Wilma Bergfeld, MD
Primary Location
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
- Appointment:
- 216.444.5725
- Desk:
- 216.444.5729
- Fax:
- 216.231.5448
Additional Locations
Anatomic Pathology
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
9500 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44195
Driving Directions
- Appointment:
- 216.444.5725
- Desk:
- 216.444.5729
- Fax:
- 216.231.5448
Treatment & Services
- Aging Skin
- Alopecia
- Autoimmune Hair and Skin Disease
- Cancer Center
- Cosmetic Dermatology
- Cryotherapy
- Dermatopathology
- General Dermatology
- Genital Skin Problems
- Hair Disorders
- Hair Loss Treatments
- Pigmented Lesion
- Rashes and Eczema
- Skin Biopsies
- Skin Examinations
- Skin Infections
- Skin Screenings
- Skin Tumors
Specialty in Diseases & Conditions
- Actinic Keratosis
- Alopecia Areata
- Androgen Excess
- Atypcial Nevi
- Dermatitis
- Hair Loss
- Hair Loss in Women
- Pigmented Lesions
- Rosacea (Adult Acne)
- Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Skin Cancer
- Skin Lesions
- Skin Tags
Insurance
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View All PlansAbout 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
Appointed
1969
Education & Fellowships
Fellowship - Walter Reed Army Medical Center
Dermatopathology
Washington,
DC USA
1972
Residency - Cleveland Clinic
Dermatology
Cleveland,
OH USA
1968
Internship - Cleveland Clinic
Medical
Cleveland,
OH USA
1965
Medical Education - Temple University School of Medicine
M.D.
Philadelphia,
PA USA
1964
Undergraduate - College of William & Mary
Williamsburg,
VA USA
1960
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
- Dermatology - Dermatopathology
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 Metal 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
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
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 12/14/2020, Dr. Bergfeld has reported no financial relationship with industry that is applicable to this listing. 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.
173 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| Explains | 4.9 | |
| Courtesy, Respect & Concern | 5 | |
| Patient Rating of Doctor | 5 |
54 Patient Comments
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Reviewed on May 26, 2021
dr. Bergfeld in my opinion is the best dermatologist in the country. Her knowledge care and professionalism that she shows on every appointment is outstanding.
Reviewed on May 25, 2021
Dr. Bergfield and her associate were very personable and answered all my questions and concerns.
Reviewed on May 6, 2021
Dr. Bergfeld is wonderful. Thorough, patient, kind. Explains procedure and treatment clearly.
Reviewed on May 5, 2021
I have been seeing Dr Bergfeld for 20 years. She has helped me so much. She is an excellent doctor and very caring toward her patients.
Reviewed on May 5, 2021
Dr. Bergfeld is a fantastic doctor who has helped me so much. She's just wonderful.
Reviewed on Apr 29, 2021
Dr Bergfeld does things the "clinic way". The medical care is the best.
Reviewed on Apr 23, 2021
Dr Bergfeld provides excellent care at each appointment and this appointment was no exception... she did an excellent job!
Reviewed on Apr 22, 2021
I was able to talk to Dr. Bergfeld about other symtoms not related to derm. She was helpful and understanding
Reviewed on Mar 22, 2021
Dr B is consistently caring and attentive to concerns
Reviewed on Mar 19, 2021
she is the best Dr. Bergfeld.
Reviewed on Mar 19, 2021
I have been patient of Dr. for over 29 years- and she had taken excellent care of me always. she had been extremely helpful to my staying healthy.
Reviewed on Feb 24, 2021
Dr. Bergfeld is a wonderful doctor.
Reviewed on Feb 24, 2021
Dr. Bergfeld is excellent.
Reviewed on Feb 17, 2021
Dr Bergfeld always professional, concerned about problems & treatments always takes care of problems. best doctor I have ever seen
Reviewed on Feb 17, 2021
Dr. Bergfeld is THE QUEEN! My goodness, she's cared for me since 1977!!! I'm in the care of the BEST Derm in the country!!
Reviewed on Feb 17, 2021
How fortunate am I to have the best hospital and care in the world? I thank God for all my caregivers at the CC. My heart surgeon, Dr. Gill, My heart Doctor, Dr. Ramesh Brahmbatt, and My Dermatologist, THE QUEEN, Dr. Wilma Bergfeld
Reviewed on Feb 16, 2021
Sometimes it is challenging to get an appointment with Dr. Bergfeld but we are willing to wait for her!
Reviewed on Feb 3, 2021
I don't recall ever needing a phone callreturned from Dr. Bergfeld's office. I'm confident that if I was waiting for a call, it would be promptly returned as my information was available. I would also be certain a call would be made to inform me if it would take longer to have the information to me. This is the confidence I have in Dr. Bergfeld and her entire staff.
Reviewed on Feb 3, 2021
I have recommended Dr. Bergfeld numeroustimes over many years. Many family, friends and acquaintances have seen and continue to see Dr Bergfeld over the years. There is no better doctor. You cannot allow her to ever retire.
Reviewed on Feb 3, 2021
Doctor, as always, did a thorough examination and listened to any concerns I had
Reviewed on Feb 3, 2021
from the nurse Nadine to the resident to dr bergfeld. all made me feel important and that they cared about my problems
Reviewed on Jan 28, 2021
Dr. Berkfeld always addresses my concerns and answers all of my questions. I have a high respect for her.
Reviewed on Jan 27, 2021
There is no one like Dr. Bergfeld. She is friendly, professional, knowledgeable, reassuring, and NEVER judges me or my actions (past or present). I am in THE BEST hands for skin health with Dr. Bergfeld!
Reviewed on Jan 25, 2021
Dr.Bergfeld is wonderful.
Reviewed on Jan 25, 2021
dr Bergfeld is a wonderful doctor
Reviewed on Jan 14, 2021
the best Doctor I have ever had.
Reviewed on Jan 13, 2021
Great experience. Excellent Physician
Reviewed on Jan 12, 2021
I can't think of a more caring and skilled physician than Dr. Bergfeld and I am grateful that she is my doctor. There is no one I trust more.
Reviewed on Jan 12, 2021
We appreciate the excellent care we received from Dr Bergfeld...She is extremely knowledgeable as well as caring...
Reviewed on Jan 12, 2021
Dr. Bergfeld is an engaging and resourceful doctor whose knowledge and experience is why I sought her counsel 38 years since being her patient and moving out of state. I've seen 5 doctors for my skin mystery. Dr. Bergfeld is the only doctor to ask for previous lab records before this mystery thing began, in order to compare with the recent labs. She also, like me, doesn't think I have urticaria, as I don't think so either. The other doctors can't put a name to it, so call it urticaria. I have confidence that Dr. Bergfeld will be able to get to the bottom of the sudden onset of the symptoms I have been experiencing and will treat the cause as well as the symptoms. My local doctors didn't send records before my visit, so we will connect again after Dr. Bergfeld has received the records for a better understanding of what has been tested.
Reviewed on Jan 12, 2021
Dr. Bergfeld and her assistant, Nadia (?) were very coordinated, considerate and responsive during the session. Of course, in person is best, but the quality of the video really was good.
Reviewed on Nov 2, 2020
I so thankful that Dr. Bergfeld is my doctor. She is always concerned, discusses treatments & follows up with me.
Reviewed on Oct 30, 2020
The whole experience was good provided by an excellent physician.
Reviewed on Oct 29, 2020
Dr. Bergfeld's demeanor exudes a confidence that I find reassuring.
Reviewed on Oct 21, 2020
Dr. Bergfeld is amazing and we are very lucky to have her as our daughter's physician
Reviewed on Oct 21, 2020
Dr. Bergfeld is an amazing physician. she encourages questions and will assist assist in directIngling your care even if not in her specialty.
Reviewed on Oct 16, 2020
Dr. Bergfeld's staff made connecting and participating in my appointment a breeze. I loved that they took the time to walk me through the whole signing in process, something not done elsewhere. A great experience for someone not real technologically savvy.
Reviewed on Oct 16, 2020
Dr Bergfeld has always made me feel 'a part of' my treatment and care. She takes time to explain her thoughts and recommendations with me. There's a reason I keep my care at the Cleveland Clinic even after I have long left my home state of Ohio, that reason is Dr Bergfeld.
Reviewed on Oct 16, 2020
I always feel heard, considered, and respected with Dr. Bergfeld and her staff.
Reviewed on Oct 14, 2020
How thankful my family and I are for the expertise and empathetic care always practiced by Dr. Wilma Bergfeld! There is no one like her! The Cleveland Clinic motto, "Patients First", perfectly describes Dr. Bergfeld. Dr. Bergfeld has been our family's physician for more than 30 years. Our son, who is disabled, is a quadriplegic, completely dependent, is non-verbal, has cystic acne as well as multiple other skin problems, for which he is treated by Dr. Bergfeld . I always think Dr. Bergfeld practically " drops everything" to treat our son when he has problems. She is exceptionally caring and knowledgeable and I thank Cleveland Clinic for having her on staff.
Reviewed on Oct 14, 2020
Dr. Bergfeld and her staff...Nurses. Nadine, Renee, and the resident physician were all wonderful.
Reviewed on Sep 21, 2020
Dr Bergfeld provides excellent care and concern for me as a patient...I appreciate having her as my physician...
Reviewed on Sep 18, 2020
Dr. Bergfeld is exceptional. She takes the time to explain your condition and the steps necessary to manage She looks at the "whole person." I could feel better in her care.
Reviewed on Sep 16, 2020
Dr. Wilma Bergfeld is a consummate professional. She listens carefully to the patient and then provides an explanation for any medical procedure that needs to be taken including after care advice for the patient.
Reviewed on Aug 12, 2020
there is no one better than Dr Bergfeld and she trains those under her to be the same.
Reviewed on Aug 12, 2020
I am unusually fortunate to have Dr. Bergfeld as my Dermatologist
Reviewed on Aug 10, 2020
it is always a great experience with Dr. Bergfeld.
Reviewed on Aug 10, 2020
Dr. Bergfeld is a great doctor, really patient and knows her stuff. However, when I brought up some questions about new treatment she talked about new medication but did not prescribe any.
Reviewed on Jul 24, 2020
Excellent - I have been a patient of Dr. Bergfeld for many years and she is one of a kind!
Reviewed on Jun 24, 2020
Dr Bergfeld is one of the greatest physician's I have had the pleasure of being a patient. Her caring & good care go way above just her specialty. She truly cares about her patients. She is an amazing woman & physician
Reviewed on Jun 24, 2020
Dr. Bergfeld has been my doctor since 2009. She is a caring doctor and treats her patients with respect. I drive 6 hours to see her. No one like her! I love Dr. Bergfeld!!
Reviewed on Jun 4, 2020
Dr. Bergfeld is amazing! She's thorough, compassionate and the best there is!
Reviewed on Jun 3, 2020
I always have an excellent experience whenever I have a doctor visit with Dr. Bergfeld.
Reviewed on Jun 3, 2020
dr. Bergfeld always takes the time to listen to my questions and concerns.