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Title Director, Dermatopathology Fellowship
Department Dermatology
Primary Location Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Type of Doctor Both Adults and Children & Adolescents
Languages English
Surgeon No
Locations
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Primary Location

Cleveland Clinic Main Campus

Appointment:
216.444.5725
Desk:
216.444.5729
Fax:
216.231.5448

Additional Locations

Specialties & Treatments

Treatment & Services

  • Cancer Center
  • Cosmetic Dermatology
  • Cryotherapy
  • Dermatopathology
  • General Dermatology
  • Hair Loss Treatments
  • Skin Biopsies
  • Skin Examinations
  • Skin Screenings
View all 9 Treatment & Services +

Specialty in Diseases & Conditions

  • Actinic Keratosis
  • Aging Skin or Painful Skin
  • Alopecia
  • Alopecia Areata
  • Androgen Excess
  • Atypical Nevi
  • Autoimmune Hair Disease
  • Autoimmune Skin Disease
  • Dermatitis
  • Eczema
  • Genital Skin Problems
  • Hair Disorders
  • Hair Loss
  • Hair Loss in Women
  • Pigmented Lesions
  • Rashes/Red Skin
  • Rosacea (Adult Acne)
  • Seborrheic Dermatitis
  • Skin Cancer
  • Skin Infections
  • Skin Lesions
  • Skin Tags
  • Skin Tumors
View all 23 Specialties +
Insurance

Insurance

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Biography

About Wilma Bergfeld, MD

Wilma Fowler Bergfeld, MD, FACP is Emeritus Director, and past Director and Co-Director of Dermatopathology, Departments of Dermatology and Pathology and Senior Staff Dermatologist Dermatological Research in the Department of Dermatology, Cleveland Clinic. She also is the Director of the Cleveland Clinic’s Dermatopathology Fellowship and Professor of Dermatology and Pathology, Cleveland Clinic Educational Foundation and Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Dermatology, Case Western Reserve University. She has served as a consultant to the Department of Sports Medicine at The Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Bergfeld’s specialty interests include clinical dermatology (hair disorders, androgen excess, photo aging, and cosmetic dermatology) and dermatopathology.

Dr Bergfeld completed her undergraduate work at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA, and is a graduate of Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia. She did her dermatology residency at Cleveland Clinic and her Dermatopathology fellowship at Armed Forces of Pathology in Washington DC. She joined the Cleveland Clinic in 1969 as a Clinical Dermatologist, Department of Dermatology and later, after the AFIP Dermatopathology Fellowship in 1972, she was appointed as Head (1977-2007), Dermatopathology, Department of Pathology and in 2007 Co-Director of Dermatopathology, Departments of Dermatology and Pathology and in 2015 Emeritus Director . She has been the Director, Cleveland Clinic’s Dermatopathology fellowship since 1975.

Dr. Bergfeld is a former chair and currently consultant to the FDA Dermatology and Ophthalmology Advisory Committee (1972-current) and a consultant to the Devise advisory committee (2009-current). She is the President elect 2019 American Dermatologic Association,  immediate past President of North American Hair Research Society (2011-2016) and Director, World Congress of Hair Research2015 Miami, Co-Director, American Hair Research Society Summit 2018, and past 2008-9 President of the American Society of Dermatopathology, 1992 President of The American Academy of Dermatology and past President of the Cleveland Academy of Medicine, the Cleveland Dermatology Society, the Ohio Dermatological Association, and the Women's Dermatological Society.  She has served on the Cleveland Clinic’s Board of Governors and Board of Trustees (1992-97), and was the President of the Cleveland Clinic Staff (1990).

Since 1977, she has been a member and the Chair (1990-current) of the Cosmetic Ingredient Expert Panel, an expert panel that determines the safety of cosmetic ingredients. She holds an honorary membership in the American Academy of Dermatology, Women’s Dermatology Society, the Cleveland Dermatology Society, Ohio Dermatological Society, Pacific Dermatologic Association the Canadian Dermatology Society and the Italian Dermatology Society.

In 1996, she received the Women's Dermatological Association Rose Hirschler Award honoring an outstanding physician who has contributed to medicine and dermatology while enhancing the role of women in the Dermatology. She is also the recipient of the American Academy of Dermatology's prestigious Marion B. Sulzberger Award in 1997 and AAD Golden Triangle Award 2000 for Community Service. In 2000, she was the first recipient of the Wilma F Bergfeld MD Leadership Award, awarded by the Women’s Dermatology Society. In 2005, the Cleveland Academy of Medicine honored her the “John Budd, MD, Distinguished Member Award. The American Society Dermatopathology in 2007 awarded her the prestige’s “Founders Award” and she was elected 2009 President of the American Society of Dermatopathology. In 2008 she was awarded Maria Duran leadership award and medal by the International Society of Dermatology and in 2010; she received the Samuel J Zakon Dermatology History Award from the Dermatology History Society. The American Academy of Dermatology awarded her 2012 Master of Dermatology Award. In 2014, she received the Elston B. Helwig MD, Memorial Award and Lectureship from American Society of Dermatopathology.

Her American Academy of Dermatology volunteer activities have included: Chair, Council of Communications and longtime member of the communications committee, original member and long term member of “Dialogues in Dermatology,” Chair of the Scientific Council (annual meeting committee), Chair of the Volunteer Circle: “Members Making a Difference.” She has also served on several AAD and Women’s Dermatology Society Visionary Committees. Dr Bergfeld has received many AAD Presidential citations that have included Leadership in AAD Communications and The Volunteer Circle. Since 1995, she has been cited in “Best Doctors in America,” “Top Doctors,” “Top Pathologist,” and in numerous Who’s Who publications.

Dr Bergfeld is the author of over 632 publications, 4 books and 82 book chapters. She has served on many editorial journal boards and has been a reviewer in the both her professional fields of clinical dermatology and dermatopathology. Other activities include consultant/scientific adviser to many pharmaceutical companies.

On a personal note, Dr Bergfeld is married to John A Bergfeld MD, an internationally known Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeon at Cleveland Clinic. She is the mother of two daughters, Onee Bergfeld Lowe (deceased) and Sigrid Bergfeld Grieco and grandmother to five granddaughters.

Wilma F Bergfeld MD Professor of Dermatology and Pathology, Senior Dermatologist, Emeritus Director, Dermatopathology, Director-Dermatopathology Fellowship, Departments of Dermatology & Pathology, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid, Cleveland, Ohio 44195E-mail: bergfew@ccf.org:  Phone: 216-444-5722:  Fax: 216-231-5448

Education & Professional Highlights

Education & Professional Highlights

Appointed
1969

Education & Fellowships

Fellowship - Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Dermatopathology
North Bethesda, MD
1972

Residency - Cleveland Clinic
Dermatology
Cleveland, OH
1968

Internship - Cleveland Clinic
Medical
Cleveland, OH
1965

Medical Education - Temple University School of Medicine
M.D.
Philadelphia, PA
1964

Professional Highlights

  • AAD President, 1992
  • Ohio Dermatology Society/Ohio Dermatology Foundation, President
  • American Society of Dermatopathology, President 2008
  • Academy of Medicine of Cleveland,  John Budd, MD Distinguished Membership Award 2005
  • Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrances Association; Cosmetic Ingredient Review, CIR Panel - Chairman, CIR Committee, 1991- Current

Certifications

  • Dermatology - Dermatopathology
  • Dermatology

Specialty Interests

alopecia, Cosmetic Dermatology, Dermatopathology, General Dermatology, pigmented lesions and melanoma, skin tumors

Awards & Honors

  • 2008: Marian Druan, MD Award, International Society of Dermatology (Highest Award)
  • 2007 – 2008: America's top Doctor
  • 2007 – 2008: Best Doctors in America
  • 2007 – 2008: Best Doctors?Cleveland Magazine
  • 2007 – 2008: Great Women in the 21st Century, american Biographical Institute
  • 2007 – 2008: Empire Who's Who among Executive and Professional Women (Highest Award)
  • 2007 – 2008: Northern Ohio Live Magazine Issue "Top Doctors 2005" (cited yearly since 1990)
  • 2007 – 2008: National Registry of Who's Who (Life Member)
  • 2007 – 2008: Manchester/Cambridge Who's Who Among Executive and Professional Women (Honor's Edition)
  • 2007 – 2008: Woman of the Year, American Biographical Institute
  • 2007 – 2008: Guide to American's Top Physician, Research Council of America
  • 2007 – 2008: America's Cosmetic Doctors and Dentist, Castle Connelly Medical LTD
  • 2007 – 2008: Who's Who (Global Directory)
  • 2007 – 2008: Guide to American's Top Pathologist (cited as Dermatopathologist)
  • 2007: Golden Achievement Award of Cleveland (Physician)
  • 2007: Nominee, Master of Dermatology Award - AAD
  • 2007: American Academy of Dermatology, Honorary Member
  • 2007: Gold Triangle AAD Award, Volunteer Services, Leadership Circle-Voluntarism
  • 2007: Founders's Award, American Society of Dermatopathology (Highest Award)
  • 2007: President Elect, American Society of Dermatopathology (President 2008)

Memberships

  • American Academy of Dermatology
  • American Society of Dermatopathology
  • Ohio Dermatology Society/ Ohio Dermatology Foundation
  • Cleveland Dermatological Society
  • American Dermatologic Association - Honorary Derm Society
Research & Publications

Research & Publications

See publications for Wilma Bergfeld, MD.

(Disclaimer: This search is powered by PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. PubMed is a third-party website with no affiliation with Cleveland Clinic.)

Industry Relationships

Industry Relationships

Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists may collaborate with the pharmaceutical or medical device industries to help develop medical breakthroughs or provide medical expertise or education. Cleveland Clinic strives to make scientific advances that will benefit patient care and support outside relationships that promise public benefit. In order for the discoveries of Cleveland Clinic physicians' and scientists' laboratories and investigations to benefit the public, these discoveries must be commercialized in partnership with industry. As experts in their fields, Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists are often sought after by industry to consult, provide expertise and education.

To assure professional and commercial integrity in such matters, Cleveland Clinic maintains a program that reviews these collaborations and, when appropriate, puts measures in place to minimize bias that may result from ties to industry. Cleveland Clinic publicly discloses the names of companies when (i) its physicians/scientists receive $5,000 or more per year (or, in rare cases, equity or stock options) for speaking and consulting, (ii) its physicians/scientists serve as a fiduciary, (iii) its physicians/scientists receive or have the right to receive royalties or (iv) its physicians/ scientists hold any equity interest for the physician's/scientist's role as inventor, discoverer, developer, founder or consultant.* In publicly disclosing this information, Cleveland Clinic tries to provide information as accurately as possible about its physicians' and scientists' connections with industry.

As of 10/4/2024, Dr. Bergfeld has reported the financial relationships with the companies listed below. In general, patients should feel free to contact their doctor about any of the relationships and how the relationships are overseen by Cleveland Clinic. To learn more about Cleveland Clinic's policies on collaborations with industry and innovation management, go to our Integrity in Innovation page.

Public Health Service-Reportable Financial Conflicts of Interest. Cleveland Clinic scientists and physicians engage in basic, translational and clinical research activities, working to solve health problems, enhance patient care and improve quality of life for patients. Interactions with industry are essential to bringing the researchers' discoveries to the public, but can present the potential for conflicts of interest related to their research activities. Click here to view a listing of instances where Cleveland Clinic has identified a Public Health Service (PHS)-Reportable Financial Conflict of Interest and has put measures in place to ensure that, to the extent possible, the design, conduct and reporting of the research is free from bias.

* Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists subscribe to the guidance presented in the PhRMA Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals and the AdvaMed Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals. As such, gifts of substantial value are generally prohibited.

Patient Satisfaction Reviews

190 Patient Satisfaction Reviews

The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.

Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.

The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their views and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Cleveland Clinic.

Overall Star Ratings
4.9 out of 5
Explains 4.9
Courtesy, Respect & Concern 4.9
Patient Rating of Doctor 5

50 Patient Comments

Reviewed on Oct 10, 2024

Dr. Bergfeld is the best doctor. She truly cares & shows concern. Extremely helpful & answers all my questions. Absolute wonderful Doctor!!!

Reviewed on Oct 10, 2024

Dr.Bergfeld is the best. I've been seeing her for years. Her skin diagnosis knowledge is always "spot on". She also cares about you as a person.

Reviewed on Oct 9, 2024

Dr B and her team are great!

Reviewed on Oct 7, 2024

Dr. Bergfeld has been taking care of me for 30+ years.she is very caring - excellent doctor.

Reviewed on Oct 2, 2024

Dr. Wilma Bergfeld has been my dermatologist for MANY years!!!

Reviewed on Oct 2, 2024

Dr bergfeld is always very accommodating

Reviewed on Oct 2, 2024

Dr.Bergfield is a wonderful physician I have been seeing her for 20 years. I have a lot of respect for her.

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2024

Dr. Bergfeld is always amazing! I hope she never retires or leaves CC. She has a sense of warmth and genuine compassion and care for her patients that is unmatched.

Reviewed on Sep 9, 2024

Dr. Bergfeld has always been knowledgeable and very respectful. I consider it a privilege to have her has my dermatologist.

Reviewed on Sep 9, 2024

I have been a patient of Dr. Bergeld for more than 20 years. She is an excellent physician on whom I rely for trusted medical advice. I am so lucky to have her managing my care!

Reviewed on Sep 5, 2024

I have been going to Dr. Bergfeld for about 30 years. Even though it is a 2 hour drive to get to the Cleveland Clinic, I feel it is well worth the trip. Dr. Bergfeld is attentive and always takes good care of me.

Reviewed on Aug 28, 2024

As always, Dr. Bergfeld shows concern, listens and offers her expertise! She has great concern for her patients.

Reviewed on Aug 28, 2024

All doctor staff is excellent.

Reviewed on Aug 28, 2024

I have been a patient of Dr Bergfeld for over 40 years. She is kind, knowledgeable & interested in feedback. She is aware of my medical history & communicates with my other doctors who are at UH as needed. She always spends time with me & listens to any concerns, addressing them fully. I have been fortunate to be under her care for all these years.

Reviewed on Aug 28, 2024

Dr. Bergfeld is a kind, compassionate practitioner who allows listens and takes the time you need to address your concerns. She looks st the complete medical history and provides exceptional care. She Is wonderful.

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2024

Dr. Bergfeld is the best in her field. She is so knowledgeable and is going the extra mile of reviewing the original slide for an accurate diagnosis.

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2024

Good. Dr. Wilma Bergfeld is wonderful! I've been seeing her for years . I trust her judgement and expertise in my care. I feel very comfortable with her and her team.

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2024

I have been seeing Dr. Bergfeld for more than 20 years and I adore her! She is an excellent physician who always offers me the best care and advice.

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2024

Dr. Bergfeld and her staff were very caring and kind. I feel there is real concern for my health!

Reviewed on May 31, 2024

The doctor apologized for the delay in starting the meeting. Before a meeting begins, you are asked to complete a pre-check process, a series of various, questions which I did. While working, the doctor's office calls, asking me if I had time to answer what was the same questions. It is frustrating they are not familiar with the process. I explained I did that work already [answering the same questions] and was literally "working" before the meeting was schedule to begin. I declined.

Reviewed on May 30, 2024

Wilma is a very special doc. She has been my dermatologist for about 40 Years

Reviewed on May 30, 2024

Dr Bergfeld is a pleasure to be with as a patient

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Dr. Bergfeld was extremely nice and very caring and attentive about my condition

Reviewed on May 1, 2024

Love dr Bergfeld. She has been taking care of me regarding squamous cell skin cancer & has done a marvelous job.

Reviewed on Apr 25, 2024

Dr. Bergfeld has been fantastic in assisting me with my hair loss journey. I would highly recommend her.

Reviewed on Apr 25, 2024

Dr. Wilma Bergfeld has always been a truly caring physician who treats big and small concerns equally and does everything in her power to remedy the problems. She will keep trying until a solution is found. I have the utmost respect for her as a person and a professional.

Reviewed on Apr 24, 2024

Dr Bergfeld is unique. She is the master of her field and easy to talk to.

Reviewed on Feb 29, 2024

Dr Bergfeld is the best. She is very concerned and caring of her patients needs . Her level of expertise goes well beyond dermatology.

Reviewed on Feb 29, 2024

Much better than my visit with other doctors a year ago

Reviewed on Feb 29, 2024

Dr. Bergfeld always treats me with respect and concern for my alopecia.

Reviewed on Feb 28, 2024

2 people that came in with doctor seemed very capable, concerned for me, and listened to Dr. Bergfeld.

Reviewed on Feb 21, 2024

Found Dr. Bergfeld listed in Cleveland Magazine'Best Docs' issue. Truly a life-saving decision for me. Love her compassion, understanding, knowledge, care, and time she takes to reassure, not judge , and help me. She is amazing!

Reviewed on Feb 21, 2024

I adore Dr. Berfeld and am very grateful I have her as my doctor.

Reviewed on Feb 20, 2024

This was a hard appointment for me and she made me comfortable and calmed my nerves. Thank you

Reviewed on Feb 15, 2024

Dr Bergfeld and her staff are excellent. Very thorough and caring.

Reviewed on Feb 15, 2024

I drive 3 1/2 hours from Dayton, OH, to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic because of the quality of the doctors and staff. I have recommended the clinic to family and friends.

Reviewed on Feb 14, 2024

Slightly more difficult to contact, schedule and communicate than my local dermatologist, but understandable with the size and scope of Cleveland Clinic. It's worth the extra effort to see an alopecia expert the caliber of Dr. Wilma Bergfeld.

Reviewed on Feb 14, 2024

Dr Bergfeld is an amazingly doctor.

Reviewed on Feb 14, 2024

This office is just wonderful. All personnel is top rated. Especially my doctor!

Reviewed on Jan 31, 2024

Dr bergfeld is a true professional.

Reviewed on Jan 31, 2024

Dr Bergfeld is a very fantastic medical professional. Always knowledgeable, professional, friendly, and caring.She runs a great dermatology practice. One of the best CC doctors and representatives!

Reviewed on Jan 31, 2024

Dr Bergfeld is the best. I have been seeing her for over 30 yrs

Reviewed on Jan 18, 2024

Dr. Bergfeld is one in a million. I wish my regular primary care doctor (in Dayton) had Dr. Bergfeld's sincerity, attention to detail and genuinely caring manner.

Reviewed on Jan 18, 2024

Dr.Bergfeld is the best.Takes her time with answering your questions and shows compassion.

Reviewed on Jan 17, 2024

Dr Bergfeld, her resident and my nurse were exceptional

Reviewed on Jan 16, 2024

I would absolutely recommend every person I e encountered while having visits with Dr Bergfeld

Reviewed on Jan 15, 2024

Dr. Bergfeld is such an expert in her area of dermatology, it is a valuable opportunity .

Reviewed on Jan 10, 2024

As you know, Wilma is a very busy doctor. Sometimes it is very difficult to get in to see her... But she's worth waiting for.

Reviewed on Jan 8, 2024

Dr Bergfeld is awesome!

Reviewed on Jan 8, 2024

DR. BERGFELD IS AN AMAZING DOCTOR.

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