Stanford University School of Medicine Clinical Faculty, teaching dermatologic surgery to physicians in training and medical students. He has been awarded the rank of Emeritus Clinical Associate Professor.

Dr. Lewis has special interests in skin cancer prevention and treatment, scalp disorders and hair restoration, and applying the latest advances in research, breakthroughs, and dermatology science to improve the quality of skin and the quality of life.

Dr. Lewis is married and has lived in Contra Costa County since 1980 where he and his wife have raised two children.

Dr. Lewis is a member of The American Academy of Dermatology, The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, The American Society for Mohs Surgery, and a member of the Active Staff of John Muir Hospital, plus various other professional organizations in the fields of medicine, skin cancer and dermatology.

Recently Dr. Lewis was interviewed about his specialty. Excerpts of the interview appear below.

Q. Why did you go into dermatology?

A. I was on my way to a career in psychiatry when I discovered dermatology, which held huge appeal for me because it requires real artistry. Unlike most medical specialties, the results of the dermatologist’s work are very visible. It was for me.

Q. What aspect of your work gives you the most pleasure?

A. Well, saving a life has to come first. No matter what has been going on professionally or personally for me, when I find and cure a melanoma it is most gratifying. Additionally restoring health, relieving misery, and restoring self esteem rank right up there. If I solve a difficult puzzling disorder, that too is very gratifying.

Q. How do you envision the future of dermatology?

A. I will answer this for medicine in general. These are the most exciting times of my career. Understanding the human genome and how genes switch off and on, code for proteins that control the function of tissue cells and how these biochemical substances interact are leading to dramatic discoveries about health and disease treatment and prevention. Great things are on the horizon.

Q. Outside of your profession, what are you most passionate about in life?

A. That has changed over time. I used to sail S.F. Bay and offshore here quite a bit. Not so much anymore, but I do love our Northern California marine environment. I have always enjoyed the arts and continue to be a very amateur photographer. I love travel and enjoy visiting ancient places particularly in the Mediterranean. I also enjoy sports cars and open wheel car races, and vintage Italian motor scooters.