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About
Comprehensive dermatologic care rooted in education, access and patient autonomy
Kimberly Scott Salkey, M.D., is a dermatologist at VCU Health who provides comprehensive care for patients of all ages with conditions affecting the hair, skin and nails. With a particular clinical focus on hair and scalp disorders, she’s committed to educating her patients and expanding access to dermatologic care for diverse populations.
Dr. Salkey’s clinical practice includes the diagnosis and treatment of common conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and skin cancer, as well as more complex disorders of the hair and scalp. She also conducts specialty clinic sessions for patients with hair and scalp conditions.
Patient education and autonomy form the foundation of her care philosophy: “To me, patients should have some control over their health by having all the facts and then being able to come to a decision that works best for them,” she says. She believes that helping patients understand both their condition and their treatment options leads to better adherence, shared decision-making and improved long-term outcomes.
That philosophy is echoed in how she describes her role as a physician.
“For me, at the heart of being a doctor is being a teacher,” she says. “We strive to teach patients about their health and their bodies, and enable them to take steps toward becoming their healthiest selves.” She also emphasizes the reciprocal nature of medicine: “The learning process goes both ways — a good doctor not only teaches but is also a continuous learner, a work in progress.”
Dr. Salkey earned her medical degree from the VCU School of Medicine. After 11 years on faculty at Eastern Virginia Medical School, she returned to VCU in 2017, as both a VCU Health clinician and an associate professor in the School of Medicine.
Collaboration is a key part of Dr. Salkey’s daily practice.
“We have a robust — and growing — team of dermatology experts,” she says. “Collaboration occurs through direct conversations and through the electronic medical record system within our department and across departments at VCU.” This team-based approach allows her to coordinate care for patients with complex medical needs and connect them with specialists throughout the health system when appropriate.
Dr. Salkey finds particular satisfaction in caring for patients who face barriers to accessing dermatologic care. “I see patients who travel for hours to see me and my colleagues just because there are no other places where they can get care.” She notes that insurance status, financial constraints and a nationwide shortage of dermatologists all contribute to these challenges — making VCU Health’s mission-driven care especially meaningful.
Alongside her clinical work, Dr. Salkey is an active educator, mentor and researcher and serves as the VCU Dermatology residency program director. Her scholarly interests include hair disorders, dermatologic conditions affecting patients of color and breastfeeding-related skin disease. She has lectured nationally and regionally on topics including alopecia, dermatologic emergencies and ethnic hair differences and she regularly mentors medical students and residents.
Dr. Salkey has been recognized by her peers as one of Richmond Magazine’s “Top Docs” in Dermatology multiple times. She previously served as chair, co-chair and an attending physician at CrossOver Healthcare Ministry, a nonprofit providing quality care to uninsured and Medicaid-enrolled patients. She is often featured on local news promoting skin safety practices.
Clinical Interests
- Alopecia (hair loss)
Education
Medical School
VCU School of Medicine
Residency
Eastern Virginia Medical School
Locations
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