Center of Excellence for Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (CEPPA)
A new way of caring for patients
The OHSU Department of Dermatology, in collaboration with the OHSU Division of Arthritis & Rheumatic Diseases, offers the Center of Excellence for Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis as a way to provide a comprehensive solution for individuals with 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
As 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 have the information and resources 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 you've been referred by a doctor for a one-time consultation, long-term care will be determined and scheduled based upon the type of treatment prescribed and your individual needs.
Psoriasis is a lifelong disease and the CEPPA team is committed to providing you excellent long-term care.
Research supports future discoveries
As a natural addition to care received at OHSU, clinical research plays an important role 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. 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.
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.
Clinic Providers
Benjamin D. Ehst, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Dermatology
Director of Medical Dermatology
Dermatology Director of HIV Clinic
Atul Deodhar, M.D., M.R.C.P.
Associate Professor of Medicine, Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases
Director of Psoriatic Arthritis Research and Patient Care
Clinical care members
David A. Schlichting, L.P.N.Clinical Care Nurse
Alfons L. Krol, M.D., F.R.C.P.C.
Professor Dermatology and Pediatrics
Susan Tofte, F.N.P.
Assistant Professor of Dermatology
