In this special 2025 Year in Review episode of PeDRA Pearls, host Jenn Dawson is joined by PeDRA Executive Director Mike Siegel for a wide-ranging and reflective conversation on the year behind—and what lies ahead for pediatric dermatology research. Together, they explore how the PeDRA community navigated uncertainty in the broader research landscape while continuing to make meaningful progress across collaborative research, funding, education, events, and patient engagement.

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In this episode, Dr. Pope shares her journey into pediatric dermatology, the surprising role mentorship played in shaping her academic career, and how her clinical passions grew into a rich and varied research portfolio spanning rare diseases, clinical trials, guidelines, and collaborative multicenter work. We also dive into her vision for PeDRA’s future, the evolving landscape of research, and the tools she believes will empower the next generation of investigators.

Sherry Baluch brings a unique blend of clinical and technical experience to PeDRA. She attended medical school before earning a Master’s in Computer Science and transitioning into healthcare technology. In a previous role as a Technical Project Manager, she led strategic modernization initiatives to improve lab operations and data systems. Sherry is passionate about supporting PeDRA’s mission to advance collaborative research that improves the lives of children with skin disease.

In this episode, nurse practitioner Nichole Halliburton from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital shares practical, real-world guidance on managing epidermolysis bullosa (EB). She breaks down EB subtypes, key stages of wound healing, and everyday challenges patients and caregivers face. Nichole offers actionable strategies for bathing, blister care, dressing changes, and the use of birch triterpenes in wound management. She also highlights the emotional and logistical burden of EB and the importance of support, education, and individualized care. This conversation is a helpful resource for clinicians, caregivers, and anyone involved in EB care.

This podcast is being hosted by PeDRA and sponsored by Chiesi. PeDRA will evaluate content for suitability for its audience, but is not responsible for creating content, selecting speakers, or delivering presentations.

Learn more about Nichole Halliburton, MSN, APRN-CNP

In this episode of PeDRA Pearls, we sit down with Dr. Marcia Hogeling, Associate Professor of Dermatology and Residency Program Director at UCLA. Dr. Hogeling shares her inspiring journey from pediatrics to pediatric dermatology, reflecting on the mentors who shaped her career and the importance of guiding the next generation of clinicians and researchers. She also discusses her diverse research interests—from vascular birthmarks to inflammatory skin diseases—and offers an inside look at her new role as Chair of PeDRA’s Outcomes Committee. Tune in to learn how Dr. Hogeling and her colleagues are measuring impact, fostering collaboration, and advancing the field of pediatric dermatology—all while keeping a love for mentorship, research, and even skiing at the heart of her work.

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In this third and final episode, we're diving deep into how emerging insights about the microbiome are shaping the way clinicians counsel families and care for pediatric patients. Dr. Shoch and Dr. Castelo-Soccio share how understanding the microbiome has changed their clinical practice, from their approach to bathing routines and yeast overgrowth to dietary counseling and the cautious use of probiotics and bleach baths. Together, they explore what we know and what we don't, and where the future of microbiome research in pediatric dermatology might be headed.

In this second episode, we discuss how infant microbiomes develop and what factors shape them, and how early life disruptions may increase the risk of disease. The conversation also touches on the hygiene and biodiversity hypothesis, the role of dysbiosis in conditions like atopic dermatitis, and the ongoing challenge of teasing apart whether microbiome shifts are causes or markers of disease.

Special thanks to Incyte for supporting this independent medical education program.

November is Hyperhidrosis Awareness Month, and we’re revisiting an episode from our archives. Tune in for an engaging and informative conversation about the burden and stigma surrounding pediatric hyperhidrosis. Executive Director and Founding Member Lisa Pieretti eloquently discusses the gaps in pediatric hyperhidrosis research and emphasizes the importance of education and awareness. In the second interview, hear from an entire family as they share how they cope with hyperhidrosis and their hopes for future research. Learn more at www.sweathelp.org.