Dr. Minkis received her Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry with Honors at the New York University. She pursued her medical education and doctorate in molecular oncology and immunology at New York University School of Medicine. Her doctoral dissertation research focused on studying the immune response to melanoma and development of a therapeutic vaccine for melanoma.  Dr. Minkis completed her training in dermatology at New York Presbyterian Hospital – Weill Cornell Medical Center, where she was awarded the Distinguished House Staff Award. Following her residency training, she completed a fellowship in Procedural Dermatology and Mohs micrographic surgery at Northwestern University and, in addition, was one of the first seven dermatologists in the US to have completed the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Cosmetic Dermatologic Surgery Fellowship.  As a Weill Cornell-trained dermatologist, Dr. Minkis strives to continue the tradition of excellence in patient care and scholarly pursuits that distinguishes the Weill Cornell Dermatology.  

Kira Minkis, MD, PhD specializes in the treatment and prevention of skin cancer. The Mohs micrographic surgical technique allows for the highest potential cure rate for high risk non-melanoma skin cancers while removing the least possible amount of tissue. Dr. Minkis also has extensive training in surgical removal of early stage melanoma with precise microscopic examination of the surgical margin. 

Due to her extensive research experience in the role that the immune system plays in skin cancer, Dr. Minkis is very interested in caring for patients at high risk for skin cancer development, such as those with altered immune systems following organ transplantation.  Dr. Minkis has published in multiple peer reviewed journals, has co-authored numerous book chapters and has lectured at many national meetings.