Center of Excellence for
Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis
Providing a new way of caring for patients with psoriasis
As a way to provide a comprehensive solution for individuals with psoriasis
and psoriatic arthritis, the OHSU Department of Dermatology, in collaboration
with the OHSU Division of Arthritis & Rheumatic Diseases and the Department
of Psychiatry, offers the Center of Excellence for Psoriasis and
Psoriatic Arthritis. The center, called CEPPA for short, provides
a new way of caring for individuals with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
and is backed by the medical excellence of OHSU. Collaboration makes CEPPA different
CEPPA provides a multidisciplinary approach to medical care, with dermatologists,
rheumatologists and, when necessary, mental health professionals working
together to address the skin, joint, and emotional issues that may accompany
psoriasis. Comprehensive questionnaires, detailed examinations, consensus
treatment plans, and disease education are unique features of the center.
What to expect at your appointment
A psoriasis is a complex disease, it requires complex care. Your first appointment
may take up to 90 minutes and will require your active participation.
From filling out an extensive questionnaire, to reviewing your history
with your doctor, the first appointment will provide the necessary information
that CEPPA doctors need to provide you with the best possible overall
medical care. In addition, an educational session with a nurse may also
be included to make sure you need to actively participate in your medical
care. Follow-up appointments are scheduled as needed, including referrals
to rheumatology and/or other providers. Unless your physician is asking
us to see you in consultation, long-term care will be determined and scheduled
based upon they type of treatment prescribed and your individual needs.
OHSU Center of Excellence for Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis
Appointments: 503-418-DERM (3376)
Toll-free: 888-482-SKIN (7546)
Fax: 503-494-6844
The Center offers a full array of treatments, including the option to participate in clinical trials
Psoriasis is a lifelong disease and the CEPPA team is committed to providing
you excellent long-term care.
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
Barbara Johnson, B.S.N., R.N.
Clinical Care Nurse
Alfons Krol, M.D., FRCPC
Professor Dermatology and Pediatrics
Julie Nelligan, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
Robert Socherman, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
Susan Tofte, R.N., F.N.P.
Assistant Professor of Dermatology
Research supports future discoveries
As a natural addition to care received at OHSU, both clinical and basic research
play important roles for patients and doctors involved in CEPPA. The availability
of both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis clinical trials ensures a wide
variety of treatment options for patients, and the ongoing scientific
discoveries in the laboratory not only contribute to a CEPPA doctor's
expertise in understanding the disease, but also to the information needed
to support the development of the next generation of treatments. Although
this option is available, participation in a CEPPA research study is not
a requirement to receive care through the center and by its doctors. Consultation service
The CEPPA approach also provides invaluable benefits for the physician who would
like to provide his or her patient with another opinion or is seeking
consultation on a patient's care. A patient referral with to any of the
CEPPA team members ensures a thorough evaluation and detailed recommendation
to the referring physician, who will then implement and provide ongoing
care. The CEPPA team
The CEPPA team includes health care providers working together to offer a new
style and quality of care, and who are dedicated to finding solutions
for people who have these lifelong diseases.
Andrew Blauvelt, M.D. (program director)
Professor of Dermatology, Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
Director of Psoriasis Research
Professor of Dermatology, Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
Director of Psoriasis Research
Theresa Schroeder Devere, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Dermatology
Director of Psoriasis Patient Care
Assistant Professor of Dermatology
Director of Psoriasis Patient Care
Atul Deodhar, M.D., M.R.C.P.
Associate Professor Medicine, Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases
Director of Psoriatic Arthritis Research and Patient Care
David Indest, Psy.D.Associate Professor Medicine, Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases
Director of Psoriatic Arthritis Research and Patient Care
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
Barbara Johnson, B.S.N., R.N.
Clinical Care Nurse
Alfons Krol, M.D., FRCPC
Professor Dermatology and Pediatrics
Julie Nelligan, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
Robert Socherman, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
Susan Tofte, R.N., F.N.P.
Assistant Professor of Dermatology
DID YOU KNOW?
Psoriasis [pronounced sore-EYE-ah-sis] is a noncontagious, lifelong
skin disease that affects more than 5 million people in the United States.
About 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic [sore-ee-AA-tic]
arthritis, which causes pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the
joints. Psoriasis can occur on any part of the body. Its most common form,
called plaque psoriasis, looks like raised, red patches or lesions covered
with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells, called scale.
Last updated: April 28, 2008 | Site maintained
by Michelle Bryant: dermatol@ohsu.edu