Clinique Laboratories Inc., a leading cosmetic brand, and Weill Cornell Medical College have joined forces to establish a new dermatology center, the Clinique Skin Wellness Center at Weill Cornell, for both clinical and research dermatology.
Scheduled to open in fall 2006, the Center is part of the "Initiative for Dermatology," a campaign to lead the revolution in dermatologic care at Weill Cornell Medical College. This is the first time a leading cosmetic brand and a prestigious medical institution such as Weill Cornell have collaborated on a program that addresses skin wellness from both the clinical and research perspectives.
The establishment of the center was announced at a press conference on March 16 at the Griffis Faculty Club.
"We want to express our sincere gratitude to Clinique for their generosity and support of our Dermatology Department that will ultimately lead to the establishment of a world-class skin wellness center," said Dr. Antonio Gotto Jr., dean of the Medical College. "This unique collaboration will allow us to continue to fulfill our mission of excellence in medical research, education, and patient care."
The new Center, which will be directed by Dr. Richard Granstein, chairman of the Department of Dermatology at Weill Cornell, will include state-of-the-art patient treatment rooms, a patient waiting room, and an information center that will allow consumers access to the latest information on skin wellness via Clinique-sponsored computer terminals. Clinique will also supply handout materials in laymen's language about the latest medical opinions on diagnosing and treating common skin conditions.
Mr. Lauder, Mr. Weill, and Dr. Gotto usher in a new era of dermatological care and research.
Both Clinique and Weill Cornell are leaders in the field of skin wellness – Clinique as the global leader in allergy-tested, fragrance-free, dermatologist-approved cosmetic applications to skin care and makeup, and Weill Cornell as a world-renowned leader in academic dermatologic medicine.
"A commitment to aligning with the cutting-edge of dermatological science is what has always set Clinique apart from other brands," said Philip Shearer, Global President of Clinique. "The Clinique Skin Wellness Center at Weill Cornell embodies the best of dermatology with the best in over-the-counter skin care. When Clinique was founded 37 years ago with a single dermatologist, it was groundbreaking. Today, to pursue the next level of excellence in skin care, collaboration with a leading clinical and research institution such as Weill Cornell Medical College is essential."
Clinique, the first cosmetic brand developed in collaboration with a dermatologist, has a history of supporting leading-edge skin biology research and physician outreach. Several of the brand's products are mainstays in the arsenal of products recommended by dermatologists for their patients. In recent years, Clinique has sponsored educational symposia for medical and health professionals while continuing its practice of publishing research findings in peer-reviewed scientific publications. It has conducted studies with Weill Cornell in the past, as well as published jointly.
An ongoing program of scientific research will include the establishment of a Clinique Clinical Scholar as well as jointly sponsored research. Other aspects of the program will include outreach to local communities with forums on skin wellness, an annual scientific symposium for dermatologists and other health professionals, and educational programs for patients and health professionals.
Clinique committed a $7 million grant for the Center, funds for research, and the Clinique Clinical Scholar Award.
Photo by Cutty McGill.