In this episode of PeDRA Pearls, host Jenn Dawson talks with Ilka Netravali, MD, about insights from the National Alopecia Areata Foundation’s annual conference. Dr. Netravali explores emerging treatments for pediatric alopecia areata, the research questions that matter most to patients and families, and the importance of individualized care. Dr. Netravali also discusses the powerful role of community in helping children and caregivers feel supported and connected. The conversation highlights a central message: meaningful care means treating the child and family, not just the alopecia.

For patient and caregiver resources, please visit www.naaf.org.

This episode is presented by Palvella Therapeutics. Although Palvella Therapeutics provided funding for this PeDRA Pearls Podcast, the contents of the podcast were developed independently by PeDRA. Learn more about Palvella Therapeutics.

Pediatric dermatologist Cheryl Bayart, MD, joins PeDRA Pearls to discuss the mentors, patients, and collaborators who shaped her path from clinician to researcher and fellowship leader. She shares the story behind her PeDRA-supported project to develop expert guidance for laser treatment of port-wine capillary malformations in infants, reflects on lessons learned from families living with rare skin conditions, and explains how thoughtful, child-centered procedural care can create better healthcare experiences for life.

This episode is presented by Palvella Therapeutics. Although Palvella Therapeutics provided funding for this PeDRA Pearls Podcast, the contents of the podcast were developed independently by PeDRA. Learn more about Palvella Therapeutics.

In this bonus episode of PeDRA Pearls, Carrie Coughlin, MD, MPHS, is joined by a panel of experts to explore how quality improvement and implementation science can help clinicians translate evidence into better, more sustainable care in pediatric dermatology. Through practical examples, Larry Eichenfield, MD, Joanna Tu, MD, and Enyo Ablordeppey, MD, MPH, discuss patient safety, dissemination, implementation and de-implementation, and strategies to identify barriers, measure outcomes, and support lasting change. Listeners will gain ideas for launching projects at any scale—from focused improvements within a clinic to broader system-wide initiatives—and for adapting solutions to their local context.

Through a special collaboration, PeDRA and Lilly have released a new funding opportunity to support healthcare improvement (HCI) initiatives related to adolescent atopic dermatitis (AD). With an application deadline of September 30, 2026, this new program may fund up to two projects, each with a budget of up to $450,000. Learn more and apply.