Medical Student Support
Medical students play a vital role in the pediatric dermatology research community and PeDRA is committed to cultivating student interest in the field and encouraging student engagement through a variety of activities. PeDRA invests heavily in programs and resources to ensure the success of medical students interested in pediatric dermatology to become empowered, research-ready scientists of the future. In addition to formal programs and resources, medical students benefit strongly from the networking opportunities that come with being a part of PeDRA’s vibrant membership, which is free to trainees.
Medical Student Programs and Initiatives
The Research Fellowships Program supports one year of mentored research for post-graduate trainees and medical students in the field of pediatric dermatology. Fellowships are intended to support the development of the next generation of physician scientists and the advancement of active research projects in the field of pediatric dermatology.
PeDRA offers Emerging Investigator Research Grants to support short-term (12-week maximum) mentored research experiences for medical students and pediatric residents to conduct projects relevant to pediatric dermatology.
The PeDRA Mentorship Program is a one-year program fostering meaningful relationships between residents, fellows, and medical student mentorship groups to advance interest in the field. Mentees have access to resident and fellowship members of PeDRA for feedback on ongoing research, challenging cases, and training guidance. Please note, this program is not intended to help medical students prepare for interviews or admittance to residency programs.
Taking place during the PeDRA Annual Conference, the NextGen Research Forum provides students and recent graduates the chance to present research and gain valuable career guidance from respected leaders in the field.
Virtual Education is available for medical students, and includes 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 EDI Corner is your one-stop shop for resources related to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).
PeDRA connects medical students to outside resources, providing tools to help grow their knowledge and prepare for a career in pediatric dermatology research. These resources offer opportunities for mentorship, skill development, networking, and staying informed about the latest in the field.
Medical students are eligible to apply for the PeDRA Fellow role. As a vital member of our team, the PeDRA Fellow provides essential support to our virtual education programs, the PeDRA Annual Conference, and leadership administration. This non-academic role offers invaluable work experience, insights into nonprofit organization operations, and networking opportunities within the field of pediatric dermatology.
Medical Student Testimonials
I had the opportunity to present research to a patient audience during the virtual PeDRA conference in 2020 regarding how itch affects children with chronic inflammatory skin disorders. Being able to have this platform and speak directly to patients and caregivers on such an important topic strengthened my interest in pediatric dermatology research immensely. I got to network with others during and after the event who are equally passionate about this work! It keeps me fueled to have these relationships.
-Milie Fang, DO
Oregon Health & Science University
Being a part of PeDRA as a medical student opened my eyes to the collegiality and community that comes from mobilizing a group of driven, innovative individuals toward a common goal: improving skin diseases in children.
-Olivia Davies, MD
Harvard Medical School
Not a Member of PeDRA?
Join our vibrant community to connect and collaborate with our vibrant network and enjoy these member-exclusive resources! Membership is free for medical students and trainees.