About Bruce Saal
Dr. Bruce Saal entered the field of laser dermatology and dermatopathology during its inception in the mid 1970s. He first became interested in lasers while reading the work of Dr. Leon Goldman, who was one of the earliest pioneers in laser technology applications for dermatologists. Dr. Saal later assisted in founding and developing the first laser surgery clinic located in Stanford University’s Department of Dermatology. He has continued to work with the department’s attending staff since 1979, and he strives to pass on his knowledge of laser surgery to other physicians. Dr. Saal has taught and mentored hundreds of his colleagues, and remains committed to understanding and incorporating the latest advances in technology into his patients’ treatments.
Educated at Harper College in Binghamton, New York, Dr. Bruce Saal studied chemistry as an undergraduate; he completed his studies in 1968. He then moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, to attend Tulane University School of Medicine. While there, he worked extensively with Dr. Vincent Derbies, who was then head of the Dermatology Department. Through that mentorship, Dr. Saal discovered his deep attraction to dermatology. To follow that passion, he moved to California after his graduation from medical school in 1972. He completed both his year-long internship and his three-year residency in dermatology at the Los Angeles County/University of Southern California Medical Center.
Dr. Bruce Saal currently runs a private practice at the Medical Center of Los Gatos, California, where he has aided patients with their dermatology needs since 1976. Dr. Saal was the first dermatologist in the western U.S. to have a laser on site for use in private practice. In 1978, he acquired an argon laser from the Coherent Medical Corporation, located in Palo Alto, California. He continues to do research and give presentations and lectures on the use of lasers in dermatology.
Dr. Bruce Saal has been a member of the American Board of Laser Surgery since 1986, and serves as an examiner for the board. He has been a member of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery since its inception in 1980.
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