Rutledge Forney, MD

As the founder of Dermatology Affiliates in 2004, Dr. Forney is dedicated to healthy, beautiful skin. One issue she feels strongly about is sun damage and its consequences, as seen by the wide variety of sun hats available in the office and by Dr. Forney’s knowledge on the subject. As a medical student, she spent 12 weeks studying skin cancer in Melbourne, Australia, and at the CDC in Atlanta.

“I enjoy finding skin cancer early, and treating and preventing sun damage,” Dr. Forney says. “I try to stay current on all of the new science related to treating and preventing skin cancers and photo-aging.”

In developing treatment options for all types of skin issues, Dr. Forney likes to use both her knowledge of the patient and of medicine to create healthy skin for the long term. “The art of medicine is taking into consideration the patient’s current situation, his or her past history, and future needs, and applying my knowledge of current science to help the patient have the best skin now and in the future,” she says.

But as important as Dr. Forney’s knowledge, patient involvement is critical. To get the most of your time with her, Dr. Forney suggests that you think carefully about what your skin issues are and tell them to the nurse before she sees you. “Dermatology is problem oriented, and patients are motivated to work on the problems they bring to me,” she says.

Dr. Forney is the immediate past-Chairman of the Board and Past-President of the Medical Association of Atlanta. She is also past-President of the Atlanta Dermatological Association. Dr. Forney serves on the board of the Medical Association of Georgia and Medical Association of Atlanta.

She has served on the Board of Directors of the Women’s Dermatological Society, a national organization of dermatologists focused on service to the community. She has more than 10 years of experience devoted to caring for dermatology patients with medical, surgical and cosmetic needs.

In addition, she is a fellow of the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery, a member of the American Medical Association, member of American Academy of Dermatology, member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and of the Georgia Society of Dermatologists.