Dr. Jeffrey Alan Messenger is a board-certified Dermatologist practicing in Lansing and Battle Creek since 2016. He is a leader in skin cancer treatment, holding additional board certification in the highly specialized field of MOHS micrographic surgery. This prestigious distinction signifies his expertise in precisely removing skin cancers while minimizing scarring and preserving healthy tissue.

He graduated first in his class from The Ohio State University in 2012, earning his M.D. with the highest distinction (summa cum laude). Dr. Messenger then completed his residency at the University of Michigan, where he served as the Chief Dermatology Resident.

With his extensive training and commitment to continued education, Dr. Messenger is exceptionally equipped to diagnose complex skin conditions––including rare infections, cancers, and underlying autoimmune disorders. He is also a faculty member at the Michigan State University College of Medicine, where he engages in research and trains future physicians. Outside of work, he is a loving husband and father of 3. In his free time, he enjoys working out, live music, and family movie nights.

Curriculum Vitae

Experience

07/2016- 08/2023   |   Messenger Dermatology, PLLC, Lansing and Battle Creek, MI- Dermatologist

09/2018- Present   |   Nicholas V. Perricone, M.D., Division of Dermatology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI- Assistant Professor

12/2022- Present   |    Midwest Dermatology Institute (MDI), PLLC, Okemos and Battle Creek, MI- Founder/Dermatologist

Education and Training

08/2004 - 05/2008   |   Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI

      B.S. Physiology Major, Bioethics and Humanities specialization

08/2008 - 06/2012   |   The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH

      Medical Degree (M.D.)

      Summa cum laude

07/2012 - 06/2013   |   Oakwood Hospital and Medical Center, Dearborn, MI

     Transitional Year Resident

07/2013 - 06/2016   |   University of Michigan Health, Ann Arbor, MI

     Chief Dermatology Resident

Research Activities

06/2009 - 08/2009   |   University of Michigan, Research Assistant:

- Development of a Photonumeric Scale for the Assessment of Forearm and Hand Photoaging.

Co-investigators: Dana Sachs, MD and Yolanda Helfrich, MD

11/2009 - 05/2010   |   Ohio State University, Research Assistant:

- Examining Biomarkers in Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma.

Supervisor: Pierluigi Porcu, MD

07/2014 - 06/2016   |   University of Michigan, Sub-investigator:

- Executed several clinical research projects in the Clinical Pharmacology Unit.

- Routinely screened subjects, reviewed laboratory data, calculated psoriasis and atopic dermatitis severity scores.

- Evaluated subjects for adverse events and took appropriate action.

Principal Investigator: Yolanda Helfrich, MD

04/2017 - 06/2018   |   Michigan State University, Sub-investigator:

- Evaluated subjects for hypopigmentation as part of a Phase 3 study examining the long-term safety, tolerability and efficacy of APL-130277 in levodopa responsive patients with Parkinson's Disease complicated by motor fluctuations ("OFF" Episodes).

Principal Investigator: John Goudreau, MD

Teaching Activities

July 2011   |   "The Art of Roundsmanship," Ohio State University College of Medicine

July 2015   |   "Treatment of Advanced CTCL," University of Michigan Department of Dermatology

September 2015   |   "Dermatology Top Ten," University of Michigan Department of Internal Medicine

November 2015   |   "Clinicopathological Correlation" University of Michigan Department of Dermatology

November 2015   |   "Isotretinoin Best Practices," University of Michigan Department of Dermatology

April 2016   |   "Select Pathways/Mechanisms," University of Michigan Department of Dermatology

Post Residency Lectures

April 2017   |   "High Yield Kodachromes", Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, MI

January 2018   |   "Dermatology", Integrated Health Partners, Battle Creek, MI

March 2018   |   "Basics of Dermatology", DayOne Family Healthcare, Battle Creek, MI

May 2017 - 2019   |   Dermatology Intercession (clinical portion) for the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, East Lansing, MI

September 2019   |   "Dermatology 101", DayOne Family Healthcare, Battle Creek, MI

September 2022   |   "Dermatology 101", DayOne Family Healthcare, Battle Creek, MI

Organizational Leadership

08/2009 - 05/2010   |   Dermatology Interest Group, Ohio State University, Vice President:

- Responsible for organizing monthly meetings as well as for student involvement in the dermatology free clinic and grand rounds.

05/2011 - 05/2012   |   Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society (AOA) Excelling Series, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Chair:

- Facilitated the academic success of medical students at the Ohio State University College of Medicine.

01/2016 - 04/2016   |   Michigan Dermatological Society Spring Meeting, University of Michigan, Organizer:

- Responsible for organizing the University of Michigan’s annual dermatology conference which was attended by more than 200 dermatologists from across the state of Michigan. 

Scholarly Activities

08/2014 - 06/2016   |   Reviewer of Faculty 1000, University of Michigan:

- Critically reviewed and summarized peer-reviewed articles relevant to acne and rosacea

Honors

• 2005   |   Member of the Honors College, Michigan State University
• 2008   |   Graduated with High Honors, Michigan State University
• 2011   |   AOA (inducted junior year), OSU College of Medicine
• 2012   |   Graduated Summa Cum Laude, OSU College of Medicine

Scholarships and Awards

• 2009   |   Outstanding Academic Merit Scholarship, OSU College of Medicine
• 2010   |   Outstanding Academic Merit Scholarship, OSU College of Medicine
• 2010   |   Mildred Horton Ansel Scholarship, Endowed Academic Merit Scholarship, OSU College of Medicine
• 2011   |   The Laughlin-Craig Medical Scholarship, Endowed Academic Merit Scholarship, OSU College of Medicine
• 2011   |   Outstanding Academic Merit Scholarship, OSU College of Medicine
• 2012   |   Academic Excellence Award, OSU College of Medicine
• 2017   |   Excellence in Teaching Award, Sparrow Family Medicine Residency, Lansing, MI

Poster Presentations

1. "The Evolution of T cell Lymphoma", J Messenger, P Porcu. American College of Physicians Meeting, Columbus, OH, 2009.
2. "The Careful Evaluation of Herpetic Lesions", J Messenger, H Wong, C Sanders, K Darabi. American College of Physicians Meeting, Columbus, OH, 2010
3. "Daptomycin Induced Rhabdomyolysis", J Messenger, K Miller. American College of Physicians Meeting, Columbus, OH, 2011

Publications

1. Messenger J, Porcu P. Advanced Stage CTCL, PTCL with Cutaneous Involvement. The Internet Journal of Dermatology. 2009 CME-Certified Activity
2. Messenger J, Clark S, Massick S, Bechtel M. Trimethylaminuria (Fish Odor Syndrome). The J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. Nov 2013; 6(11):45-48