PeDRA Pearls

Irene Lara-Corrales, MD is an Associate Professor of Dermatology at the University of Toronto and a pediatric dermatologist at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, Canada. She knew early on that pediatric dermatology was her calling, and her dedication to advancing care for children with complex skin diseases deepened after caring for an infant with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) during her residency in Costa Rica. Most recently, Dr. Lara-Corrales has been a leading champion for hidradenitis suppurativa within PeDRA and across the broader pediatric dermatology research community. Watch or listen to learn more about her professional journey, research passions, and the personal interests that inspire her— including her love of books and tea.

Please note - this interview originally aired in April 2023.

At the time of this interview in 2021, Dr. Carrie Coughlin was an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. She was also the Chair of the PeDRA Outcomes Committee, a member of the Meetings and Studies Committees, and led the Skin Tumors and Reactions to Cancer Therapies (STARC) Focused Study Group. Since then, she has become an Associate Professor of Dermatology and is serving as the Treasurer for PeDRA's Board of Directors.

In this episode, Dr. Coughlin shares insights into her work, her leadership within PeDRA, and why effectively communicating pediatric dermatology research beyond the specialty is essential for advancing patient care and collaboration.

Click here to listen to interviews with other PeDRA Board Members.

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Colleen Cotton, MD is a Pediatric Dermatologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Dermatology at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC. Dr. Cotton joined PeDRA as a research fellow in 2013 and was one of the first PeDRA Fellows. She now serves on PeDRA's Early Investigator and Meetings Committees, as well as a participant in PeDRA’s Mentorship Program as both a mentor and mentee. Be sure to watch to the end to learn more about Dr. Cotton’s unique hidden talent.

This episode originally aired in September 2022. Since then, Dr. Cotton has now taken over as Chair of the Early Investigator Committee and has joined PeDRA's Board of Directors.

This is part three—and the final installment—of our series on complementary and alternative medicine in pediatric dermatology. In this episode, we turn our focus to the future, examining key research gaps, promising areas for investigation, and opportunities for collaboration. Dr. Peter Lio and Dr. Larry Eichenfield share their perspectives on where integrative approaches may intersect with advancing science, and how curiosity, rigor, and innovation can help move the field forward.

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

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This is part two of our conversation on complementary and alternative medicine in pediatric dermatology. While these approaches may offer benefits, they can also carry risks—especially when misinformation spreads quickly online. In this episode, Dr. Peter Lio and Dr. Larry Eichenfield explore how pediatric dermatologists can assess safety, address popular but unproven therapies, and support families in making informed decisions, all while maintaining strong, trusting clinical relationships.

Special thanks to Incyte for supporting this independent education program.

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In today’s episode, we’re diving into a topic that’s increasingly shaping conversations in pediatric dermatology clinics: complementary and alternative therapies. Families are asking about everything from dietary changes to topical botanicals—and clinicians are navigating how to respond with empathy, evidence, and safety in mind. Joined by Dr. Peter Lio and Dr. Larry Eichenfield, we’ll explore why interest in these therapies is growing, which approaches families are using most, and how pediatric dermatologists can engage in these conversations thoughtfully and effectively.

Thank you to Incyte for supporting this independent medical education program.

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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