A Pittsburgh native, graduated with honors of Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Pittsburgh and graduated with highest honors from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He received his Medicine and Dermatology training at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
In 1980 he completed his fellowship training in Mohs Micrographic Surgery under the direction of Dr. Frederic Mohs at the University of Wisconsin. He is board certified both in Dermatology and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. After completing his training he taught for 7 years on the Medical School faculty at the University of Pittsburgh as Associate Professor of Dermatology and Interim Chairman of the Department. He has been in private practice since 1987 and is Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology and Otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh medical Center.
Dr. Zitelli has authored over 100 articles and chapters on skin cancer surgery and reconstruction. He is recognized as a leader in his field. He has held leadership positions in most of the local, state, and national dermatology organizations and served as president of the Pennsylvania Academy of Dermatology and the American College of Mohs Surgery. Some of his honors include the Distinguished Service Award of the American College of Mohs Surgery, The Stegman Award of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, membership in the American Dermatologic Association, and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.