Harry E. Alderson obtained his M.D. degree from the University of California in 1900.  After five years of general practice in San Francisco, he worked for one year as Assistant in the skin and syphilis clinic of the Medical School of the University of California.  He continued to receive dermatological training under Fordyce at New York University, Fox and Jackson at the Vanderbilt Clinic, Bowen at Harvard, and Gilchrist at Johns Hopkins.  In 1908, he returned to rejoin the staff of the University of California, until he spent one year in Berlin, Paris, and London in 1912.

When Dr. Alderson returned from Europe, he became Professor of Dermatology and Syphilogy at Stanford Medical School and held that position until 1944, and he became Professor Emeritus.  He was also an attending dermatologist at St. Mary's Hospital, Notre Dame Hospital (now defunct) and the United States Marine Hospital.  He was a member of the State Board of Medical Examiners from 1912 to 1926 and served as its President.  In addition, he served as Secretary, President and Director of the San Francisco County Medical Society.  His biography lists many articles on dermatologic subjects published by Dr. Alderson.

Note from Dr. Rees B. Rees:
     "Dr. Alderson and I used to swim together each noon at the Olympic Club, and I considered him a close friend."