Biography


Susan M. Swetter, M.D., is Professor of Dermatology, Assistant Chief of the Dermatology Service at the VA Palo Alto, Co-Director of the Pigmented Lesion and Melanoma Program, and Physician Leader of the Cancer Care Program in Cutaneous Oncology at Stanford University Medical Center and Cancer Institute. Her research interests encompass both primary and secondary melanoma prevention, including therapeutic prevention strategies in patients with atypical nevi and targeted screening/education of high-risk groups for improved melanoma awareness and early detection. Her clinical interests are in cutaneous oncology (focused on pigmented lesions/melanoma) and adult general medical dermatology (at VA Palo Alto). Dr. Swetter joined the Stanford Dermatology faculty in 1994 following dermatology residency/chief residency at Stanford and internal medicine internship at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Swetter received her MD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and her BA with Distinction from the University of Virginia as an Echols Scholar.

Professional Summary


Education & Certifications
  • Internship: UCSF Dept of Internal Medicine (1991) CA
  • Residency: Stanford University Dermatology Residency (1994) CA
  • Medical Education: Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania (1990) PA
  • Board Certification: American Board of Dermatology, Dermatology (1994)
  • Chief Residency, Stanford University, Dermatology (1994)
  • Dermatology Residency, Stanford University, Dermatology (1994)
  • Internship, Univ. of California, San Francisco, Internal Medicine (1991)
  • MD, University of Pennsylvania, Medicine (1990)
  • BA with Distinction, University of Virginia, Echols Interdisciplinary Studies (Biology/English) (1986)

Honors & Awards
  • Certificate of Recognition for medical services rendered through Philos Health NGO, Province of Bohol (Philippines), Municipality of Jagna (2022)
  • Elected Member, American Dermatological Association (2011)
  • Humanitarian Award Recipient, Melanoma Research Foundation (2012)
  • Inaugural Lecturer, Marie-France Demierre Memorial Lectureship, Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine (2012)
  • Keynote Lecturer, Annual Karolinska Dermatology Symposium, Division of Dermatology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden (2013)
  • Keynote Lecturer/Visiting Professor, Australian Skin Cancer Melanoma Screening Summit, Dermatology Research Center, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia (2019)
  • Leadership Award, Melanoma Care Coalition (2007)
  • Lecturer, Medicine/Oncology Grand Rounds, Stanley Balcerzak Lectureship, Division of Oncology, Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center (2023)
  • Lecturer, Patricia Shellhardt Malone Melanoma Lectureship, Division of Dermatology, Washington University School of Medicine (2018)
  • Lecturer/Visiting Professor, David & Margaret Kay Melanoma Lectureship, Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins Medicine (2014)
  • Lecturer/Visiting Professor, John Zone Endowed Lectureship, Department of Dermatology, University of Utah School of Medicine (2024)
  • Lecturer/Visiting Professor, Louis A. Duhring Lectureship, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (2022)
  • Letter of Teaching Distinction, Department of Dermatology, Stanford Medicine (2020)
  • Nominated, Franklin G. Ebaugh, Jr. Award (outstanding dedication to advising medical students), Stanford University School of Medicine (1999, 2001, 2004, 2009)
  • Nominated, Kaiser Award for Clinical Teaching, Stanford University School of Medicine (2003, 2004, 2005)
  • Plenary Lecturer, German Skin Cancer Congress, German Dermatologic Cooperative Oncology Group (DeCOG) Annual Meeting, Mainz, Germany (2017)
  • President's Volunteer Service Award, President's Council on Service & Civic Participation, Corporation for National & Community Service (2007)
  • Recognition for Excellence in Teaching, Stanford University School of Medicine (2004, 2009)
  • Service Award, 20 Years, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (2014)
  • Service Award, 25 years, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (2019)

Administrative Appointments
  • Advisory Board, Stanford Women and Sex Differences in Medicine (WSDM) Center (2014 - 2016)
  • Chair, AAD Melanoma Work Group, Clinical Practice Guidelines Update, American Academy of Dermatology (2015 - 2019)
  • Chair, NCCN Melanoma Panel, National Comprehensive Cancer Network (2020 - Present)
  • Co-Director, Pigmented Lesion and Melanoma Program, Stanford Cancer Institute (2023 - Present)
  • Co-founder and Co-Chair, Melanoma Prevention Working Group, Cooperative Oncology Intergroup/National Clinical Trials Network (2002 - Present)
  • Co-Leader, UV Exposure/Melanoma Advisory Subcommittee, California’s Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan, 2021-2025, California Dialogue on Cancer (CDOC) (2019 - 2021)
  • Cutaneous Melanoma Workgroup, International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR) Initiative (2018 - 2019)
  • Dermatology Council, Melanoma Research Alliance (2019 - Present)
  • Director, Pigmented Lesion and Melanoma Program, Stanford Cancer Institute (1995 - 2023)
  • Founder and Statewide Leader, Wipe Out Melanoma - California (2018 - Present)
  • Founding Member, War on Melanoma™ Federation of States Partnership (2016 - Present)
  • Inaugural Member (Affiliate), Stanford Center for Population Health Sciences (2015 - Present)
  • International Independent Representative, Strategic Advisory Committee, ACRF/Australian Center for Excellence in Melanoma Imaging & Diagnosis (ACEMID) (2019 - Present)
  • Medical Advisory Board, AIM at Melanoma (2005 - Present)
  • Medical Advisory Panel, Melanoma Research Alliance (2013 - Present)
  • Member, AAD Melanoma Clinical Guidelines Task Force, American Academy of Dermatology (2006 - 2012)
  • Member, AAD Melanoma Work Group, Clinical Practice Guidelines Update, American Academy of Dermatology (2023 - Present)
  • Member, Board of Directors, American Cancer Society, Santa Clara County Unit (2007 - 2021)
  • Member, Council of Cancer Leaders, Stanford Comprehensive Cancer Center (2015 - Present)
  • Member, Melanoma/Skin Cancer Committee, American Academy of Dermatology (1999 - 2009)
  • Member, NCCN Melanoma Panel, National Comprehensive Cancer Network (2007 - Present)
  • Member, Scientific Programs Committee, Melanoma Section, American Society of Clinical Oncology (2006 - 2008)
  • Physician Leader, Cancer Care Program in Cutaneous Oncology, Stanford Cancer Institute (2012 - Present)
  • President, Board of Directors, American Cancer Society, Santa Clara County Unit (2009 - 2011)

Publications

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials.

Open trials refer to studies currently accepting participants. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but may open in the future.


Practice Locations


Cancer Immunotherapy Program Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto, CA

875 Blake Wilbur Drive

Palo Alto , CA 94304

(650) 498-6000

Make An Appointment More Clinic Information » Getting Here »

Skin Cancer Program in Palo Alto Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto, CA

900 Blake Wilbur Drive, 3rd Floor

Palo Alto , CA 94304

(650) 498-6000

Make An Appointment More Clinic Information » Getting Here »

Pigmented Lesion and Melanoma Clinic at Stanford Medicine Outpatient Center Redwood City, CA
Redwood City, CA

450 Broadway Street, Pavilion B, 4th Floor

Redwood City , CA 94063

(650) 498-6000

Make An Appointment More Clinic Information » Getting Here »

Patient Ratings

(78 Ratings)

Overall Rating
4.9/5

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4.9/5
Friendliness
Friendliness/courtesy of the care provider
4.9/5
Explanations
Explanations the care provider gave you about your problem or condition
4.9/5
Listens
Concern the care provider showed for your questions or worries
4.9/5
Care provider's efforts to include you in decisions about your care
Care provider's efforts to include you in decisions about your treatment
4.9/5
Recommended to others
Likelihood of your recommending this care provider to others
0.0/5
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Wait time at clinic (from arriving to leaving)

How Our Ratings Work

The Patients Ratings and comments are gathered from our Patient Satisfaction Survey and displayed in their entirety.

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Patient Reviews

(99 reviews)

Excellent care thank you
Everything was very good.
She is outstanding
Dr. Swetter is always very thorough and explains all of my questions.
Dr. Swetter and her team are AMAZING. They always take the time to answer my (many!)questions and I know how busy they are! Dr. Swetter is extremely professional and at the same time, very warm and human in her approach. I am deeply grateful to be in her care.
Outstanding demeanor
The Dr. is great but always seems so rushed.
Dr, Sweeter is always great!
the best. Next level consultation
The service and communication are 5 stars
She was very rough when touching my scars, and seemed very focused on getting me to buy into immunotherapy rather than getting to know me and answer the very serious inquiries I have about the ‘complication’ that happened in my initial surgery. Consequences,, of which, now determine the steps moving forward which are financially, physically, and mentally affected.
Outstanding
Prompt,very well time spent
All staff at Melanoma are so intellectually competent
Back to back appointments and all went very smoothly. One time or a little early
Great health care service
Ss always, terrific reception, excellent medical expertise.
I love Dr Swetter and her team. She’s very dedicated
Dr. Sweeter is up-to-date on my medical history, makes appropriate treatment decisions and answers questions thoroughly. She is competent and compassionate.
everyone was very nice and very helpful.. would recommend
Great expertise. But the personal touch and continuity is missing since my skin checks are always done by a different person. I
Highly recommend
Dr. Swetter is the BEST!!!
All good.
Dr. Susan Swetter is the best! Very caring, informative, empathetic, wonderful!
The dr. was a bit brief in her visit, but seemed thorough and competent. I feel more like a statistic than a person there.
Dr. Swetter was a breath of fresh air & fountain of knowledge.
I am grateful to be receiving care from Dr. Swetter. I have utmost confidence in her knowledge and commitment to my health and well being.
Very good.
I couldn't be more fortunate to see Dr. Swetter she saved my life.
Both Dr. Swetter & Dr. Sunwoo were excellent. Obviously very bright and experienced, but excellent communicators also.
Very thorough visit with attention to details.
I have been seen for the last 15 years. I feel comfortable and confident about the care provider.
Dr. Swetter & Roma (PA) - Excellent!
Dr. Swetter was excellent - great explanations - proper respect - did not seem rushed Dr. Lin & her team were outstanding - really enjoyed the resident - he was well-prepared & had reviewed my record before entering. Dr. Lin is VERY respectful & carefully explains all. Outstanding - Hope is empathetic & lovely!
Dr. Swetter is the most professional medical professional I have ever had.
Top drawer!
Outstanding!
Even though I couldn't stay because of clearance I was sad not to have this dr. be my doctor.
Dr. Swetter is wonderful!
Very good experience.
Dr. Swetter called RWC office and got me in the same day for surgery - That was awesome!
Dr. Swetter is wonderful.
Everyone was super!!
8. Running late.
Good.
First visit, so these evaluations are first impressions. Interested to see how things turn out going forward.
Dr. Swetter is phenomenal!
Good.
Can't say enough good things about Dr. Susan Swetter & her staff. They are beyond awesome!
Excellent - Approachable, direct. We were very impressed with the team approach: Nurse practitioner, resident and doctor. Only "little minus" was we were asked and answered some of the same questions 3X.
Doctor and PA were very professional and very open to hear my questions and concerns.
Dr. Swetter is outstanding. I live in Santa Cruz and look forward to my appointment w/her and don't mind making the drive. I feel I am in the very best hands!
Dr. Susan Swetter was very professional. Approachable & informative. Every confidence in her.
Dr. Swetter is a great communicator and easy to ask questions too. I am very happy with her and feel like I am in exceptional hands.
Dr. Swetter is awesome!
Dr. Swetter is world class. I am so grateful for her expertise, care and concern. I have full confidence that I am getting the best care available.
Very relieved to have my situation explained in a compassionate yet straight forward manner.
Susan is great! She has always been extremely supportive, and I appreciate her expertise.
Dr. Swetter is a smart, skilled and compassionate physician. She is of the highest caliber as an educator.
I want to help and maybe find some thing but all is perfect.
Good.
Dr. Susan Swetter is an excellent physician and care provider!
Dr. Swetter exuded confidence and was clear in explaining my melanoma. She described the best path for the best outcome. I am going forward with her recommendations.
Since January of 2014 Dr. Susan Swetter has been so nice and kind. And I understood everything she tells me, explains it clearly. She's highly recommended.
Great experience w/Dr. Susan Swetter & staff!!
First time experience. Good feelings about all.
Received excellent care.
I felt very well taken care of by Dr. Swetler she was very knowledgeable and kind. The only minor feedback is that she said I would be able to exercise vigorously immediately after the proposed wide after local excision of my melanoma, and that was unrealistic.
Dr. swetter and her assistant provided excellent care.
Dr. Swetter is the best.
The best!
Susan was especially great during my last visit! I felt like I had her full attention and she very graciously answered all of my questions.
Dr. Swetter and her staff were very informative and open, very willing to answer questions and her visit note was very detail, so easy to understand and follow.
Dr. Swetter was very thorough in explaining everything. I would of loved for her to be my follow up Dr. I was referred to follow up w/Dr. Fu.
World class service.
In my book, Dr. Swetter is THE BEST!
Dr. Swetter is a world-class expert. I receive superb care. I feel fortunate to be her patient.
Excellent.
Dr. Swetter is excellent - both her clinical expertise & her interpersonal & communication skills with patients!
I cannot tell you enough how impressed I was with Dr. Swetter, her staff, her records & her responsiveness to my concerns.
Dr. Swetter has been an outstanding doctor since I found out I had melanoma. I am very confident in her abilities.
They always take their time to answer all questions.
Excellent.
No bad experience at all since last year, everybody is nice and the doctor explains everything clearly. She's a very nice doctor.
Dr. S. is great!
I have no complaints.
Excellent provider -
I have the utmost confidence in Dr. Swetter. Very thorough & personable.
Dr. Swetter is just plain good... friendly, upbeat, very knowledgeable, kind.
Love Dr. Swetter.
Dr. Swetter is one of the most outstanding doctors I have ever consulted.
Dr. Susan Swetter is an outstanding doctor. Very kind and very professional -
Stanford is the best I tell everyone about you.
I'm happy.
Gave excellent summary of what the care would be & issues involved - TWICE.
Dr. Swetter is an excellent physician. I don't think she is taking new patients, so its not like I can recommend her to others.
Dr. Swetter, Larry Morris, Dr. Rogen are all extremely reassuring, knowledgeable, kind, caring.
Dr. Swetter and the resident were very thorough and informative and kind. I felt confident of their care.

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