Dermatology Research Residency Program Earns National Recognition, Prestigious Grants and Fellowships
Tammy Gonzalez, M.D., Ph.D., and Nathan Balukoff, M.D., Ph.D., have each been awarded two research grants, in addition to several oral presentation events and travel awards.
The unique research residency program within the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery has garnered national commendation for two current research residents.
Tammy Gonzalez, M.D., Ph.D., and Nathan Balukoff, M.D., Ph.D., have each been awarded two research grants, in addition to several oral presentation events and travel awards.
Dr. Gonzalez received the Patient Directed Investigation grant from the Dermatology Foundation for her research project, “Changing a Paradigm in Prurigo Nodularis: Protective Role of Facial Skin Commensals.” The grant supports translational studies that have the potential to benefit patients in the areas of medical dermatology, dermatologic surgery, procedural dermatology and pediatric dermatology. It’s awarded to patient-oriented clinical investigators in the early stages of their careers.
Dr. Gonzalez also received the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation Danby Research Grant, given to support research into hidradenitis suppurativa, an immune disease that causes red lumps and boils in the folds of the skin.
Dr. Balukoff received the 3M/Solventum Fellowship from the Wound Healing Foundation to study novel diagnostic approaches for pyoderma gangrenosum, an inflammatory ulcerative disorder that can cause painful, open wounds.
In addition, Dr. Balukoff was awarded a research grant from the Dermatology Foundation to study the role of activated cellular phenotype in the pathophysiology of hidradenitis suppurativa.
“I am very proud of our research residency program and, especially, this year’s spectacular research residents, Drs. Gonzalez and Balukoff,” said Marjana Tomic-Canic, Ph.D., the William H. Eaglstein, M.D., Chair in Wound Healing, vice chair of research, director of the Wound Healing and Regenerative Medicine Research Program and professor of dermatology and cutaneous surgery at the Miller School. “It is a testament to their talents, dedication and hard work, as well as to our division of research and residency program for providing resources, supporting infrastructure and, above all, extraordinary mentorships.”
Dr. Tomic-Canic highlighted the outstanding mentoring work of dermatology department faculty members Irena Pastar, Ph.D., Gil Yosipovitch, M.D., Brian Morrison, M.D., George Elgart, M.D., Rivka Stone, M.D., Ph.D., and Barbara Bedogni, Ph.D., as integral to the success of Drs. Gonzalez and Balukoff and the research residency program as a whole.
The dermatology program offers two tracks for trainees wishing to pursue formal research training. The “1+3” track is designed to encourage aspiring M.D./Ph.D. dermatology physician-scientists to develop research projects prior to embarking on clinical training by providing post-doctoral research training in the initial year of residency. The second track features a “4+1+3” format aimed at residents who want to earn a Ph.D. in skin biology and continue to clinical training in dermatology
“Our unique research residency program structure is enabling aspiring dermatology physician-scientists to build a strong foundation for their research prior to embarking on clinical training,” said Dr. Tomic-Canic.
Dr. Stone, a former resident, added, “Dr. Gonzalez and Dr. Balukoff are superb examples of what this track is all about. They are capitalizing on the support and resources available to them as they develop their academic career trajectory and evolve as future independent physician-scientists in dermatology.”
Tags: der, dermatology, Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Dr. Marjana Tomic-Canic, Dr. Philip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Dr. Rivka Stone, residency