Dr. Walter Nahm, MD, PhD
Cosmetic Dermatology,
Dermatologic Surgery,
Mohs Surgery
About Dr. Walter Nahm, MD, PhD
Walter K. Nahm, M.D., Ph.D. is a board-certified dermatologist. Dr. Nahm completed his dermatology specialty training at Boston University School of Medicine/Roger Williams Medical Center, where he was honored as chief resident.
Dr. Nahm's medical school training was at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX, where he completed the prestigious combined M.D.-Ph.D. Medical Scientist Training Program. He received his Ph.D. in the field of neuroscience for which his work was recognized with the Young Investigator of the Year Award.
Dr. Nahm is also fellowship trained in Mohs Micrographic Surgery under the auspices of the American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology at the Veterans Administration (VA) West Los Angeles Medical Center and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Medicine. He also completed fellowship training in laser, cosmetic and liposuction surgery under the certification of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery at the UCLA School of Medicine.
Dr. Nahm specializes in the Mohs Micrographic Surgery technique, which is the most precise and effective manner to treat skin cancer. He is the past director of Mohs Micrographic Surgery at University of California, San Diego (UCSD), School of Medicine. His other specialties include laser and cosmetic surgery. As a fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, he has expertise in tumescent liposuction and eyelid and face-lift surgery. In addition, Dr. Nahm has extensive experience in laser therapy for wrinkles, brown spots, blood vessels, birthmarks and vascular anomalies. Other areas of expertise include Botox ®, injectable fillers (e.g., Restylane®, Radiesse™, Hylaform®), fat transfer, chemical skin rejuvenation, leg vein treatment (sclerotherapy) and acne scar treatment. He has performed extensive research on intense pulsed light (IPL™) technology and the ThermaCool™ device (allowing for the non-surgical facelift) and was recently honored for his work. He is also a director of a Joint Commission approved ambulatory surgery center, where he also performs many of his surgeries.
As an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at UCSD, Dr. Nahm teaches both medical students and residents. He is also a teaching faculty for the both the residents of the Family Medicine Health Centers and Scripps Mercy Hospital. He has also authored numerous scientific articles and chapters (over 60) in the field of dermatology, cellular physiology, cosmetic surgery, laser surgery and skin cancer. He has also given many national lectures and surgical courses on such topics.
Dr. Nahm is actively performing clinical studies and has participated in over 100 clinical studies dealing in the development of novel medications and treatments for psoriasis, toenail fungus, feet fungus, wrinkles, local fat deposition, rosacea, acne, hidradenitis suppuritiva, and hair loss.
Dr. Nahm has a Ph.D in neuroscience and with this background has been a pioneer in neuronally-based receptor physiology in skin cells. His work was specifically recognized by the Society of Investigative Dermatology and the American Academy of Dermatology. He has served as past presidents of the San Diego Dermatological Society and San Diego Society for Dermatologic Surgery.
Conditions Treated
Procedures & Services
Patient Education Resources
Biologics are a class of medications that are used to treat moderate to severe psoriasis. They are typically used when other treatments, such as topical creams and light therapy, have not been effecti...
The best way to find out if you have skin cancer is to have a skin examination performed by a healthcare professional such as a dermatologist. They will visually inspect your skin for any suspicious m...
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes red, scaly patches on the skin. It affects about 2-3% of the population. People with psoriasis are at an increased risk of developing a form of arthri...
Treatment for nail fungus (onychomycosis) can be challenging, as the fungus can be difficult to eliminate and may recur. Treatment options include:Topical antifungal medication: Over-the-counter antif...
The treatment for severe atopic dermatitis will depend on the individual case, but it may include a combination of the following:Topical corticosteroids: Topical corticosteroids can be used to reduce ...
Education & Training
- Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship: University of California School of Medicine, Los Angeles
- Mohs Micrographic Surgery Fellowship: University of California School of Medicine, Los Angeles and VA Medical Center, Los Angeles)
- Residency: Boston University School of Medicine
- Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine, M.D.
- Graduate School: Baylor College of Medicine, Ph.D.
