
Dermatopathologist – Dermatologist – Double Board-Certified
Antoanella Calame, MD
Dr. Antoanella Calame is a double-board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who combines the latest scientific advances with the clinical art of medicine. She is an expert in dermatopathology and complex medical dermatology.
Dr. Calame is an invited speaker at multiple national conferences every year. She has a special interest in melanoma and melanocytic lesions and is actively involved with the newest clinical and molecular techniques used in the diagnosis and prognosis of cutaneous melanoma.
40+
State Licenses
500+
Lectures Given
50+
Peer-Reviewed Papers
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Dr. Antoanella Calame MD
Education
Dr. Calame earned her MD degree from the University of California San Diego (UCSD) and honed her skills during her residency in dermatology at UCSD. Her pursuit of excellence led her to a dermatopathology fellowship at the University of Texas, Southwestern (UTSW) in Dallas, Texas, where she trained under the guidance of Dr. Clay Cockerell, a renowned figure in dermatopathology.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Work Experience:
- Chief Dermatopathologist and Owner, Compass Dermatopathology, Inc., 2010 – Present
- Director, Owner, SkyMD, Inc., Lanoi Medical Group (2017-Present) and Poway Dermatology (2012-2023)
- Dermatology Section Chief, Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, CA, July 2013 – December 2018
- Volunteer Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology, UC San Diego and VAMC, June 2014 – Present
- Consultant, Google Research, Google, Inc., 2016 – 2017
- Assistant Clinical Professor, UC San Diego, Department of Dermatology, October 2012 – June 2014
- Dermatologist, Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), La Jolla, CA, November 2011 – June 2014
- Assistant Clinical Professor, University of Texas, Southwestern, Dept. of Dermatology, 2008 – 2010
- Associate Dermatopathologist and Assistant Dermatopathology Fellowship Program Director, Cockerell and Associates, Dallas, Texas, 2008 – 2010
- Research Associate II, Amgen, Inc., Thousand Oaks, CA, 1996 – 1998
Education:
- Dermatopathology Fellowship, University of Texas, Southwestern, 2007-2008
- Dermatology Residency, Univ. of California, San Diego, Division of Dermatology, 2004-2007
- Mohs/Research Fellowship, Univ. of California, San Diego, Division of Dermatology, 2003-2004
- Internal Medicine Internship, Univ. of California, San Diego, Department of Medicine, 2002-2003
- M.D. degree, Univ. of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, Class Rank Highest Percentile June 2002
- Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, California Lutheran University, Summa Cum Laude, June 1996
Board Certification and Licensure:
- Board Certified by the American Board of Dermatology in Dermatology and Dermatopathology
- Medical Licenses: CA, AK, AZ, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, LA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MT, NC, NE, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WY
Honors and Selected Awards:
- Robert W. Goltz Excellence in Teaching Dermatology Faculty of the Year Award –2023, 2020, 2016, 2014, and 2012, UCSD Department of Dermatology
- Outstanding Teaching Awards – June 2010 (Faculty of the Year) and June 2008 (Fellow of the Year), Department of Dermatology, University of Texas, Southwestern, Dallas, Texas
- San Diego TOP DOC (peer selected): multiple years, including 2021, 2022, 2023
- Merck Award for Best Medical Students – June 2002, UCSD School of Medicine
- Dean of Students Award For Contributions to the Medical School Community, UCSD School of Medicine
- NIH Grant Recipient – For Studying the Propagation of a Chromosome Break in Human Cytomegalovirus Infected Fibroblasts, June 1999, UCSD SOM
- Dean’s Award (Valedictorian), June 1996, California Lutheran University
Memberships:
- American Academy of Dermatology (Advisory Board Reference Committee Member, Leadership Forum and Advanced Leadership Forum graduate; former member of the Residents and Fellows Committee and Healthcare Finance Committee)
- San Diego Dermatologic Society – President (2011-2013), Member (2010-present)
- American Medical Association, California Dermatology Society, California Medical Association, Women’s Dermatologic Society, Noah Worcester Dermatologic Association (Board of Directors)
Books:
- Cutaneous Manifestations of HIV Disease – Clay Cockerell and Antoanella Calame, Manson Publishing Ltd, 1st edition, 2012
Scientific Publications:
- Mobile Subcutaneous Calcinosis Cutis: A Case Report of a Mobile Solitary Subepidermal Calcified Nodule on a Woman’s Leg and a Review of Mobile Subcutaneous Tumors. Osuoji OC, Uebelhoer NS, Erickson CP, Calame A, Cohen PR. Cureus. 2023 Apr 15;15(4):e37623. doi: 10.7759/cureus.37623. 2023 Apr. PMID: 37197118
- Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Masquerading as a Verruca: Case Report and Literature Review of Coexisting Wart and Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma on the Hand. Cohen PR, Erickson CP, Calame A. Cureus. 2022 Dec 11;14(12):e32408. doi: 10.7759/cureus.32408 2022 Dec. PMID: 36636549
- Tender Nasal Traumatic (TNT) Neuroma: Case Report and Review. Cohen PR, Calame A. Cureus. 2022 Nov 1;14(11):e30957. doi: 10.7759/cureus.30957. 2022 Nov. PMID: 36465207
- Appropriate use criteria for ancillary diagnostic testing in dermatopathology: New recommendations for 11 tests and 220 clinical scenarios from the American Society of Dermatopathology Appropriate Use Criteria Committee. AUC Committee Members, Fung MA, Vidal CI, Armbrecht EA, Andea AA, Cassarino DS, Comfere NI, Emanuel PO, Ferringer T, Hristov AC, Kim J, Lauer SR, Linos K, Missall TA, Motaparthi K, Novoa RA, Patel R, Shalin SC, Sundram U; Rating Panel, Calame A, Bennett DD, Duncan LM, Elston DM, Hosler GA, Hurley YM, Lazar AJ, Lowe L, Messina J, Myles J, Plaza JA, Prieto VG, Reddy V, Schaffer A, Subtil A. J Cutan Pathol. 2022 Mar; 49(3):231-245. doi: 10.1111/cup.14135. Epub 2021 Oct 19 PMID: 34536035.
- Collision tumors are multiple skin neoplasms at one site (MUSK IN A NEST): a new paradigm for their terminology and classification. Cohen PR, Calame A. Int J Dermatol. 2023 Apr;62(4):e242-e243. doi: 10.1111/ijd.16144. Epub 2022 Mar 3. PMID: 35239975
- Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia Mimicking Alopecia Syphilitica. Diehl KL, Erickson CP, Calame A, Cohen PR. Cureus. 2022 Feb 4;14(2):e21901. doi: 10.7759/cureus.21901. PMID: 35265425; PMCID: PMC8898542.
- Cutaneous perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa): case report and world literature review of clinical and molecular characteristics. Cohen PR, Kato SM, Erickson CP, Calame A, Kurzrock R. Dermatol Online J. 2022 Jan 15;28(1). doi: 10.5070/D328157058. PMID: 35499412.
- Tinea and Tattoo: A Man Who Developed Tattoo-Associated Tinea Corporis and a Review of Dermatophyte and Systemic Fungal Infections Occurring Within a Tattoo. Cohen PR, Crowley CS, Erickson CP, Calame A. Cureus. 2022 Jan 13;14(1):e21210. doi: 10.7759/cureus.21210. PMID: 35174019; PMCID: PMC8840820.
Cutaneous Horn Revisited: A Woman With a Verruca Vulgaris-Associated Cornu Cutaneum. Kheshvadjian AR, Erickson C, Calame A, Cohen PR. Cureus. 2021 Nov 26;13(11):e19925. doi: 10.7759/cureus.19925. PMID: 34976525; PMCID: PMC8712232. - Acquired giant plantar fibrokeratoma: case report and review. Malik S, Erickson CP, Calame A, Cohen PR. Dermatol Online J. 2021 Nov 15;27(11). doi: 10.5070/D3271156089. PMID: 35130401.
- Solitary Cutaneous Focal Mucinosis. Gutierrez N, Erickson C, Calame A, Cohen PR. Cureus. 2021 Oct 9;13(10):e18618. doi: 10.7759/cureus.18618. PMID: 34786224; PMCID: PMC8580111.
- Subungual Calcification and Nail Dystrophy: A Case of a Man With Subungual Calcinosis Cutis and an Associated Split Nail Plate. Haddad S, Uebelhoer NS, Erickson C, Calame A, Cohen PR. Cureus. 2021 Sep 3;13(9):e17695. doi: 10.7759/cureus.17695. PMID: 34650869; PMCID: PMC8489657.
- Morphologic Mimickers of Seborrheic Keratoses: Cutaneous Lesions Masquerading as Seborrheic Keratoses. Diep D, Calame A, Cohen PR. Cureus. 2021 Oct 7;13(10):e18559. doi: 10.7759/cureus.18559. PMID: 34765343; PMCID: PMC8575325.
- A Woman With Solar Urticaria and Heat Urticaria: A Unique Presentation of an Individual With Multiple Physical Urticarias. Diehl KL, Erickson C, Calame A, Cohen PR. Cureus. 2021 Aug 6;13(8):e16950. doi: 10.7759/cureus.16950. PMID: 34513518; PMCID: PMC8418825.
- Verruciform Acral-Associated (Vacas) Xanthoma: Case Report and Review. Joshi TP, Calame A, Cohen PR. Cureus. 2021 Jul 22;13(7):e16569. doi: 10.7759/cureus.16569. PMID: 34430171; PMCID: PMC8378300.
- Atrophic Dermatofibroma: A Unique Dermatofibroma Variant. Gutierrez N, Calame A, Erickson C, Cohen PR. Cureus. 2021 Apr 19;13(4):e14570. doi: 10.7759/cureus.14570. PMID: 34035995; PMCID: PMC8136451.
- An Unusual Case of Pyogenic Granuloma-like Kaposi Sarcoma. Reznitsky C, Resnik S, Calame A, Erickson C, Resnik B. Dermatol Online J. 2021 Jan 27 (1). PMID: 33560794
- Basal Cell Carcinoma With Calcification: Case Report of Calcifying Basal Cell Carcinoma and Review of Calcinosis Cutis Associated With Basal Cell Carcinoma. Cureus. Forouzan P, Calame A, Uebelhoer NS, Cohen PR. 2021 Jan 15;13(1):e12721. doi: 10.7759/cureus.12721. PMID: 33614324; PMCID: PMC7883528.
- Multiple Skin Neoplasms at One Site (MUSK IN A NEST): A Comprehensive Review of Basal Cell Carcinoma and Benign or Malignant “Collision”Tumors at the Same Cutaneous Location. Cohen PR, Calame A. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020 Sep 29;13:731-741. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S259324. PMID: 33061513; PMCID: PMC7532883.
- Case report and review of solitary cutaneous focal mucinosis: a unique primary cutaneous mucinosis unrelated to mucinosis-associated systemic diseases. Cohen PR, Erickson CP, Calame A. Dermatol Online J. 2020 Aug 15;26(8):13030/qt33m815p3. PMID: 32941712
- Non-Classic (Surrepticius) Scabies Presenting as Erythematous Painful Palmar Pustules in an Octogenarian. Cohen PR, Crowley C, Erickson C, Calame A. Cureus. 2020 Aug 3;12(8):e9542 PMID: 32905381
- Cellular Digital Fibroma: A Comprehensive Review of a CD34-Positive Acral Lesion of the Distal Fingers and Toes. Cohen PR, Alpert RS, Calame A. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2020 Oct;10(5):949-966. doi: 10.1007/s13555-020-00418-3. Epub 2020 Jul 29. PMID: Review.
- Terbinafine-induced lichenoid drug eruption: case report and review of terbinafine-associated cutaneous adverse events. Cohen PR, Erickson CP, Calame A. Dermatol Online J. 2020 Jul 15;26(7). PMID: 32898398
- Tattoo-Associated Basal Cell Carcinoma: Coincident or Coincidence. Cohen PR, Erickson CP, Uebelhoer NS, Calame A. Biomed Hub. 2020 Jul 8;5(2):2055-2062. doi: 10.1159/000508208. eCollection 2020 May-Aug. PMID: 32884932
- Tinea Corporis Masquerading as a Diffuse Gyrate Erythema: Case Report and a Review of Annular Lesions Mimicking a Dermatophyte Skin Infection. Diep D, Calame A, Cohen PR. Cureus. 2020 Jun 30;12(6):e8935. doi: 10.7759/cureus.8935. PMID: 32760635
- Tinea Corporis-associated Erythroderma: Case Report and Review of Erythrodermic Patients with Chronic Dermatophyte Infection. Yousefian F, Crowley C, Skupsky H, Calame A, Cohen PR. Cureus. 2020 Apr 7;12(4):e7578. doi: 10.7759/cureus.7578. PMID: 32391227
- Nevus sebaceus with syringocystadenoma papilliferum, prurigo nodularis, apocrine cystadenoma, basaloid follicular proliferation, and sebaceoma: case report and review of nevus sebaceus-associated conditions. Basu P, Erickson CP, Calame A, Cohen PR. Dermatol Online J. 2020 Feb 15;26(2):13030/qt85k968bk.PMID: 32239888 Review.
- Foreign Body (Solder) and Reaction to the Foreign Body Presenting As a Cutaneous Tender Tumor: Case Report and a New Acronym to Aid in Recalling the Differential Diagnosis of Painful Skin Lesions.
- Cohen PR, Skupsky H, Erickson C, Calame A. Cureus. 2020 Feb 11;12(2):e6955. doi: 10.7759/cureus.6955. PMID: 32190505
- Malassezia (Pityrosporum) Folliculitis Incognito: Malessezia-associated Folliculitis Masked by Topical Corticosteroid Therapy. Cohen PR, Erickson C, Calame A. Cureus. 2020 Jan 1;12(1):e6531. doi: 10.7759/cureus.6531. PMID: 32038889
- Basal Cell Carcinoma Originating in a Tattoo: Case Report and Review of an Uncommon Complication in Tattoo Recipients. Abudu B, Erickson CP, Calame A, Cohen PR. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2019 Oct 31;9(4):265-270
- Melanoacanthoma Masquerading as Melanoma: Case Reports and Literature Review. Gutierrez N, Erickson CP, Calame A, Sateesh BR, Cohen PR. Cureus. 2019 Jun 25;11(6):e4998
- Osteoma Cutis Associated with Nevus Sebaceus: Case Report and Review of Cutaneous Osteoma-associated Skin Tumors (COASTs). Azzam MJ, Beutler BD, Calame A, Erickson CP, Cohen PR. Cureus. 2019 Jun 20;11(6):e4959
- Melanoma Following In Vitro Fertilization: Co-incident or Coincidence? Cohen PR, Erickson CP, Sateesh BR, Uebelhoer NS, Calame A. Cureus. 2019 Jun 7;11(6):e4857. doi: 10.7759/cureus.4857
- Pigmented Actinic Keratosis: Case Report and Review of an Uncommon Actinic Keratosis Variant that can Mimic Melanoma. Abudu B, Calame A, Cohen PR. Cureus. 2019 May 22;11(5
- Atrophic Dermatofibroma: A Comprehensive Literature Review. Cohen PR, Erickson CP, Calame A. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2019 Sep;9(3):449-468. doi: 10.1007/s13555-019-0309-y. Epub 2019 Jul 23. Review.
- Osteoma Cutis: An Adverse Event Following Tattoo Placement. Basu P, Erickson CP, Calame A, Cohen PR. Cureus. 2019 Mar 26;11(3):e4323. doi: 10.7759/cureus.4323.
- Painful tumors of the skin. Cohen PR, Erickson CP, Calame A. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, Vol 2019:12 Pages 123-132.
- Keratoacanthomatous Changes: Unifying the Histologic Spectrum of Actinic Granuloma. Harb JN, Kalen JE, Hsu S, Diwan AH, Calame A, Motaparthi K. Am J Dermatopathol. 2018 Oct; 40(10):762-766Histologic and Clinical Changes in Vulvovaginal Tissue After Treatment With a Transcutaneous Temperature-Controlled Radiofrequency Device. Vanaman Wilson MJ, Bolton J, Jones IT, Wu DC, Calame A, Goldman MP. Dermatol Surg. 2018 May; 44(5):705-713.
- A single-center clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of a tripeptide/hexapeptide antiaging regimen. Widgerow AD, Jiang LI, Calame A. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018 Mar 4.
- Pediatric penile porokeratosis: A case report. Bari O, Calame A, Marietti-Shepherd S, Barrio VR. Pediatr Dermatol. 2018 Mar;35(2):e103-e104 Epub 2018 Jan 16.
- Atypical Fibroxanthoma in a 13-Year-Old Guatemalan Girl with Xeroderma Pigmentosum. Chappell, A. G., Chase, E. P., Chang, B., Cunningham, E., Mihm, F., Calame, A., Fudem, G. and Cunningham, B. (2016), Pediatr Dermatol, 33: e228–e229.
- Evaluation of the in vivo effects of various laser, light, or ultrasound modalities on human skin treated with a collagen and polymethylmethacrylate microsphere dermal filler product. Wu DC, Karnik J, Margarella T, Nguyen VL, Calame A, Goldman MP. Lasers Surg Med. 2016 Nov; 48(9):811-819
- Use of Oral Plypodium Leucotomos Extract in Chronic Photoinduced Hypersensitivity Dermatitis. Luber AJ, Calame A, Jacob SE. Skinmed. 2016 Feb 1;14(1)62-3.
- Late-onset granuloma formation after poly-l-lactic acid injection. Storer M, Euwer R, Calame A, Kourosh AS. JAAD Case Rep. 2016 Feb 1;2(1):54-6.
- Atypical Fibroxanthoma in a 13-Year-Old Guatemalan Girl with Xeroderma Pigmentosum. Chappell AG, Chase EP, Chang B, Cunningham E, Mihm F, Calame A, Fudem G, Cunningham B. Pediatr Dermatol. 2016 May:33(3):e228-9. Epub 2016 Apr 4.
- Psoriasiform eruptions during Kawasaki disease (KD): A distinct phenotype. Haddock ES, Calame A, Shimizu C, Tremoulet AH, Burns JC, Tom WL. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016 Jul;75(1):69-76.
- Ecthyma Gangrenosum- Like Lesions Secondary to Methicillin-Sensitive Staphylococcus Aureus in an Immunocompetent Pediatric Patient. Song S, Matiz C, Calame A, Krakowski A, Tom W, Friedlander S, Pediatric Dermatology. 2015 Nov;32(6)
- Diffuse erythema and dry scales in a female infant. X-linked dominant Conradi-Hunermann-Happle (CHH) syndrome. Ali L, Ricotti C, Li L, Calame A, Brouha B, Helm T, Cockerell C. Am J Dermatopathol. 2011 May;33(3):316, 331.
- Sweet’s syndrome and subacute thyroiditis: an unrecognized association? Richard J, Lazarte S, Calame A, Lingvay I. Thyroid. 2010 Dec;20(12):1425-6.
- Acquired dermal melanocytosis of the hand at the site of treated psoriasis. KelleyBP, DohertySD, Calame A, Hsu S. Dermatol Online J. 2009 Dec 15;15(12):2.
- Granular cell atypical fibroxanthoma: case report and review of the literature. Wright NA, Thomas CG, Calame A, Cockerell CJ. J Cutan Pathol. 2009 Mar 31.
- Edematous nodules on the extremities of a febrile patient: cutaneous cryptococcosis. Boswell JS, Bardan A, McDonald H, Pandya AG. Arch Dermatol. 2008 Dec;144(12):1651.
- Increased serine protease activity and cathelicidin promotes skin inflammation in rosacea. Yamasaki K, Di Nardo A, Bardan A, Murakami M, Ohtake T, Coda A, Dorschner RA, Bonnart C, Descargues P, Hovnanian A, Morhenn VB, Gallo RL. Nature Medicine 2007 Aug;13(8):975-80.
- Cutaneous defense mechanisms by antimicrobial peptides. Braff MH, Bardan A, Nizet V, Gallo RL. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2005 Jul;125(1):9-13. Review.
- Antimicrobial Peptides and the Skin, Antoanella Bardan, MD, Victor Nizet, MD, Richard Gallo, MD, PhD, Expert Opinions in Biological Therapy. 2004 Apr;4(4):543-9
Selected Invited Lectureship Presentations:
- Course Director, Basic Dermatopathology Self-Assessment Course 2013, 2014, 2015, Lecturer 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meetings
- Advanced Dermatopathology Self-Assessment Course, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 AAD Annual Meetings
- Molecular Techniques for Diagnosis and Prognosis of Melanoma, SDDSS Meeting, 2015, Noah Worcester 2016
- Molecular Diagnostics in Melanoma; Pediatric Dermatopathology; Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinoma Histology; Cutaneous Manifestations of Internal Malignancies and Other Paraneoplastic Syndromes, Practical Dermatology and Dermatopathology Symposium, Vail, Colorado 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021
- Histopathology of Normal Skin, Histopathology of Unusual Tumors, Staining and IHC Pearls for Mohs Surgeons, Fundamentals in Mohs Surgery Course, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022
- Frozen Section Immunohistochemistry in Dermatopathology and Mohs Surgery, Pathology Leaders Webinar Series, March 2013
- Practical Approaches to Panniculitis, Annual European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Meeting, September 2012
- Course Co-director, Basic Dermatopathology Self-Assessment 2012 AAD Annual Meeting, Speaker 2008- 2011,
- Dermatopathology and Frozen Section Immunohistochemistry in Mohs Surgery, Annual Romanian Dermatologic Society Meeting, Webcast Lecture, 2012
- Advances in Melanoma Diagnosis – Keynote Speaker, Leica Symposia 2010, San Diego, CA and Houston, TX
New Less is More Skincare Line
EllaDerm
Dr. Calame’s expertise in dermatology led to the development of her skincare line, EllaDerm. Her “real medicine” approach to dermatology combines the latest scientific advances with the clinical art of medicine to treat you and your family. Keeping with this philosophy, she only recommends products and treatments with a proven track record of success rather than the “technique of the week.”
This is also the basis of her new skincare line. Any patient established with Dr. Calame is familiar with her “less is more approach” – balanced rather than extremes. With these principles, Elladerm was created to be an effective, results-oriented product that enhances your skin’s health, appearance, and texture.
Balanced
ElleDerm is a “less is more approach” – balanced rather than extremes.
Effective
An effective, results-oriented product that enhances your skin’s health, appearance, and texture.
Proven Track Record
ElleDerm products have a proven track record of success.
Results-Oriented
EllaDerm is a results-oriented product that enhances your skin’s health, appearance, and texture.
Dermatology Services: Medical. Cosmetic. Surgical
Our Dermatology Services
We offer a wide range of medical and cosmetic dermatology services, and surgical procedures including:
Cosmetic Dermatology:
- Botox and dermal fillers
- Laser treatments
- Chemical peels
- Microneedling
- Facials
- Skin tightening
- Body contouring
Surgical Dermatology:
- Mohs surgery
- Skin cancer surgery
- Cyst removal
- Scar revision
- Surgical excision
- Cryosurgery
- Skin biopsy

