Derek Walter Nickerson, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist and ACMS fellowship-trained Mohs micrographic surgeon specializing in skin cancer removal and complex surgical reconstruction. As a board-certified dermatologist, he is an expert in hair, skin, and nail disorders and their treatments.

Born in Spokane, Washington, Dr. Nickerson is a graduate of Western Washington University, in Bellingham, WA. He earned his medical degree at New York Medical College, where he was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. Following an internship in medicine at UC Irvine, he completed dermatology residency training at Medical University of South Carolina. While serving as chief resident in his final year, he was selected for advanced training in a highly regarded fellowship in Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology with Dr. Joel Cook—one of the top fellowships for reconstructive surgery in the country.

Prior to medical school, Dr. Nickerson worked for Dr. Bruce Edgar at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, WA and Dr. Brigitte Gomperts at UCLA as a research associate. He has authored and co-authored over a dozen peer-reviewed publications. His current research interests include wound healing and the pathogenesis of scar formation.

Dr. Nickerson is thrilled to provide surgical, medical, and cosmetic services to the larger San Diego community at the highest level of care. He is pleased to bring his wife (and 3 young children) back to her hometown after years of medical training all across the country.

Specialties

• Autoimmune Skin Diseases
• Chemical Peels
• Complex/Consultative Dermatology
• Cosmetic Dermatology
• Cosmetic Injectables
• Dermatopathology
• Hair and Nail Disorders
• Leg Vein Treatment
• Local Anesthesia Facial Cosmetic Surgery
• Medical Dermatology
• Mohs Surgery
• Pediatric Dermatology
• Scar Revision
• Skin Care and Skin Care Products
• Skin Reconstructive Surgery
• Surgical Dermatology