As an undergraduate at Harvard University, Dr. Valerie Goldburt began her career studying the mechanisms of genetic switches, completing her studies in biochemistry with honors. She continued her interest in science and medicine as a graduate student at Columbia University in New York, where she completed a Master's degree studying the effects of ultraviolet light on cancer proteins. Dr. Goldburt then earned an M.D. from Downstate Medical Center, where she also completed a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology, studying immune defense mechanisms. During her six years there, she was her medical school's representative at the American Association of Medical Colleges conferences around the nation. An outstanding scholar, she received grants from the Howard Hughes Institute and the NIH for her undergraduate education and her medical school career was fully funded by several grants, as well as the NIH. Dr. Goldburt completed her internship at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan and a dermatology residency at Downstate Medical Center. She enjoys traveling throughout the United States and Europe, and has given many presentations at professional meetings. She is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and the Dermatology Foundation. Dr. Goldburt particularly enjoys intricate surgical and cosmetic procedures, having highly-trained dexterity from her years as a conservatory-trained pianist. She has a special interest in skin care products and has worked as a consultant on skin care for cosmetics corporations Lancome and L'Oreal. Dr. Goldburt is board certified in dermatology and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. She joined the practice at Advanced Dermatology and the Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery in 2007.