Peter Pochi, MD
Honorary Member
He is a first generation Albanian-American whose parents immigrated from Korça, Albania in the early 1900s. He is nationally and internationally known as one of the leaders in the field of dermatology. Patients were referred to his practice throughout the United States; many of these patients were referred from other dermatologists in recognition of his clinical expertise and innovative approaches to treatment.
Dr. Pochi completed his undergraduate degree with honors from Harvard University in 1950. He subsequently attended Boston University School of Medicine where he received his medical degree in 1955. Following his graduation from medical school he dedicated himself to a one year internship at Boston City Hospital in 1955. He then joined the US Navy from 1956-1958 where he served as a Medical Officer. Dr. Pochi
then went on to complete a dermatology residency at University Hospital in Boston, MA from 1958-1961. After completing residency he was promoted to Assistant of Dermatology from 1961-1963. During this time he also completed a fellowship at the U.S. Public Health Service Research hospital.
Throughout his career Dr. Pochi has received several certifications and awards. In 1956 he was certified as the Diplomat of the National Board of Medical Examiners and in 1962 as the Diplomat of the American Board of Dermatology. In 1967 Dr. Pochi was awarded the Society of Cosmetic Chemists Literature Award. In 1979 he was honored as an Alumnus Member of the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. In 1989 he was awarded the Frederick Jackson Faculty Award for his excellence in clinical instruction. He also received the Boston University School of Medicine Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1991.
Dr. Pochi is a member of several professional organizations in which he has served on the board of that include the Society for investigative dermatology, the Boston University School of Medicine Alumni Association, the Boston Dermatological club, Evans Medical Foundation, Boston University General Alumni Association, American Academy of Dermatology. He is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the Massachusetts Medical Society He is also a member of American Medical Association, the New England Dermatology Society, the American Federation of Clinical Research, the Society of Sigma Xi, the Dermatology Foundation, American Association of the Advancement of Science, Massachusetts Academy of Dermatology, and the International Society of Dermatology National Alumni Council of Boston University. He has also served on the Editorial Board of the Archives of Dermatology, the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. He was also the associate editor and contributing editor for the Journal of Investigative Dermatology and the Year Book of Dermatology.
Furthermore, Dr. Pochi has published over 150 publications which include numerous abstracts and articles in peer reviewed journals, and also in books. In one of his noteworthy research studies Dr. Pochi found that stress causes an over production of adrenal male hormones in women, which can potentially result in acne and more serious problems such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This imbalance of hormones can thus lead to infertility in these women even though they did not show the usual signs and symptoms of hormonal irregularity. This is just one example of the dedication to the advancement of medicine and dermatology that Dr. Pochi has diligently worked towards throughout his career. His ability to recognize a wide array of medical conditions ranging from dermatological issues like acne to other conditions such as PCOS, attest to his excellence, dedication and help to an immense patient population.
During the course of Dr. Pochi’s medical career career he has held several faculty and teaching positions starting as an Assistant in Dermatology at the University Hospital in Boston, MA. He later then advanced to a consultant in dermatology at Lemuel Shattuck Hospital of Boston and at Walter E. Fernald State School in Waverly, MA and also at the Boston Veterans Administration Hospital. He then became the Associate Director and Professor of Dermatology at Boston City Hospital. He also held the title of Associate Visiting Physician in dermatology at University Hospital in Boston and at Boston City Hospital and associate in dermatological medicine at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston. He was an assistant member of the Evans Memorial Department of Clinical Research at University Hospital in Boston. Dr. Pochi has expressed his passion for dermatology through his work especially through the numerous years as an instructor and professor emeritus of dermatology at Boston University School of Medicine. He also was a lecturer at Tufts University School of Medicine. He also served as the Interim Chairman and Vice Chairman of dermatology at Boston University School of medicine.
Dr. Pochi is currently retired and remains in his home town with his family in Boston, MA. After his retirement Dr. Pochi donated his entire medical library to the University of Tirana Medical School and has made a generous donation to the Albanian American Medical Society.