December 12, 2025
As we head into the new year, VIDA Dermatology is proud to welcome Professor Dr. Zohair “Zo” Tomi, MD, FRCPC, to our Edmonton clinic. Dr. Tomi brings more than three decades of experience in dermatology, along with a rare combination of clinical excellence, academic leadership, and global research involvement. His arrival marks an exciting next chapter for VIDA as we continue to expand advanced, patient-centred dermatologic care.
A Career Built on Expertise, Research, and Real-World Impact
Professor Dr. Tomi is a Canadian board-certified dermatologist whose career spans clinical practice, university teaching, and large-scale clinical research. He currently serves as President and CEO of Alpha Clinical Research Center in St. John’s and as an Associate Professor of Medicine in Dermatology at Memorial University.
Over the course of his career, Dr. Tomi has been the Principal Investigator in more than one hundred Phase II to Phase IV clinical trials. His research has focused on psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, atopic dermatitis, and other complex inflammatory skin diseases. This work has directly contributed to the development and real-world use of many modern biologic and targeted therapies that patients benefit from today.
Dr. Tomi is also a sought-after international speaker and educator. His work has been featured at leading conferences including the World Congress of Dermatology, the American Academy of Dermatology, and the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, as well as major meetings across Canada, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. He has also helped shape national standards as a former examiner for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
Known for Solving Complex and Challenging Skin Conditions
Clinically, Professor Dr. Tomi is widely respected for his diagnostic precision and thoughtful treatment planning, particularly in complex or treatment-resistant skin conditions. He completed a five-year dermatology residency at the University of Ottawa, followed by a fellowship in laser dermatology under internationally recognized pioneers in the field.
This foundation has shaped his meticulous, pattern-based approach to diagnosis. He is especially skilled at identifying subtle visual and historical clues in conditions such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, chronic hand eczema, urticaria, connective tissue disease, hair and nail disorders, and difficult or unexplained rashes that may have gone undiagnosed elsewhere.
When it comes to treatment, Dr. Tomi is deliberate and evidence-driven. He draws on extensive experience with biologics, oral medications, phototherapy, and combination therapies to create plans that are personalized, sustainable, and aligned with each patient’s long-term health and lifestyle.
Advanced Surgical, Laser, and Aesthetic Dermatology
In addition to medical dermatology, Professor Dr. Tomi brings a comprehensive skill set in surgical and procedural dermatology. He performs excisions for skin cancers and complex benign lesions, as well as grafts and reconstructive flaps designed to preserve both function and appearance. His work also includes scar revision and the management of challenging keloid and hypertrophic scars.
With fellowship-level training in laser medicine, Dr. Tomi has extensive hands-on experience with a wide range of laser and energy-based technologies. These include vascular and pigment lasers, hair-removal systems, resurfacing lasers such as CO₂ and Erbium, fractional technologies, and IPL. He also incorporates neuromodulators and fillers when appropriate, always with a focus on natural, balanced outcomes rather than exaggerated change.
What His Arrival Means for VIDA Patients
As part of the VIDA Dermatology and Research team in Edmonton, Professor Dr. Tomi will play a key role in building a centre of excellence for complex inflammatory disease, skin cancer care, and advanced surgical and laser-based treatments. He will also support the continued growth of VIDA as a regional hub for clinical research and medical education.
Dr. Tomi works closely with referring physicians and colleagues to provide clear, actionable consultation letters and collaborative long-term care plans. He is also deeply committed to mentoring clinicians and trainees, helping advance diagnostic reasoning, therapeutic decision-making, and procedural technique within the field.
For patients, this translates to a calm, thorough, and deeply engaged experience. Advanced tools such as novel therapies, clinical trials, and AI-supported technologies are used thoughtfully in the background to support care, while maintaining clear communication and genuine human connection at the centre of every visit.
A Shared Commitment to Excellence and Compassion
Professor Dr. Tomi’s goal at VIDA Dermatology is to add depth, breadth, and global-level expertise while contributing to a culture of kindness, curiosity, and continuous improvement. His values align closely with VIDA’s mission to provide exceptional dermatologic care that is both medically advanced and deeply patient-focused.
We are excited to welcome Dr. Tomi to VIDA Dermatology and look forward to the impact his expertise will have on our patients and community in the year ahead.
