Corina A Rusu, MD

As a dermatologist, Corina Andra Rusu, MD, provides care for a wide range of conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails.

With a background in urban medicine and global health, she also specializes in the social determinants of health – the economic and social factors (such as wealth, education, and environment) that influence health outcomes. This expertise helps her provide stronger support and advocacy for her patients.

Born and raised in Bucharest, Romania, Dr. Rusu came to the United States to study at Mount Holyoke College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. She earned a second bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. During her time at Mount Holyoke, Dr. Rusu went on a short-term study abroad experience to Senegal that sparked her interest in medicine as she “tagged along” with two pre-med classmates serving in various clinical settings.

“I knew I wanted to pursue a medical career and began trying to fulfill pre-med requirements in order to apply to medical school,” says Dr. Rusu, who also went on a medical-oriented trip to Nicaragua and studied abroad for a semester at American University in Cairo, Egypt.

After completing an internship at Boston’s Partners in Health and working with a Massachusetts General Hospital research unit focused on sub-Saharan African health issues, Dr. Rusu enrolled at the University of Wisconsin (UW) School of Medicine and Public Health. Her medical training included conducting public health research in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, and Lima, Peru. As part of UW’s Urban Medicine program, she also researched healthcare access for refugees from Afghanistan and Myanmar.

Dr. Rusu completed an internal medicine residency at VCU School of Medicine in 2018. The next year, she came to UVA Health as a dermatology resident. Her training included an off-site clinical rotation within the Navajo reservation in the southwestern U.S. in 2021.

In addition to her clinical responsibilities at UVA Health, Dr. Rusu is the Dermatology Global Health Leadership Track Director and coordinates the department’s involvement with UVA School of Medicine. She creates programs giving residents and medical students opportunities to broaden their cultural experiences in a wide range of clinical settings.

Dr. Rusu’s cross-cultural experiences and interests in global health influence her approach to care.

“I’m fascinated with the anthropological aspects of what makes a person tick,” says Dr. Rusu, who has enjoyed learning about Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley from her patients. “I see a patient not just as a body presenting with particular symptoms, but as a complete person who has a particular background and social history that may contribute to any given condition.”

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Rusu enjoys traveling and exploring new places. She’s excited to share her love for worldwide adventure with her two daughters.

Gender

Female

Languages

Spanish, Romanian, English

Age Groups Seen

Adults (21-65)
Older Adults (65+)

Primary Education

University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Residency

UVA

Certification

American Board of Dermatology (Dermatology)

• Alpha Pi Mu, Industrial Engineering Honors Society, University of Massachusetts
• Fulbright Fogarty Award in Public Health (2016-2017)
• Partners in Excellence Award, Massachusetts General Hospital
• University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health Community Award