Bridging dermatology research and clinical practice
Started in research, built for practice
Dermi began as a collection of independent research projects in dermatological image analysis. Segmentation models for estimating affected skin area, classification systems for identifying conditions, and registration algorithms for aligning images across visits were each developed and validated separately as academic research.
Each tool addressed a real clinical need, but none had the infrastructure to be useful in practice. There was no patient management, no image organization, no audit trail, and no way to deploy these tools in a clinical environment without significant technical overhead.
Integrating directly into existing EMR systems as plugins was explored but proved impractical for the research tools themselves. Closed-source platforms required revalidation cycles that were incompatible with the pace of active research. The decision was made to build a dedicated imaging platform designed to operate alongside existing EMR systems, serving as a specialized clinical photography tool and a foundation for continued research.
Research Tools
Independent research projects for segmentation, classification, and registration, each solving a narrow problem in isolation.
Integration Gap
Integrating research tools as EMR plugins required revalidation for every update, making that approach impractical at research pace.
Platform Decision
A dedicated platform was needed to provide the infrastructure, ecosystem, and clinical features that standalone tools lacked.
Local-first by design, not by default
Cloud infrastructure is the industry standard for SaaS platforms and offers significant convenience. However, clinical imaging involves sensitive patient data where the consequences of a breach extend beyond the technical. The decision to build local-first was deliberate, not a limitation.
As AI and machine learning capabilities are integrated over time, this distinction becomes even more significant. Cloud-based processing would require patient images to transit external networks and be processed on shared infrastructure. Local-first architecture keeps all data and computation within the clinical network, ensuring that current and future processing capabilities operate without external data exposure.
This approach does require more from the deployment process, which is why Dermi Atlas Manager exists: to make self-hosted deployment accessible to practices without dedicated IT staff.
Data Sovereignty
Patient data remains on clinic-owned infrastructure. No external servers, no third-party access, no ambiguity about data ownership.
Local Processing
All processing runs on local hardware. Sensitive data never leaves the clinical network, whether for current features or future capabilities.
Architectural Privacy
Privacy is enforced by system design, not policy. Data misuse is made architecturally impossible rather than contractually prohibited.
What was built and what it solves
Dermi Atlas Professional
Clinical imaging platform with the essential features required for daily practice. Modern interface designed for both touch and desktop workflows, with structured image organization, comparisons, tagging, and PDF reporting.
- Chronological patient image organization
- Side-by-side and overlay comparison tools
- Configurable tagging by condition and body location
- PDF export for referrals and patient records
Dermi Atlas Manager
Desktop application that makes self-hosted deployment accessible without IT staff. Handles Docker orchestration, database management, backups, and updates through a guided interface on macOS, Windows, and Linux.
- One-click installation on local hardware
- Docker container orchestration and monitoring
- Backup creation, restoration, and scheduling
- Version management and guided updates
Transparent, per-seat pricing with no hidden fees. A free trial is available for every plan.
View pricingPublished research informing the platform
Peer-reviewed studies that established the methods and validated the approaches informing the direction of Dermi Atlas. These research capabilities are not yet available in the current product but represent the long-term development roadmap.
A platform designed for extensibility
The architecture of Dermi Atlas was designed from the beginning to support capabilities beyond basic image management. Over time, the platform is intended to serve as a foundation for advanced clinical tools that would not integrate into clinical workflows if built as standalone applications.
The long-term goal is an ecosystem where research translates directly into practice: new models and methods slot into the platform without requiring clinics to adopt new software or change their workflow.
Advanced imaging features
Full-body mapping, automatic image alignment, and background removal. Capabilities that require a purpose-built platform and would not integrate cleanly into general-purpose EMR systems.
Open pipeline architecture
An extensible processing pipeline where end users can integrate their own models and algorithms. Research teams should be able to deploy new methods without rebuilding the surrounding infrastructure.
Research without rebuilding
Researchers should focus on a single processing step, not an entire system. The platform provides patient management, image storage, comparison tools, and deployment, so research can target the pipeline, not the product.
Principles that drive decisions
Core values reflected in every architectural choice, feature decision, and business practice.
Data Sovereignty
Patient data belongs to clinics. Privacy is enforced by architecture, not by policy documents. No external servers process or store clinical data.
Accessibility
Self-serve deployment that does not require IT staff. Modern interfaces designed for both touch and desktop. Technology that meets clinicians where they are.
Transparency
Open pricing with no hidden fees. Clear documentation for every feature. Honest communication about what the platform does and does not do.
Learn more about Dermi
Explore the newsroom, get in touch, or review policies
Newsroom
Latest updates, announcements, and company news
Contact Us
Get in touch with the team
Legal
Terms, privacy policy, and compliance information
Experience Dermi Atlas
See how the platform can transform clinical imaging workflow