As of March 2021, roughly 60% of PeDRA members were students, trainees, or investigators who finished training less than seven years ago. These individuals represent the future of the field of pediatric dermatology research, from the clinician scientists who will collaborate on academic studies and clinical trials, to the thought leaders who will define the direction of the field. PeDRA invests heavily in programs and resources to ensure the success of this group of members to become empowered, research-ready scientists of the future. In addition to formal programs and resources, early investigators benefit strongly from the networking opportunities that come with being a part of PeDRA’s vibrant membership, which is free to trainees.
Current EI programs and initiatives include:
- The Early Investigator Committee (EIC). Formed in 2014 with the mission of supporting the needs of junior faculty and trainees who are dedicated to advancing research in pediatric dermatology. The EIC includes thirteen members and is chaired by Dr. Lisa Arkin from the University of Wisconsin. The EIC provides strategic vision for programs and resources to support early investigators and has designed and implemented many successful, energetic initiatives.
What is an Early Investigator (EI)?
A clinician scientist in the field of pediatric dermatology who is less than 7 years out of training.
A non-dermatologist physician or research scientist with significant professional effort in pediatric dermatology or an area relevant to pediatric dermatology who is less than 7 years out of training.
A trainee (resident or fellow) actively participating, or interested in participating, in research in the field of pediatric dermatology.
- The PeDRA Mentorship Program. A one-year program fostering meaningful relationships between early investigators and senior leaders to advance burgeoning careers. Mentees have access to established experts for feedback on ongoing research, challenging cases, and career guidance.
- Early Investigator Forum, held alongside the PeDRA Annual Conference. The Forum routinely attracts more than 100 attendees for programming designed to strengthen the skills of EI’s through presentations and interactive activities. In its sixth year, the 2021 EI Forum took place on Thursday, October 14 with the theme of Finding Your Career Happy Place: Thriving, Not Just Surviving.
- Virtual Education for the EI audience, including webinars and podcasts on developing skills for career success, work-life balance, and conducting collaborative research. Check back often, as virtual education offerings are actively expanding.
- The PeDRA Mobile App, with a dedicated Trainee Discussion Forum and resources designed for easy access during the busy life of an early career clinician scientist.
- Connections to outside resources like this webinar series from the Women’s Dermatologic Society and the roadmap for preparing your next talk from Melissa Marshall.
Questions about any of our EI programs or initiatives? Send us an email at info@pedraresearch.org.