PeDRA Pearls

In this episode of PeDRA Pearls, Jenn Dawson talks with Tina Ho, MD, PhD, and Joy Wan, MD, about the Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis Focused Study Group and its collaborative efforts to advance pediatric dermatology research. They explore the impact of eczema on children and families, the importance of patient-reported outcomes and treatment access, and how bringing researchers together through PeDRA can turn ideas into meaningful research.This episode is presented by Disc Medicine. Although Disc Medicine provided funding for this PeDRA Pearls Podcast, the contents of the podcast were developed independently by PeDRA. Learn more about Disc Medicine.

In this episode of PeDRA Pearls, Jenn Dawson welcomes Delaney Ding, PeDRA’s Research Fellow, to discuss his journey as an MD-PhD student and his work at the intersection of pediatric dermatology, epidemiology, data science, and patient advocacy. Delaney shares insights from his research on skin cancer among people living with HIV, as well as his commitment to patient-centered research, vulnerable populations, and meaningful outcomes. He also discusses the importance of mentorship and collaboration, as well as the unexpected opportunities that can shape a research career. As PeDRA’s inaugural Research Fellow, Delaney shares his vision for advancing research to improve patient outcomes and strengthen the pediatric dermatology community.This episode is presented by Disc Medicine. Although Disc Medicine provided funding for this PeDRA Pearls Podcast, the contents of the podcast were developed independently by PeDRA. Learn more about Disc Medicine.

In this episode of PeDRA Pearls, Jenn Dawson welcomes back Stefanos Koutsoukos for a deeper conversation about research on rare genetic skin diseases through the lens of both lived experience and bench science. Stefanos shares his family’s diagnostic journey, the evolving terminology surrounding ichthyosis and epidermal differentiation disorders, and how advances in genetics, stem cell models, and patient-reported outcomes are helping shape the future of meaningful therapies. Now a graduate student at the University of Colorado Anschutz, Stefanos is researching rare genetic skin diseases and is a recipient of a 2025 PeDRA Research Fellowship, working under the mentorship of Ganna Bilousova, PhD.This episode is presented by Disc Medicine. Although Disc Medicine provided funding for this PeDRA Pearls Podcast, the contents of the podcast were developed independently by PeDRA. Learn more about Disc Medicine.

Join Jenn Dawson and Mitchell Hanson for some quick-hitting "research hot takes!"Topical Therapies Supporting Links and Articleshttps://nextstepsinderm.com/derm-topics/expanding-the-treatment-landscape-for-atopic-dermatitis-hidradenitis-suppurativa-and-chronic-hand-eczema/https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/advancing-topical-stewardship-and-expanding-nonsteroidal-optionshttps://www.arcutis.com/arcutis-announces-publication-of-positive-long-term-safety-and-efficacy-data-with-zoryve-roflumilast-cream-0-05-for-treatment-of-mild-to-moderate-atopic-dermatitis-in-children-ages-2-5/Social Unrest Leads to Access Barriers Supporting Links and ArticlesC. L. Presley, J. Meisenheimer VII, C. W. Rundle, S. Maguiness, I. A. Maher, and A. J. M. Anderson, “Social Unrest and Its Implications on the Pediatric Dermatological Patient: Lessons From a Single Center Academic Dermatology Department,” Pediatric Dermatology (2026): 1–2, https://doi.org/10.1111/pde.70260.Mukerjee K, Shah S, Falusi O. State Policies and Access to Care for Immigrant Children—Implications for Pediatric Health Outcomes. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(12):e2545833. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.45833Skin of Color in Pediatric Dermatology Supporting Links and ArticlesDondi, A., Ranieri, A., Andreozzi, L., Leuzzi, M., D'Alanno, G., Pierantoni, L., Zama, D., Battelli, E., Calegari, R., Borghesi, A., Lanari, M., & Neri, I. (2026). Skin of Color in Pediatric Dermatology: A Cross-Sectional Retrospective Analysis Addressing Inclusive Diagnosis and Care. Life (Basel, Switzerland), 16(4), 578. https://doi.org/10.3390/life16040578Fagan E, Reagen C, Ituarte B, Shet P, Shaver-Dominguez N, Harter N, Wei EX, Oudenhoven M. Trends in Pediatric Representation Within Skin of Color Dermatology Literature: A Decade-Long Analysis. Pediatr Dermatol. 2026 Jan-Feb;43(1):95-97. doi: 10.1111/pde.16038. Epub 2025 Aug 13. PMID: 41611238.This episode is presented by Disc Medicine. Although Disc Medicine provided funding for this PeDRA Pearls Podcast, the contents of the podcast were developed independently by PeDRA. Learn more about Disc Medicine.

In this episode of PeDRA Pearls, Jenn Dawson talks with Colleen Cotton, MD, and Dawn Eichenfield, MD, PhD, leaders of PeDRA’s Acne and Hidradenitis Suppurativa Focus Study Group, about the evolving research landscape for pediatric acne and HS. Together, they discuss the importance of early recognition and referral, patient-centered research, pediatric-specific outcomes, and emerging areas of study, including post-isotretinoin care, stigma, laser hair removal, GLP-1 receptor agonists, hormonal therapies, and gender-affirming care. The conversation highlights how collaboration across clinicians, researchers, patients, and families is helping better shape care for children and adolescents living with chronic inflammatory skin disease.This episode is presented by Disc Medicine. Although Disc Medicine provided funding for this PeDRA Pearls Podcast, the contents of the podcast were developed independently by PeDRA. Learn more about Disc Medicine.

In this episode of PeDRA Pearls, Heather Gochnauer, MD, joins the podcast to talk about her path into pediatric dermatology, her work at Rady Children’s and UC San Diego, and the clinical and research questions that motivate her early career. This conversation explores continuity of care from childhood into adulthood, Heather’s growing focus on connective tissue disease, and the role of collaboration, mentorship, and curiosity in shaping meaningful research for patients and families.This episode is presented by Disc Medicine. Although Disc Medicine provided funding for this PeDRA Pearls Podcast, the contents of the podcast were developed independently by PeDRA. Learn more about Disc Medicine

In this episode, Jason Hawkes, MD, returns to discuss the evolving role of translational dermatology in bringing scientific discoveries closer to patient care. He shares how advances in immunology and clinical trials are transforming treatment for psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, urticaria, vitiligo, alopecia areata, and other inflammatory skin diseases. The conversation also explores personalized treatment, whole-person health, access to care through clinical research, and the growing opportunities for pediatric dermatologists to participate in research outside traditional academic settings.This episode is presented by Disc Medicine. Although Disc Medicine provided funding for this PeDRA Pearls Podcast, the contents of the podcast were developed independently by PeDRA. Learn more about Disc Medicine

In this episode of PeDRA Pearls, we explore the discovery of Bachmann-Bupp syndrome and the remarkable collaboration that transformed a single patient observation into a growing body of research and a promising treatment pathway. Host Jenn Dawson speaks with Caleb Bupp, MD, Andre Bachmann, PhD, and Liz VanSickle, PhD, about the genetics, skin and hair findings, and translational science behind this ultra-rare disorder, as well as the critical role pediatric dermatologists can play in recognizing patients, advancing research, and building connections for families navigating rare disease.

In this episode of PeDRA Pearls, host Jenn Dawson welcomes Mitchell Hanson, MD, MPH, PeDRA’s new Education Fellow, for a conversation about connection, service, and intentionality in pediatric dermatology. Mitchell shares how his path through neuroscience, public health, medical education, and community-centered initiatives led him to PeDRA, and reflects on the importance of keeping patients at the center of research and education. Listeners will hear about his passion for making pediatric dermatology more accessible, the lessons he learned through global health work and SunSafe Augusta, and how setbacks can become meaningful redirections toward purpose.

In the first installment of PeDRA’s 2026 educational series – Research in Action: Advancing Care for Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), Dr. Peter Marinkovich of Stanford University provides a timely overview of emerging therapies and clinical research in EB, including gene therapies, cell-based approaches, inflammation-targeted treatments, and strategies to improve wound care and long-term outcomes. Dr. Marinkovich includes an excerpt from Aaron Owens, a dystrophic EB patient who participated in a clinical trial. Designed for clinicians, researchers, patients, caregivers, and others involved in EB care, this program highlights recent progress in the field and the collaborative work driving better treatment options for patients.Click here to view the video version of this webinar.Special thanks to BioMendics, Castle Creek Biosciences, Chiesi, and Krystal Biotech for their support of the 2026 EB Educational Series. PeDRA is solely responsible for all program content and the selection of all presenters, authors, moderators, and faculty.

Tune in to hear Dr. Cathryn Sibbald and Dr. Ilka Netravali, leaders of PeDRA’s Hair Disorders Focused Study Group, explore how pediatric hair disorders research is evolving beyond alopecia areata. They discuss multicenter studies, emerging biomarkers and precision medicine approaches, cross-specialty collaboration, and the importance of incorporating patient and family perspectives to improve care. The conversation highlights how this growing body of research is helping move the field toward more personalized, evidence-based, and equitable treatment for children with hair disorders.

In this episode, host Jenn Dawson talks with Dr. Dawn Davis, Dr. Amy Paller, and Dr. Larry Eichenfield about the newly published pediatric atopic dermatitis guidelines and what they mean for clinicians, patients, and families. Together, they unpack the evidence behind prevention, comorbidities, and treatment recommendations, discuss how rapidly the therapeutic landscape is evolving, and highlight the biggest unanswered questions that remain in research. The conversation also explores the importance of patient advocacy, shared decision-making, and improving access to care as the field moves toward more personalized treatment.Guidelines of care for primary prevention of atopic dermatitis and awareness of comorbid conditions in pediatric atopic dermatitis.Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis in pediatric patients.Please click here for a list of speakers' conflicts of interest.

In this episode of PeDRA Pearls, Jenn Dawson is joined by PeDRA Executive Director Mike Siegel and Outcomes Committee Chair Dr. Marcia Hogeling to recap key themes from the Society for Investigative Dermatology (SID) meeting. They discuss emerging trends in dermatology research, including the growing role of genetics, molecular diagnostics, multi-omics, and biologic therapies, as well as highlights from PeDRA’s featured session on vascular anomalies, rare skin diseases, and RIME. The conversation also explores the importance of patient advocacy, collaboration between clinicians and basic scientists, and the exciting future of pediatric dermatology research.Announcements:Register for the Epidermolysis Bullosa webinar with Dr. Peter MarinkovichRegister for the 14th PeDRA Annual Conference

Meredith Weiss joins the podcast to discuss a study that was presented in the inaugural Gorlin Syndrome Alliance Round Table session at the Society for Investigative Dermatology (SID) meeting. Meredith is the Executive Director for the Gorlin Syndrome Alliance.Novel PTCH1 Variants in Gorlin Syndrome Identified through Genomic Analysis of 118 Patients. The authors of this study are:Ryan Kern*1, Amy Xiong1, Qianqian Wang2, Philip Beachy2, Jean Tang11Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States; 2Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United StatesPlease click here for more information about the Gorlin Syndrome Alliance.

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

Ganna Bilousova, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Dermatology at the University of Colorado and mentor to Stefanos Koutsoukos, a PhD candidate at the University of Colorado. Dr. Bilousova and Stefanos received a 2025 PeDRA Research Fellowship Award for their project, Characterizing Deficits in Early-Stage Autophagy and Lipid Accumulation in iPSC-Derived Fibroblasts and Keratinocytes from Individuals with Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa. In this episode, they discuss findings from the study as presented at the Society for Investigative Dermatology (SID) Annual Meeting.

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

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

Michael Howell, PhD, is an immunologist and the Founder and President of Mountaineer Biosciences.

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

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

Dr. Megha Tollefson, Department Chair of Dermatology, Professor of Pediatrics and Dermatology at the Mayo Clinic, and PeDRA President-Elect, shares her key takeaways from the PeDRA session at SID.

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-site through Friday afternoon — reach out here to connect!

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.Please click here to learn more about Heroes for Hallie Grace.

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.

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.