John Zitelli, MD graduated with honors of Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Pittsburgh and graduated with highest honors from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He received his Medicine and Dermatology training at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
In 1980 he completed a fellowship in Mohs Micrographic Surgery under the direction of Dr. Frederic Mohs at the University of Wisconsin. Dr. Zitelli joined the full-time faculty at the University of Pittsburgh where he rose to the position of Interim Chairman of the Department of Dermatology. Dr. Zitelli is board certified in both Dermatology and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Dr. Zitelli trained in Mohs surgery at a time when reconstruction was minimal and the majority of effort was concentrated on skin cancer extraction. Despite having little formal training, he led the way for Mohs surgeons to become “reconstructive” surgeons. He not only developed the skills to do this but he published numerous innovations, such as the buried vertical mattress suture and the modified bilobed flap that are used by reconstructive surgeons of all disciplines. Dr. Zitelli’s name will always be synonymous with excellence in reconstruction of Mohs defects.
He has been in private practice since 1987 and continues to teach students, residents and fellows of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center as Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology and Otolaryngology.
Dr. Zitelli has authored over 100 articles and chapters on skin cancer surgery and reconstruction. He has held leadership positions in most of the local, state, and national dermatology organizations and served as president of the Pennsylvania Academy of Dermatology and the American College of Mohs Surgery. Some of his honors include the Distinguished Service Award of the American College of Mohs Surgery, The Stegman Award of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, membership in the American Dermatologic Association, and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
