Dr. Richard D. Sontheimer is a Professor of Dermatology with a clinical practice focused on the diagnosis and treatment of skin changes that occur in autoimmune rheumatic diseases like lupus, dermatomyositis, scleroderma, and vasculitis.

Dr. Sontheimer is recognized internationally for his clinical expertise and research accomplishments relating to the skin problems experienced by lupus and dermatomyositis patients. He has been listed in Best Doctors of America and America’s Top Doctors and has been elected to several prestigious medical and scientific research societies including the American Society of Clinical Investigation and Association of American Physicians. Dr. Sontheimer has authored or co-authored over 200 scientific papers, editorials, and book chapters in addition to editing several books about rheumatic diseases.

Prior to being recruited to the University of Utah, he served as a fulltime faculty member at the University of Oklahoma Department of Dermatology as its Vice-Chair, Director of Research, and Director of the Residency Training Program. He has edited several scientific journals and has held leadership roles with the American Academy of Dermatology, the Dermatology Foundation, and the Lupus Foundation of America. Dr. Sontheimer was the Founding President of the Medical Dermatology Society and the Founding Chairman of the American College of Rheumatology, Skin Disease Study Group.