PeDRA Pearls

Reid Oldenburg, MD, PhD, joins host Jenn Dawson to discuss his journey as a clinician-scientist and his leadership of PeDRA’s Drugs and Bugs Focused Study Group. He shares how early global infectious-disease research shaped his path to dermatology, highlights ongoing projects—from genetic studies to patient-centered resources — and reflects on how collaboration and precision medicine are shaping the future of care.Drugs & Bugs Focused Study Group

Jenn Dawson and Caitlin Haskell discuss a host of upcoming PeDRA deadlines and opportunities. Here are links to all the items referenced in the episode.PeDRA funding opportunitiesPeDRA Fellow Application PeDRA Membership Renewal and SurveyNominations for the PeDRA awards programEducational catalogPeDRA events pagePeDRA at SID14th PeDRA Annual ConferencePeDRA Merch shop

Join PeDRA Fellow Hannah Chang for a roundtable discussion with special guests Dr. Jillian Rork and Dr. Deepti Gupta. Together, they discuss a recent publication titled “Impact of Persistent Alopecia on Quality of Life in Childhood Cancer and Transplant Survivors.” This article was published in Pediatric Blood & Cancer in 2025.

This episode breaks down the foundations of academic clinical research, from how studies are conceived and funded to how protocols ensure rigor, consistency, and patient safety. Listeners learn about the roles of sponsors, CROs, IRBs, and research teams, as well as the advantages and challenges of conducting trials in academic settings.This independent medical education program is supported by Incyte.Please click here for a complete list of disclosures.

Episode 2 explores how private‑practice and industry‑run clinical trials bring efficiency, flexibility, and broader patient access to the research landscape. Our guests discuss the financial and scientific motivations behind industry partnerships, the strengths and trade‑offs of private sites, and how these settings support large, fast‑moving studies. Rare‑disease trials, PK designs, and investigator‑initiated research are highlighted as key collaborative touchpoints.This independent medical education program is supported by Incyte.Please click here for a complete list of disclosures.

In this final episode, we examine how academia and industry work together to advance research and improve patient outcomes. The conversation highlights real‑world examples of shared data, translational science partnerships, diagnostic insights, and coordinated patient care. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of how combined expertise strengthens clinical trials and expands access to innovative therapies.This independent medical education program is supported by Incyte. Click here for a complete list of disclosures.

PeDRA Fellow Hannah Chang hosts a roundtable discussion with Dr. Jillian Rork and Dr. Deepti Gupta about a recent publication titled: Photo Protection in Skin of Color: A Scoping Review of Barriers, Behaviors, and Pediatric Considerations. This article was published in Pediatric Dermatology in September 2025.Tell us about you by taking this 1-question survey!

PeDRA Fellow Hannah Chang hosts a roundtable discussion with Dr. Jillian Rork and Dr. Deepti Gupta about a recent publication titled: Prevalence and Demographics of Psoriasis in the Down Syndrome Population: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Using the Epic Cosmos Dataset. This article was published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in September 2025.Tell us about you by taking this 1-question survey!

In this episode of PeDRA Pearls, we’re joined by Meredith Weiss, Executive Director of the Gorlin Syndrome Alliance (GSA), to explore the intersection of patient advocacy, education, and research. Meredith shares her personal journey into rare disease advocacy and discusses how the GSA supports patients through community-building, clinician-led education, and a growing commitment to funding research–particularly in dermatology. Together, we highlight the critical role patient advocacy organizations play in improving quality of life and advancing meaningful, patient-centered research.Gorlin Syndrome Alliance RFATell us about yourself!

In this episode of PeDRA Pearls, PeDRA Fellow Hannah Chang speaks with Dr. Milie Fang, a pediatric dermatology fellow at Seattle Children’s Hospital, about her journey into pediatric dermatology. Dr. Fang reflects on how her personal experience with eczema sparked her interest in the field, her evolving research focus, and the mentorship and community she’s found through PeDRA. They also discuss navigating imposter syndrome, building a career in academic medicine, and her hopes for the future of pediatric dermatology.Tell us about you!

Irene Lara-Corrales, MD is an Associate Professor of Dermatology at the University of Toronto and a pediatric dermatologist at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, Canada. She knew early on that pediatric dermatology was her calling, and her dedication to advancing care for children with complex skin diseases deepened after caring for an infant with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) during her residency in Costa Rica. Most recently, Dr. Lara-Corrales has been a leading champion for hidradenitis suppurativa within PeDRA and across the broader pediatric dermatology research community. Watch or listen to learn more about her professional journey, research passions, and the personal interests that inspire her— including her love of books and tea.Please note - this interview originally aired in April 2023.

At the time of this interview in 2021, Dr. Carrie Coughlin was an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. She was also the Chair of the PeDRA Outcomes Committee, a member of the Meetings and Studies Committees, and led the Skin Tumors and Reactions to Cancer Therapies (STARC) Focused Study Group. Since then, she has become an Associate Professor of Dermatology and is serving as the Treasurer for PeDRA's Board of Directors. In this episode, Dr. Coughlin shares insights into her work, her leadership within PeDRA, and why effectively communicating pediatric dermatology research beyond the specialty is essential for advancing patient care and collaboration.Click here to listen to interviews with other PeDRA Board Members. Lastly, please fill out this anonymous 1-question survey.

Colleen Cotton, MD is a Pediatric Dermatologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Dermatology at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC. Dr. Cotton joined PeDRA as a research fellow in 2013 and was one of the first PeDRA Fellows. She now serves on PeDRA's Early Investigator and Meetings Committees, as well as a participant in PeDRA’s Mentorship Program as both a mentor and mentee. Be sure to watch to the end to learn more about Dr. Cotton’s unique hidden talent.This episode originally aired in September 2022. Since then, Dr. Cotton has now taken over as Chair of the Early Investigator Committee and has joined PeDRA's Board of Directors.

This is part three—and the final installment—of our series on complementary and alternative medicine in pediatric dermatology. In this episode, we turn our focus to the future, examining key research gaps, promising areas for investigation, and opportunities for collaboration. Dr. Peter Lio and Dr. Larry Eichenfield share their perspectives on where integrative approaches may intersect with advancing science, and how curiosity, rigor, and innovation can help move the field forward.Special thanks to Incyte for supporting this independent medical education program.Tell us about yourself by filling out this 1-question survey.

This is part two of our conversation on complementary and alternative medicine in pediatric dermatology. While these approaches may offer benefits, they can also carry risks—especially when misinformation spreads quickly online. In this episode, Dr. Peter Lio and Dr. Larry Eichenfield explore how pediatric dermatologists can assess safety, address popular but unproven therapies, and support families in making informed decisions, all while maintaining strong, trusting clinical relationships.Special thanks to Incyte for supporting this independent education program.Tell us about yourself by filling out this 1-question survey.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a topic that’s increasingly shaping conversations in pediatric dermatology clinics: complementary and alternative therapies. Families are asking about everything from dietary changes to topical botanicals—and clinicians are navigating how to respond with empathy, evidence, and safety in mind. Joined by Dr. Peter Lio and Dr. Larry Eichenfield, we’ll explore why interest in these therapies is growing, which approaches families are using most, and how pediatric dermatologists can engage in these conversations thoughtfully and effectively.Thank you to Incyte for supporting this independent medical education program.Tell us about yourself by filling out this 1-question survey.

In this special 2025 Year in Review episode of PeDRA Pearls, host Jenn Dawson is joined by PeDRA Executive Director Mike Siegel for a wide-ranging and reflective conversation on the year behind—and what lies ahead for pediatric dermatology research. Together, they explore how the PeDRA community navigated uncertainty in the broader research landscape while continuing to make meaningful progress across collaborative research, funding, education, events, and patient engagement.Tell us about yourself by filling out this ONE-question survey.Donate today.

In this episode, Dr. Pope shares her journey into pediatric dermatology, the surprising role mentorship played in shaping her academic career, and how her clinical passions grew into a rich and varied research portfolio spanning rare diseases, clinical trials, guidelines, and collaborative multicenter work. We also dive into her vision for PeDRA’s future, the evolving landscape of research, and the tools she believes will empower the next generation of investigators.

Sherry Baluch brings a unique blend of clinical and technical experience to PeDRA. She attended medical school before earning a Master’s in Computer Science and transitioning into healthcare technology. In a previous role as a Technical Project Manager, she led strategic modernization initiatives to improve lab operations and data systems. Sherry is passionate about supporting PeDRA’s mission to advance collaborative research that improves the lives of children with skin disease.

In this episode, nurse practitioner Nichole Halliburton from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital shares practical, real-world guidance on managing epidermolysis bullosa (EB). She breaks down EB subtypes, key stages of wound healing, and everyday challenges patients and caregivers face. Nichole offers actionable strategies for bathing, blister care, dressing changes, and the use of birch triterpenes in wound management. She also highlights the emotional and logistical burden of EB and the importance of support, education, and individualized care. This conversation is a helpful resource for clinicians, caregivers, and anyone involved in EB care. This podcast is being hosted by PeDRA and sponsored by Chiesi. PeDRA will evaluate content for suitability for its audience, but is not responsible for creating content, selecting speakers, or delivering presentations. Learn more about Nichole Halliburton, MSN, APRN-CNP

In this episode of PeDRA Pearls, we sit down with Dr. Marcia Hogeling, Associate Professor of Dermatology and Residency Program Director at UCLA. Dr. Hogeling shares her inspiring journey from pediatrics to pediatric dermatology, reflecting on the mentors who shaped her career and the importance of guiding the next generation of clinicians and researchers. She also discusses her diverse research interests—from vascular birthmarks to inflammatory skin diseases—and offers an inside look at her new role as Chair of PeDRA’s Outcomes Committee. Tune in to learn how Dr. Hogeling and her colleagues are measuring impact, fostering collaboration, and advancing the field of pediatric dermatology—all while keeping a love for mentorship, research, and even skiing at the heart of her work.Update your profile and renew your membership today!

In this third and final episode, we're diving deep into how emerging insights about the microbiome are shaping the way clinicians counsel families and care for pediatric patients. Dr. Shoch and Dr. Castelo-Soccio share how understanding the microbiome has changed their clinical practice, from their approach to bathing routines and yeast overgrowth to dietary counseling and the cautious use of probiotics and bleach baths. Together, they explore what we know and what we don't, and where the future of microbiome research in pediatric dermatology might be headed.

In this second episode, we discuss how infant microbiomes develop and what factors shape them, and how early life disruptions may increase the risk of disease. The conversation also touches on the hygiene and biodiversity hypothesis, the role of dysbiosis in conditions like atopic dermatitis, and the ongoing challenge of teasing apart whether microbiome shifts are causes or markers of disease.Special thanks to Incyte for supporting this independent medical education program.

November is Hyperhidrosis Awareness Month, and we’re revisiting an episode from our archives. Tune in for an engaging and informative conversation about the burden and stigma surrounding pediatric hyperhidrosis. Executive Director and Founding Member Lisa Pieretti eloquently discusses the gaps in pediatric hyperhidrosis research and emphasizes the importance of education and awareness. In the second interview, hear from an entire family as they share how they cope with hyperhidrosis and their hopes for future research. Learn more at www.sweathelp.org.

The gut and skin microbiomes are an area that is rapidly evolving and holds promise for reshaping our understanding of, prevention, and treatment of pediatric skin disease. This friendly discussion, spanning three episodes, will explore emerging research, theories on microbiome–immune interactions, and what pediatric dermatologists should know about the skin–gut connection.Special thanks to Incyte for supporting this independent medical education program.

We're reaching all the way back into our 2020 archives to bring you a Getting to Know You with Dr. Heather Brandling-Bennett. Listen as she shares her journey into pediatric dermatology, the “aha” moments that shaped her career, and how collaboration through PeDRA continues to drive innovation in research. She offers inspiring advice for early investigators about finding passion, embracing balance, and building community in science.Please note - Dr. Brandling Bennett is now a Professor of Dermatology at the University of Washington and Fellowship Director at Seattle Children's Hospital. This interview originally aired in 2021.Learn more about Dr. Brandling Bennett.

Hosted in partnership with Chiesi, Dr. Joyce Teng and Dr. Emily Gorell share their real-world clinical experiences, highlighting how birch triterpenes may work to accelerate wound healing, reduce inflammation, and potentially improve quality of life for patients living with dystrophic and junctional epidermolysis bullosa (EB). The program also touches on the importance of wound preparation, combinatorial approaches to therapy, and holistic care approaches for these patients.This is an audio version of a webinar that includes slides. To view the slides referenced in this program, please click here.A complete list of guests' disclosures can also be found here.This webinar is being hosted by PeDRA and sponsored by Chiesi. PeDRA will evaluate content for suitability for its audience, but is not responsible for the creation of content, selection of speakers, or delivery of presentations. For a complete list of presenter disclosures, please click on the presenters’ photographs.

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