Advertise on podcast: PeDRA Pearls

Join pediatric dermatologist Joseph Lam, MD, for a conversation about how curiosity, collaboration, and compassion shape research—from vitiligo and rare diseases to skin conditions across diverse skin tones. With insights from mentoring medical students and raising four teenagers, he shares why meaningful care starts with listening to patients and understanding how skin disease affects the whole family. This episode is presented by Palvella Therapeutics. Although Palvella Therapeutics provided funding for this PeDRA Pearls Podcast, the contents of the podcast were developed independently by PeDRA. Learn more about Palvella Therapeutics.

On this episode of PeDRA Pearls, PeDRA's Executive Director, Mike Siegel, PhD joins host, Jenn Dawson for a recap of the 2026 PeDRA Annual Conference. Together, they explore how record attendance, shared resources, and stronger patient partnerships are energizing pediatric dermatology research. From inspiring research presentations to Dash for Discovery and Mini Camp Wonder, they celebrate the connections that make this community special. Tune in to hear how PeDRA is carrying that momentum forward to advance research focused on outcomes that matter most to patients. Learn more about the upcoming Pathways to Progress Summit. This episode is presented by Palvella Therapeutics. Although Palvella Therapeutics provided funding for this PeDRA Pearls Podcast, the contents of the podcast were developed independently by PeDRA. Learn more about Palvella Therapeutics.

In this episode, clinicians and a parent advocate explore what EB research and clinical trials mean for patients and families. Pediatric dermatologist Lara Wine Lee, MD, PhD, and Deana Calhoun, whose daughter Cooper lives with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), discuss the research pipeline, treatment studies, placebo-controlled trials, eligibility, informed consent and assent, and the practical realities of participation. Their conversation highlights the importance of clear communication, patient-centered trial design, and including children and families in decisions about research and care. For a complete list of guest disclosures, please click here. 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.

In honor of EB Awareness Week, we're bringing you the second episode in our Research In Action: Advancing Care for Epidermolysis Bullosa series. Jean Tang, MD, PhD, joins Marissa Perman, MD, and Irene Lara-Corrales, MD, MSc, to discuss the rapidly evolving treatment and research landscape for epidermolysis bullosa (EB). Together, they explore newly approved therapies, emerging approaches like gene therapy and CRISPR, the realities of clinical trial participation, and the ongoing challenges of access and daily care. The conversation offers a thoughtful balance of practical guidance, scientific progress, and hope for the future of EB treatment. For a complete list of guest disclosures, please click here. 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.

In today's episode, Denise Metry, MD, shares how mentors, patients, and unexpected opportunities shaped her career and commitment to PHACE and LUMBAR syndrome research. She discusses the power of multidisciplinary collaboration, patient-guided priorities, and the upcoming 2027 PHACE Syndrome Community research and family meeting. She also reflects on transforming personal loss into purpose through her 2025 Boston Marathon fundraiser, which raised $40,000 for future research. This episode is presented by Palvella Therapeutics. Although Palvella Therapeutics provided funding for this PeDRA Pearls Podcast, the contents of the podcast were developed independently by PeDRA. Learn more about Palvella Therapeutics.

In this episode, Guin and her mother, Jill Salas, join PHACE Syndrome Community program manager Moureen Wenik to share a powerful story of diagnosis, resilience, and advocacy. They reflect on Guin's journey from complex medical challenges in infancy to becoming a college athlete and aspiring health care professional. The conversation also explores the vital role of family support, patient communities, research, and self-advocacy in helping people with PHACE Syndrome find answers and shape better care. Their message is clear: lived experience can drive meaningful change, and no family has to navigate a rare condition alone. This episode is presented by Palvella Therapeutics. Although Palvella Therapeutics provided funding for this PeDRA Pearls Podcast, the contents of the podcast were developed independently by PeDRA. Learn more about Palvella Therapeutics.

Pediatric dermatologist Cheryl Bayart, MD, joins PeDRA Pearls to discuss the mentors, patients, and collaborators who shaped her path from clinician to researcher and fellowship leader. She shares the story behind her PeDRA-supported project to develop expert guidance for laser treatment of port-wine capillary malformations in infants, reflects on lessons learned from families living with rare skin conditions, and explains how thoughtful, child-centered procedural care can create better healthcare experiences for life. This episode is presented by Palvella Therapeutics. Although Palvella Therapeutics provided funding for this PeDRA Pearls Podcast, the contents of the podcast were developed independently by PeDRA. Learn more about Palvella Therapeutics.

In this episode of PeDRA Pearls, host Jenn Dawson talks with Ilka Netravali, MD, about insights from the National Alopecia Areata Foundation’s annual conference. Dr. Netravali explores emerging treatments for pediatric alopecia areata, the research questions that matter most to patients and families, and the importance of individualized care. Dr. Netravali also discusses the powerful role of community in helping children and caregivers feel supported and connected. The conversation highlights a central message: meaningful care means treating the child and family, not just the alopecia. For patient and caregiver resources, please visit www.naaf.org. This episode is presented by Palvella Therapeutics. Although Palvella Therapeutics provided funding for this PeDRA Pearls Podcast, the contents of the podcast were developed independently by PeDRA. Learn more about Palvella Therapeutics.

In this episode of PeDRA Pearls, Deepti Gupta, MD, joins Jenn Dawson to discuss how patient meetings advance care and research for congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN). Reflecting on the Nevus Outreach Conference, Dr. Gupta highlights how collaboration among families, clinicians, researchers, and advocates can amplify patient voices, inspire new research questions, and improve education for rare disease communities. Dr. Gupta brings a unique perspective to this work as both a clinician-researcher in the field and a mother of a child living with CNM, providing valuable insight into both the scientific and lived experiences of this condition 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 bonus episode of PeDRA Pearls, Carrie Coughlin, MD, MPHS, is joined by a panel of experts to explore how quality improvement and implementation science can help clinicians translate evidence into better, more sustainable care in pediatric dermatology. Through practical examples, Larry Eichenfield, MD, Joanna Tu, MD, and Enyo Ablordeppey, MD, MPH, discuss patient safety, dissemination, implementation and de-implementation, and strategies to identify barriers, measure outcomes, and support lasting change. Listeners will gain ideas for launching projects at any scale—from focused improvements within a clinic to broader system-wide initiatives—and for adapting solutions to their local context. Through a special collaboration, PeDRA and Lilly have released a new funding opportunity to support healthcare improvement (HCI) initiatives related to adolescent atopic dermatitis (AD). With an application deadline of September 30, 2026, this new program may fund up to two projects, each with a budget of up to $450,000. Learn more and apply.

In this episode, Laura Douglas, Senior Manager of Grants and Impact at the Arthritis National Research Foundation (ANRF), discusses the importance of funding early-career investigators and advancing pediatric arthritis and autoimmune disease research. Learn how ANRF and PeDRA are partnering through the Rheum for Kids grant to support innovative research at the intersection of rheumatology and dermatology. Click here for more information about the grant, and here for information about ANRF. 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. PeDRA Conference RegistrationDash for DiscoveryArthritis National Research FoundationAnna Costello, MD Webinar

In this episode of PeDRA Pearls, host Jenn Dawson welcomes back Emily Gorell, DO, of the University of Colorado to discuss the growing momentum within the epidermolysis bullosa (EB) community. They explore the impact of new and emerging therapies, the importance of centering patient voices, and ongoing challenges related to treatment access and adult EB care. The conversation also highlights opportunities for multidisciplinary collaboration and the vital role of patient-focused meetings in advancing meaningful progress in EB research, care, and advocacy. Pediatric Dermatology Journal 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 and PeDRA’s Executive Director, Mike Siegel, PhD, preview the upcoming PeDRA Annual Conference, happening October 15–17 in Alexandria, Virginia. Centered on the theme “From Intention to Impact: Making Space for Research,” the conversation highlights what attendees can expect—from collaborative sessions and CME opportunities to patient and industry engagement, poster presentations, the NextGen Research Forum, Camp Wonder at PeDRA, Dash for Discovery, and plenty of community-building fun. Tune in to see how PeDRA brings people together to move pediatric dermatology research forward. Register Now!Conference DetailsBachmann Bupp Episode 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 speaks with Sarah Kamsiah Zemlok, MD, and Jeff Yu, MD about their PeDRA-funded research on how children and families understand patch testing results. Their conversation explores the challenges of translating results into everyday allergen avoidance, especially across home, school, daycare, and other environments. They also discuss the importance of ongoing patient education, stronger support tools, and meaningful mentorship in pediatric dermatology research. This episode highlights how patient-centered research can help families move from results to real-life care. This project was funded through a 2024 PeDRA Research Fellowship Grant, Assessment of Parent-Child Comprehension of Pediatric Patch Testing and Barriers to Improvement, and has resulted in one publication, Beyond the Grid: A Case Series of Parent-Child Comprehension of Patch Testing Results, published in Pediatric Dermatology in 2026. 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 speaks with Courtney Smith, MD and Howa Yueng, MD, MSc, about their research on acne risk and dermatologic care among transgender and gender-diverse adolescents receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy. They discuss how patient-centered questions shaped the study, what their findings reveal about acne risk following testosterone or estradiol initiation, and why access, mentorship, and health equity are essential to improving dermatologic care. 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.