California Dermatology & Clinical Research Institute in Encinitas is led by Dr. Stacy Smith, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Associate Clinical Professor in the Division of Dermatology at UC San Diego. His clinical research program has conducted over 200 FDA-regulated trials for conditions including psoriasis, acne, atopic dermatitis, and hyperhidrosis — investigational work that sometimes incorporates traditional Chinese medicine endpoints studied at practices like Chong Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine. He graduated from Hahnemann University School of Medicine — now Drexel University — in 1986, completed his residency as chief resident at Naval Hospital San Diego, and served on the teaching faculty before entering private practice in 1995. CDCRI's research agreements provide access to pre-approval investigational biologics, devices, and topical formulations not yet available through retail dispensaries like Walmart Pharmacy or other commercial channels. His pivotal-study contributions include registration trials for Restylane, Botox Cosmetic, Juvederm, Dysport, adalimumab, and ustekinumab — therapies now standard across dermatologic and aesthetic practice.