There are few things nobler in life than the pursuit of a career in medicine. As public servants, doctors dedicate their lives to the health and wellness of the public. Today, all of us at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta would like to take the time to recognize our founder and his dedication to his patients, employees, and peers as he retires after over 40 years of serving Georgia.

Dr. Griffin started his career in medicine after earning his M.D. from the Medical College of Georgia. He then went on to serve in the U.S. Navy, complete his residency at Dartmouth College, and work with a plethora of experts in dermatology and hair restoration after perfecting his craft in skin conditions, hair restoration, and overall skin care at well-renowned institutions. He then went on to found Dermatology Associates of Atlanta (DAA) in 1976 in Dunwoody, GA. DAA quickly moved to St. Joseph’s Hospital where Dr. Griffin remained the sole provider. By 1985, the practice was incorporated and moved to The Medical Quarters Suite 190, where DAA still resides currently, and added Dr. Karempelis to the team as a partner in 1986. Since the 1980s, DAA expanded to offer more innovative services and specialty centers decorated with a cozy, home-like feel so that patients could relax in a comfortable environment.

DAA has also built a team of brilliant providers and a warm and hospitable staff over the years, making our name not only in the technology we offer but also in the way we treat patients. Dr. Griffin has always made an effort to lead by example and to put his patients and staff above all.  Because of this, he always searched for colleagues with similar visions of his own. This is why doctors Scott Karempelis, Joseph Payne, and Ashley Curtis were also asked to become partners. Strengthening the DAA team with brilliant providers and a warm and hospitable staff over the years has been a priority of Dr. Griffin. These important details allowed DAA to become a well-respected practice with a powerful legacy.

Dr. Griffin and his partners went on to open nine specialty centers including the Dermatology Center, offering both general dermatology and skin cancer treatment options such as Mohs surgery; the Center for Women’s Hair Loss, Georgia’s first hair loss center dedicated exclusively to serving women; the Laser Institute of Georgia, offering cutting-edge laser technology to treat skin conditions; and the Psoriasis Treatment Center of Atlanta, just to name a few.

Dr. Griffin’s research and expertise made him a pioneer, sought out by international patients, surgeons, and organizations for his admired techniques. Dr. Griffin was a member of many prestigious organizations including the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the Clinical Society of Pharmacology, the American Society of Outpatient Surgeons, the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery’s Hair Replacement Surgery International Symposium, the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, and the American Society of Laser and Medicine, among others.

Congratulations, Dr. Griffin, on your well-deserved retirement! Although we will miss you greatly, we wish you many days filled with relaxation and quality time with your wife, children, and grandchildren. Dermatology Associates of Atlanta would not have been possible without your hard work, dedication, creative vision, extreme attention to detail, and patient care.