PeDRA Pearls

Dr. Chiu joins the podcast to share an update on her ongoing study, Clinical and Genetic Characterization of Recurrent Reactive Infectious Mucocutaneous Eruption (RIME).

Dr. Beth Drolet is Professor and Chair, Geneva F. and Sture Johnson Distinguished Chair at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Dr. Joy Wan is a pediatric dermatologist and an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Lynn Petukhova, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology and the Department of Population Health.

Tammy Esohe Ehimwenma Point Du Jour, Medical Student, Meharry Medical CollegeNeha Momin, Medical Student, University of HoustonRachel Zhang, Johns Hopkins UniversitySarah Commaroto, Research Fellow, University of South FloridaMadeline Guy, Medical Student, Northwest Ohio Medical University

Lawrence Eichenfield, MD reflects on the key takeaways from the International Eczema Council meeting at SID.

Dr. El-Feghaly joins the podcast to share her thoughts on the Epidermal Differentiation Disorders meeting as well as the first Gorlin Syndrome Alliance round table!

PeDRA President, Keith Choate, MD, PhD, shares his reflections on the Epidermal Differentiation Disorders Symposium!Learn more about Epidermal Differentiation Disorders.Join Jenn for an interview!

PeDRA’s Executive Director, Mike Siegel, PhD, and Director of Educational Programs, Jenn Dawson, are attending the 83rd Annual Society for Investigative Dermatology Meeting in Chicago, IL! In this bonus episode, they highlight what attendees can look forward to and why the SID meeting continues to be such a valuable gathering for the dermatology research community. Stay tuned for ongoing coverage throughout the week, including poster interviews, key takeaways from PeDRA President Keith Choate, MD, PhD, and much more.Interested in sharing your thoughts about the meeting in a brief interview with Jenn Dawson? Jenn will be on...

In this episode, host Jenn Dawson speaks with Anne Davis, Pys.D., clinical psychologist, grief and trauma specialist, and mother of Hallie Grace Davis, who lived with junctional epidermolysis bullosa (EB). Anne shares Hallie’s story and how her family created Heroes for Hallie Grace to support EB families through memorial and welcome bundles, practical assistance via the Wings of Care Initiative, community events like the Butterfly Ball, and research funding. This conversation offers a clear message for researchers and clinicians alike: center quality of life, listen to patients' and caregivers' experiences, and work together to accelerate progress....

PeDRA and the Society for Investigative Dermatology Meeting14th PeDRA Annual ConferenceRegister for the Epidermolysis Bullosa WebinarFunding OpportunitiesUpcoming Conferences

Skin reactions during pediatric cancer treatment can be painful, stigmatizing, and sometimes threaten a child’s ability to stay on therapy. In this episode of PeDRA Pearls, Dr. Christina Boull and Dr. Rebecca Levy discuss PeDRA's Skin Tumors and Reactions to Cancer Therapies (STARC) Focused Study Group and its work to prevent, recognize, and manage these toxicities. They highlight multicenter efforts spanning photosensitivity prevention, survivorship outcomes, and targeted therapy side effects—including MEK inhibitor–associated mucocutaneous toxicities—plus the need for stronger derm–onc collaboration, better trial reporting, and evidence-based consensus guidelines.Click here for more information.

In her final episode as guest host, PeDRA Fellow, Hannah Chang, talks with Dr. Andrea Zaenglein and Dr. Jonette Keri about the 2023 PeDRA consensus recommendations on using combined oral contraceptives and spironolactone for acne in patients ages 9–15. They break down what the guidance says, what to watch for, and how to counsel patients and parents with confidence.Learn more about this 2023 PeDRA Consensus Project.

In this episode, we bring together two leaders in pediatric dermatology research to explore the work of PeDRA’s Connective Tissue and Autoinflammatory Disorders Focused Study Group. Dr. Kalyani Marathe, who serves as the group’s vice chair, and Dr. Maria Teresa Garcia-Romero, the group’s chair, discuss the importance of collaboration across medical specialties and highlight ongoing studies shaping the future of care for children with autoimmune and autoinflammatory skin conditions. Together, they reflect on the impact of mentorship, patient-centered research, and the evolving landscape of pediatric dermatology.Click here to learn more!

In this special episode of PeDRA Pearls, host Jenn Dawson speaks with PeDRA Fellow Hannah Chang as she reflects on her two-year fellowship experience. Hannah shares highlights from recent conferences, key lessons from research and mentorship, and insights from her work in pediatric dermatology, education, and health equity. The conversation also looks ahead as Hannah celebrates her dermatology residency match and discusses what excites her most about the next stage of training. This episode offers a thoughtful reflection on growth, community, and the power of mentorship in pediatric dermatology.

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.