To address the devastating burden of pediatric skin diseases, and overcome challenges facing clinician scientists in the field, the Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance (PeDRA) has created an infrastructure for efficient, collaborative research. PeDRA was formed in 2012 by leaders from the Society for Pediatric Dermatology (SPD) with the goal of bringing together pediatric dermatologists from across North America to collaborate on research that would never be accomplished on a meaningful timescale were any investigator to take it on alone. In this way, PeDRA is generating meaningful data to support health care decisions and improve the lives of patients and their families, while building a community of linked and research-ready clinician scientists in the field of pediatric dermatology.
PeDRA is a collaborative research network, providing a platform from which pediatric dermatologists organize studies and collaborate, while also supporting individuals embarking on early stage research that may or may not benefit from collaboration in future. Pooling resources and linking investigators together multiplies the power of each individual clinician scientist many-fold. With more than 280 clinician researchers representing more than 130 institutions, PeDRA is accelerating research and bringing us closer to new treatment opportunities for children and families living with dermatologic conditions and diseases.
PeDRA is an independent nonprofit organization that works in close collaboration with, and serves as the research arm of, the Society for Pediatric Dermatology (SPD).
Mission and Vision
The PeDRA Mission
To promote and facilitate high-quality collaborative clinical, translational, educational, and basic science research in pediatric dermatology.
The PeDRA Vision
To create sustainable, collaborative networks to better understand, prevent, treat, and cure dermatologic diseases in children.
Research Areas
Most of PeDRA’s research takes place within one of five collaborative working groups – Birthmarks, Inflammatory Skin Disease, Genetic Skin Disorders, Neonatal Skin Care, and Skin Tumors and Reactions to Cancer Therapies (STARC). Each working group consists of dozens of clinician scientists, working under the guidance of one or more leaders to identify novel research ideas, advance our understanding of childhood skin diseases, and identify the best ways to improve the lives of patients and their families. PeDRA is able to leverage the strength of these working groups to identify and pursue cross-cutting studies that address high priority research questions spanning many different pediatric skin diseases.
Board of Directors
Ilona Frieden, MD
Co-President
University of California, San Francisco
Dawn Siegel, MD
Co-President
Medical College of Wisconsin
Leslie Lawley, MD
Treasurer
Executive Committee
Emory University
Lisa Arkin, MD
Chair, Early Investigators Committee
Executive Committee
University of Wisconsin
Anna Bruckner, MD
Chair, Studies Committee
University of Colorado
Larry Eichenfield, MD
Immediate Past Co-President
Executive Committee
University of California, San Diego
Elena Pope, MD
Chair, Communications Committee
University of Toronto
Megha Tollefson, MD
Chair, Membership Committee
Executive Committee
Mayo Clinic
Elaine Siegfried, MD
Chair, Advocacy Task Force
St. Louis University
Up to date as of November 16, 2019
Leslie Castelo-Soccio, MD, PhD
Co-Chair, Bylaws Committee
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Keith Choate, MD, PhD
Chair, Development Committee
Executive Committee
Yale University
Sheilagh Maguiness, MD
Co-Chair, Bylaws Committee
University of Minnesota
Beth Drolet, MD
Chair, Nominating Committee
University of Wisconsin
Yvonne Chiu, MD
Co-chair, Meetings Committee
Executive Committee
Medical College of Wisconsin
Joyce Teng, MD, PhD
Chair, Grants Committee
Stanford University
Interested in getting involved on a PeDRA Committee or as part of PeDRA’s Leadership? Become a member and then let us know how you want to be involved!
Meet the PeDRA team
PeDRA is supported by a small group of staff, one consultant, and one fellow who each play a unique role supporting the organization, its programs, and its research activities.
Mike Siegel, PhD
Executive Director
Mike Siegel joined PeDRA in 2018 following four years in nonprofit leadership and almost ten years in academic research and teaching. He seeks to strengthen PeDRA as an organization that brightens the future of children with skin disease and their families.
Jenn Dawson
Outreach Manager
Jenn Dawson brings more than 12 years of mission-based nonprofit experience to her role overseeing PeDRA’s outreach and membership activities. Jenn specializes in relationship development and ensuring members are connected to resources within PeDRA.
Katherine Devenport
Research Coordinator
Katherine Devenport brings with her five years of experience as a clinical research coordinator for the Medical College of Wisconsin. Katherine’s knowledge and attention to detail help in her role supporting PeDRA’s studies and grants programs.
David Roberts
Development Director
David joined PeDRA in 2019 following more than 15 years of nonprofit development and fundraising experience. David’s experience and commitment to serving children in need will help PeDRA with the growing field of pediatric dermatology.
Sheila Rittenberg
Executive Consultant
Sheila helped launch PeDRA and served as executive director from 2015 to 2019. Sheila has worked in dermatology for nearly two decades and supports PeDRA through a consulting practice that helps health organizations become agents of change.
Olivia Davies
PeDRA Fellow
Olivia Davies is a third-year medical student at the Medical College of Wisconsin. She brings administrative and facilities management experience to her current role at PeDRA where she provides support to PeDRA’s Board and consensus guidelines activities.