Research

Research in the Division of Dermatology 

Dermato-Oncology, Inflammatory and Aging Skin Research Program, Aesthetics/Laser Program, Research Led by Trainees

Current Active Studies taking Participants - 4/8/2024 
1) Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Evaluation of Upadacitinib in Adult and Adolescent Subjects 
hs_blurb_1.pdf
2) Genital or Scalp Psoriasis: Risankizub for Adult Subjects with Moderate to Severe Genital or Moderate to Severe Scalp Psoriasis 
psoriasis_blurb_1.pdf
Contact: Researchderm@arizona.edu
 

Dermato-Oncology

We work closely with the UA Cancer Center’s Skin Cancer Institute, for which dermatologist Clara Curiel-Lewandrowski, MD, serves as director of the Pigmented Lesion Clinic and Multidisciplinary Cutaneous Oncology Program. Dr. Curiel-Lewandrowski's research covers melanoma chemoprevention, early detection of melanoma, cutaneous T cell lymphomas and skin cancer, as well as novel ways in which medical imaging innovations can assist in screenings.

Studies include extended use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, particularly aspirin, and their ability to possibly decrease risk of cutaneous melanoma development—which is responsible for 77 percent of skin cancer deaths.

Skin Cancer Institute/UA Cancer Center

To learn more about other research programs and clinical trials specific to the Skin Cancer Institute or the UA Cancer Center, click here or on one of the links below.

  • Clinical Trials 

  • Inflammatory and Aging Skin Research Program

  • This research program, led by Daniel Butler, MD, aims to address the medical dermatology needs of Southern Arizona and the state at large. We hope to provide a focus of innovation, creativity, discovery and excellence in clinical care. Diseases such as atopic dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, pruritus, psoriasis, vitiligo, pemphigus and more require the expertise and focus we aim to provide. Furthermore, we will also explore the impact of aging on skin diease. We hope to lead a goriwng movement of aging research in the field of Dermatology as international experts. 

Aesthetics/Laser Program

This program is led by Rebecca Thiede, MD and Gerald Goldberg, MD.  Aesthetics Program and Laser Center has officially taken place at Pima Canyon! This new aesthetics program will be a collaborative approach between ENT, Plastic Surgery and Oculoplastics. We have eight lasers with over 15 modalities including PDL, KTP, CO2, IPL, Erbium, Nd:YAG, and non-ablative fractional — with more coming. This is the most diverse laser program in the state of Arizona!

Trainee-Led Research

Division faculty regularly mentor research projects initiated by trainees.  Current trainee-led projects include a teaching app to help train dermatologists in biopsy decision-making and a laser cap clinical trial for male and female pattern hair loss / androgenic alopecia.

Current Clinical Trials

Clinical trials at the UA College of Medicine - Tucson often involve a research study conducted to evaluate a medical procedure or medical product, such as a drug. Not all University of Arizona studies involve drugs or interventions. Some studies use surveys or evaluate medical records to find new and better ways to help people. Others recruit healthy subjects, or controls, to better evaluate and compare results with those of non-healthy subjects. You can find current clinical trials in specific categories at the links below:

Find other ongoing studies at the UA College of Medicine

How to Participate

Whether you’re a potential candidate to participate as a patient or subject in the study, you would like to participate as a "healthy volunteer" for the control group or you’re a research or clinical professional interested in collaborating with the research team—simply contact dermresearch@arizona.edu 

Research Resources for Division Faculty and Fellows 

Grant Writing Resources: 

Getting Started in Clinical Research: 

Research Resources:

 

News

[Justin Le and Laura Tran celebrate their MATCH Day selections as incoming internal medicine resident physicians at the U of A College of Medicine – Tucson.]
Forty-five soon-to-be medical school graduates MATCH into DOM residency programs

Among six from the College of Medicine – Tucson, they include a dermatology resident who’ll start as an Internal Medicine intern this year, in addition to a graduating nephrology fellow, going back to complete his IM residency training. See results from MATCH Day 2025 on March 21.
[An image of doctors with their arms crossed overlayed with an illustration of National Doctors' Day, March 30, 2025]
Celebrating Doctors’ Day 2025, breakfast, lunch and dedicated tributes

As the annual March 30 observance dedicated to honoring the unwavering commitment, dedication and skill of physicians in delivering high-quality health care to individuals and communities falls on a Sunday, festivities are being held the Friday before and Monday after. See the schedule.
[Several fourth-year medical students at the U of A College of Medicine – Tucson celebrate during the college’s Match Day celebration, where the students found out where they will be conducting their residency training.]
Future physicians celebrate Match Day, anticipate next chapter in medical careers

At the March 21 Match Day ceremony, members of the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson Class of 2025 — 123 in all — discovered where they’ll spend the next three to seven years of their careers as physicians in specialized residency training programs. Thirty-two will complete their residencies in Tucson, including Justin Le and Laura Tran in internal medicine.

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