PeDRA

Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance

About

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 450 clinician researchers representing more than 150 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 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works in close collaboration with, and serves as the research arm of, the Society for Pediatric Dermatology (SPD). PeDRA is committed to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion across all facets of its organization, programs, committees, leadership, and research studies.

Birth of the PeDRA Acronym. A group of founding members devised the name for PeDRA at the 2010 SPD Annual Meeting in Portland, OR. As a fitting premonition for the research foundation that leaders would go on to build, PeDRA also means “rock” in Portuguese. From left: Wynnis Tom, MD; Jeff Sugarman, MD, PhD; Amy Paller, MD; Kelly Cordoro, MD. Photo credit: Raegan Hunt, MD, PhD

Mission and Vision

The PeDRA Mission

Create, inspire, and sustain research to prevent, treat, and cure childhood skin disease.

The PeDRA Vision

Changing lives and healing children with skin disease through collaboration and discovery.

Focused Study Groups

Most of PeDRA’s research takes place within one of seven collaborative Focused Study Groups – Acne & Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Atopic Dermatitis & Psoriasis, Birthmarks, Connective Tissue & Autoinflammatory Disorders, Genetic Skin Disorders, Neonatal Skin Care, and Skin Tumors and Reactions to Cancer Therapies (STARC). Each study 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

President
Executive Committee

University of California, San Francisco

    Anna Bruckner, MD

    President-Elect
    Executive Committee

    University of Colorado

      Leslie Lawley, MD

      Treasurer
      Executive Committee

      Emory University

        Lisa Arkin, MD

        Chair, Early Investigators Committee
        Executive Committee

        University of Wisconsin

          Carrie Coughlin, MD

          Chair, Outcomes Committee

          Washington University

            Jen Huang, MD

            Co-Chair, Meetings Committee

            Harvard Medical School

              Megha Tollefson, MD

              Member at Large
              Executive Committee

              Mayo Clinic

                Elaine Siegfried, MD

                Chair, Advocacy Task Force

                St. Louis University

                  Up to date as of October 24, 2020

                  Dawn Siegel, MD

                  Immediate Past President
                  Executive Committee

                  Medical College of Wisconsin

                    Keith Choate, MD, PhD

                    Chair, Studies Committee
                    Executive Committee

                    Yale University

                      Yvonne Chiu, MD

                      Co-chair, Meetings Committee
                      Executive Committee

                      Medical College of Wisconsin

                        Beth Drolet, MD

                        Chair, Nominating Committee

                        University of Wisconsin

                          Raegan Hunt, MD, PhD

                          Chair, Grants Committee

                          Baylor College of Medicine

                            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 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 15 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.

                            Olivia Davies

                            PeDRA Fellow

                            Olivia Davies is a fourth-year medical student at the Medical College of Wisconsin applying to Dermatology this year. 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. She also manages PeDRA’s growing social media presence on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

                            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.

                            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.

                            Heather Miller

                            Events and Membership Manager

                            Heather Miller brings more than 20 years of event planning experience for nonprofit organizations to her role in planning the 2020 PeDRA Annual Conference. Heather’s experience in event project management will help PeDRA strengthen their events.