Translational Lecture Series

An on-going, evidence-based series from George Washington University, the Translational Science Dermatology Lecture Series provides dermatologists and residents with access to the latest bench-to-bedside research and practical pearls.

November 2021
From Bud to Bedside: The Therapeutic Potential and Current Landscape of Cannabinoids in Dermatology

Puff Puff and don’t pass on the great potential cannabinoids have to expand our current armament of therapeutics and address unmet clinical needs. Used for generations, derivatives of the cannabis plant have a storied history in traditional medicine only to be cast away in the 20th century through legislation and ultimately by being classified as a Schedule I substance. Yet, times they are a changing, and the study of this once US wide illegal drug led to the discovery of our own internal endocannabinoid system which is responsible for regulating a broad range of biological activities from sensation to inflammation. There has been an explosion in research and development targeting the skin’s inherent endocannabinoids system to combat inflammatory skin diseases. Do be caught downwind of these exciting and emerging developments!

Presenter: Adam Friedman, MD, FAAD is Professor and Chair of Dermatology and serves as Associate Residency Program Director, Director of Translational Research, and Director of the Supportive Oncodermatology Program in the Department of Dermatology at The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences.

August 2021
Translational Landscape of Chronic Itch: A Bench to Bedside Update
Dr. Shawn Kwatra will dive deep into chronic itch to cover epidemiology, pathogenesis, itch mediators, clinical presentation and treatment. He will also provide an overview of the current translational itch studies at Johns Hopkins.
Presenter: Dr. Shawn Kwatra is an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He specializes in medical dermatology and is board certified by the American Board of Dermatology. His areas of clinical expertise include general dermatology, chronic pruritus, prurigo nodularis, atopic dermatitis, and dermatology for ethnic skin.