Katie

O'Connell

MD

Katie A. O'Connell, MD, MS, is an Assistant Professor of Dermatology and physician-scientist at Vanderbilt Health. She received her medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School where she was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. She completed her internal medicine internship and her dermatology residency at Vanderbilt where she was awarded the Lloyd E. King, Jr. Excellence in Teaching Award. 

Dr. O’Connell has a special clinical and research interest in supportive oncodermatology - the treatment of dermatologic diseases and complications that arise in patients undergoing cancer treatment. She is the Director of Supportive Oncodermatology at Vanderbilt where she works closely with oncologists to prevent and treat skin, hair, and nail-related side effects due to cancer therapies. Underlying her clinical and research work is a commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care, ensuring that each individual navigating the complex intersection of cancer therapy and skin disease feels heard and supported. In addition to oncodermatology, she is specifically interested in providing specialized care for patients with autoimmune blistering skin conditions and dermatomyositis. 

Dr. O'Connell is an active member of numerous professional societies, including the American Academy of Dermatology, Women’s Dermatology Society, Oncodermatology Society, ImmunobulloUS Consortium, International Transplant Skin Cancer Collaborative, and Rheumatologic Dermatology Society where she serves on multiple committees. She is also the Good Skin Knowledge Program Advisor for the American Academy of Dermatology. Outside of medicine, Dr. O'Connell finds joy in tending her vegetable garden and creating homegrown meals in the kitchen with her husband. 

Areas of Expertise and Clinical Interests: 

• Supportive oncodermatology 
• Skin reactions from cancer therapy 
• Radiation dermatitis 
• Graft-versus-host disease 
• Autoimmune bullous disease 
• Organ transplant-related skin disease 
• Skin cancer including melanoma 
• Autoimmune skin disease 
• Dermatomyositis 
• Lupus 
• Complex Medical Dermatology 
• Inpatient Dermatology 
• Cutaneous drug reactions Adult Dermatitis / Eczema 
• Psoriasis 
• Dermatological surgery