PeDRA

Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance

2022 Annual Conference

In 2022, the 10th PeDRA Annual Conference brought together more than 300 participants—including dedicated scientists, industry partners, patients, and advocates—to learn, share, and advance research that improves the lives of children facing the burden of skin disease. The Conference was held on November 3-5 at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Convention Center as a hybrid event with a focus on in-person engagement and the option to participate virtually.

Recordings

Recordings are now available for registered attendees to view.

Highlights

  • Reimagining Community – The conference kicked off with a look at the past, present, and future of the pediatric dermatology research community along with an energizing audience activity.
  • Chasing My Cure – Keynote session featured David Fajgenbaum, MD, MBA from the University of Pennsylvania, who shared his experience building the Castleman Disease Collaborative Network, creating a community of scientists, and fostering a paradigm-shifting economic model for clinical research.
  • Finding Your Purpose – Featured speaker, Vic Strecher, PhD, MPH from the University of Michigan spoke on leveraging collective genius and purpose to break down barriers and create breakthroughs with collaborative research.
  • Saturday morning focus on NIH – PeDRA welcomed the new director of NIAMS, Lindsey Criswell, MD, MPH, DSc, for a featured presentation followed by a plenary session on the community of resources at NIH.
  • Introducing Yourself to Your Community – The 2022 Early Investigator Forum welcomed back Melissa Marshall for a dynamic session that prepared early investigators for the all-important elevator pitch.
  • 2nd Annual NextGen Research Forum – Students and recent graduates had the chance to present research and gain valuable career guidance.
  • Skill-Building Workshops led by expert moderators on Grant Writing, Building your Clinical Trial Toolkit, and Addressing Health Disparities Through Research.
  • Breakout Sessions – Focused Study Groups and project teams came together to discuss new and ongoing collaborative research studies.   
  • Original Research shared during two poster receptions and as oral presentations of selected abstracts.
  • Patient Engagement activities, including the 3rd Camp Wonder at PeDRA hosted by the Children’s Skin Disease Foundation.
  • 2022 Dash for Discovery Fun Run/Walk gave runners and walkers of all ages and abilities the chance support pediatric dermatology research while staying healthy and having fun.
  • Partner Exhibits – Patient groups and industry partners shared resources and connected with attendees.
  • View the Full Agenda

2022 PeDRA Annual Conference Photo Recap

Conference Chairs

Michele Ramien, MD

University of Calgary

Chair

    Lisa Arkin, MD

    University of Wisconsin

    Vice Chair

      Chairs planned the PeDRA Annual Conference with critical leadership and support from the PeDRA Meetings Committee.

      Registration

      Registration is now closed. Registration for on-demand access is available for PeDRA Members. Please send us an email with any questions.

      Travel Scholarships

      PeDRA offered a limited number of scholarships for Trainee Members and Active or Affiliate Members who were fewer than 2 years out of training to facilitate their in-person participation at the 2022 PeDRA Annual Conference.

      PeDRA is committed to enhancing equity, diversity, and inclusion across all of its programs, including the Annual Conference. 2022 PeDRA Annual Conference Travel Scholarships intended to provide access to the Conference to trainees and new investigators from all backgrounds including, but not limited to, underrepresented minorities in medicine (URiM).

      Abstracts and Posters

      Over 100 abstracts were accepted and presented at the Conference during two poster viewing receptions and as digital posters on the App.

      Special Events

      NextGen Research Forum

      The 2nd Annual NextGen Research Forum provided an opportunity for students and research graduates to grow their networks, develop relevant skill, and present their research during the PeDRA Annual Conference. The 2022 NextGen Research Forum was co-chaired by Keith Choate, MD, PhD of Yale University and Lara Wine Lee, MD, PhD of the Medical University of South Carolina, and supported by other established PeDRA investigators as moderators.

      Dash for Discovery fun run/walk

      In 2022, PeDRA held its second-ever fun run to give runners and walkers of all ages and abilities the chance to support research and collaboration in the field of pediatric dermatology with their choice of a 5K fun run/walk or a child-friendly 1-mile run/walk. The 2022 Dash took place as a hybrid event, giving in-person attendees at the 2022 PeDRA Annual Conference the option to join a pace group led by a PeDRA leader on one of many routes departing from the conference hotel, and virtual participants the chance to run or walk a course of their own design.

      Camp Wonder at PeDRA

      This FREE, kids-only event was hosted through a special partnership with the Children’s Skin Disease Foundation (CSDF). The folks at CSDF have been running the full Camp Wonder since 2001 as a week-long escape for children with chronic and life-threatening skin diseases to take a break from being a patient and focus on being a kid. They are experts at creating fun for children and PeDRA was proud to welcome them back to this year’s conference.

      Breakout Sessions

      The following Breakout Sessions were held throughout the conference as venues to discuss new or ongoing collaborative research projects:

      • Acne & HS
      • Atopic Dermatitis & Psoriasis
      • Birthmarks
      • Connective Tissue & Autoinflammatory Disorders
      • Cross-Cutting Research
      • Drugs & Bugs
      • Genetic Skin Disorders
      • Hair Disorders
      • Neonatal Skin Care
      • Patient-Focused Breakout Session
      • Skin of Color & Pigmentary Disorders
      • Skin Tumors and Reactions to Cancer Therapies (STARC)

      Partnering

      The 2022 conference provided many partnership opportunities for industry and patient advocacy organizations.

      Supporters

      Funding for this conference was made possible (in part) by (1R13AR082270-01) from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS).The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention by trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

      Last updated November 30, 2022

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