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    Penn State Hershey Dermatology Research

    Our basic and clinical research translates into advances for the care of our patients as well as individuals suffering with skin diseases around the world.  We are one of the top thirty-five National Institutes of Health-funded dermatology departments in the country, and continue to be a site of choice for national clinical research trials.

    In our basic science laboratories, Diane Thiboutot, M.D., explores the mechanisms that promote and cause acne - opening opportunities for the discovery of new and safer drugs to treat this disease.  Our other basic scientists, Drs., Robertson and Glick investigate melanoma and skin cancer.  Our clinical research group tests new pharmaceuticals and devices in the treatment of psoriasis, skin cancers, eczema, skin infections, and other skin diseases.

    In addition, the Penn State Skin Disease Program is a multi-disciplinary approach to investigate the biology and treatment of cutaneous disorders.

     

    Meet Devin Gibson.  This energetic 9-year-old has suffered from alopecia areata---a common illness triggering permanent hair loss---since birth. Treated over the years by local physicians, Devin was referred to Penn State Dermatology for advanced therapies.

    Under the care of Dr. Jeffrey J. Miller, Devin has been successfully treated for the past 4 years. Research into hair disorders continues at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, offering new hope for patients just like Devin.

    More Patient Testimonials >>

    Research – The Joy of Discovery

    2008

    • The department continued to be in the top 3rd in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding of more than 100 dermatology departments/divisions nationwide.
    • 15 pharmaceutical-sponsored clinical studies.
    • 78 peer-reviewed  publications featured in national/international journals.
    • Annual Food and Wine Event raised more than $14,000 for basic science research.
    • Dermatology Professor Endowment helped support Dr. Thiboutot's lab.
    • Dr. Holly Gunn was our first research fellow.
    • Dr. Diane Thiboutot, Zhaoyuan Cong, Kathy Gilliland, Kim Lumsden, and Dr. Amanda Nelson received Poster Awards at the Acne Congress Meeting in Rome, Italy.
    • Numerous regional, national and international lectures were given.

    2007

    • Diane Thiboutot’s National Institute of Health (NIH) grant renewed for 5 years.
    • Kim Smith awarded a NIH grant for her Ph.D. training.
    • Amanda Nelson, Ph.D. – Roche Posay Acne Research Award.
    • #33 in NIH funding of over 100 dermatology departments/divisions nationwide.
    • 18 pharmaceutical-sponsored clinical studies.
    • 46 peer-reviewed publications featured in national/international journals.
    • Dermatology Research Endowment topped $800,000.
    • Annual Wine and Food Event raised over $9,000 for basic research.
    • Dr. Adam Glick (University Park) - Joint appointment in dermatology for skin cancer research.
    • Dermatology Professor Endowment helped support Dr. Thiboutot’s lab.

    2009 1st Annual Dermatology Research Conference

    2010 2nd Annual Dermatology Research Conference