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Welcome to module 21 as we take a look at new treatments for autoimmune, autoinflammatory, and pediatric dermatology!
Update on Pathophysiology
This activity covers the basic pathophysiology of autoimmune and autoinflammatory conditions. T cell subsets and the Aryl Hydrocarbon receptor activity were shown to modulate with food and herbal intake. The use of botanicals will be assessed in the context of the mTOR pathway.
After completing this activity, participants will be able to:
- Diagram the role of Aryl Hydrocarbon receptors in modulating autoimmunity and inflammation
- Recall the subsets of Th cells and the role of Treg cells in modulating autoimmunity and inflammation
- Evaluate the evidence for the role of herbs and foods in modulating aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation and Treg proliferation
Pediatric Skin Infections
This activity covers the basic clinical presentations of common and uncommon skin infections in the pediatric population. There is also emphasis on important must-not-miss mimics.
After completing this activity, participants will be able to:
- Describe the current guidelines for pediatric skin infections
- Outline some of the potential therapies that may be used
- Identify some of the pitfalls and limitations of these approaches
Lichen Planus
This session will review the clinical presentation of lichen planus and both integrative and pharmaceutical approaches to treatment.
After completing this activity, participants will be able to:
- Review the environmental risk factors for lichen planus
- Evaluate the evidence for the use of curcumin for lichen planus
Autoimmune Blistering Disorders
This course will review the different types of autoimmune blistering diseases and discuss integrative approaches to managing autoimmune blistering disorders.
After completing this activity, participants will be able to:
- Differentiate autoimmune blistering conditions
- Explain the role diet plays in the development of autoimmune diseases
- Identify herbs that should be avoided by patients with autoimmune disease
Integrative Treatment of Warts & Molluscum in Pediatric Patients
This lecture will review the treatment options for managing verruca and molluscum from an integrative perspective. Topics covered will include conventional and non-conventional approaches.
After completing this activity, participants will be able to:
- Review diagnostic qualities of non-genital verruca vulgaris & molluscum contagiosum in immunocompetent pediatric patients
- Discuss treatment modalities for verruca vulgaris & molluscum contagiosum, including in-office treatments, prescriptions, and at-home remedies.
Faculty
Dr. Raja Sivamani is a board-certified dermatologist and practices as an integrative dermatologist at Pacific Skin Institute. He is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Clinical Dermatology at the University of California, Davis and Director of Clinical Research and the Clinical Trials Unit.He is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the California State University, Sacramento and an Associate Professor of Dermatology at California Northstate University, College of Medicine.He engages in clinical practice as well as both clinical and translational research that integrates bioengineering, nutrition, cosmetics, and skin biology. With training in both Allopathic and Ayurvedic medicine, he takes an integrative approach to his patients and in his research.He has published over 100 peer-reviewed research manuscripts, 10 textbook chapters, and a textbook entitled Cosmeceuticals and Active Cosmetics, 3rd Edition with a passion for expanding the evidence and boundaries of integrative medicine for skin care.
Dr. Peter Lio is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Pediatrics at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. He received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School, completed his internship in Pediatrics at Boston Children's Hospital, and his Dermatology training at Harvard where he served as Chief Resident in Dermatology. Dr. Lio is the founding director of the Chicago Integrative Eczema Center and has spoken nationally and internationally about atopic dermatitis, as well as alternative medicine.
After finishing Medical School and Dermatology Residency at the University of Wisconsin, Dr. Bodemer completed a fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. She was the first Dermatologist to be board certified in both Dermatology and Integrative Medicine and currently is the only Dermatologist to serve on the Integrative Medicine Board. She has authored academic texts and curriculum and has spoken widely on a variety of topics related to Integrative Dermatology. She has always been drawn to exploring how lifestyle choices impact skin health and disease and feels that the most powerful role a physician can play is as an educator and guide, empowering people to get healthy and stay healthy.
Dr. Michelle Jeffries is an Integrative Dermatologist in private practice in Phoenix, AZ. She is a triple board-certified osteopathic physician in Dermatology, Pediatric Dermatology and Integrative Medicine. Dr. Jeffries also has a Masters degree in Psychology and is an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner. Her training and background has led her to a unique individualized holistic approach to skin health that blends mind, body and spirit with skincare. To learn more about Dr. Jeffries and Integrative Dermatology visit www.drmichellejeffries.com.
Dr. Kurt Ashack is an assistant professor at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. He received his medical degree from Michigan State University CHM, completed his internship at St. Vincent hospital in Indianapolis, and his dermatology training at the University of Illinois at Chicago where he was the Chief Resident. He also completed the LearnSkin Integrative Dermatology Certificate Program in 2022 and strives to take a complete approach to patient care.
Dr. Ashack is currently a part owner and general dermatologist at the Dermatology Associates of West Michigan in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Sonal Choudhary, MD is a Board certified Dermatologist and fellowship trained Dermatopathologist, who joined the Department of Dermatology in 2016 upon completion of her Dermatopathology Fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh.
Dr. Choudhary received her undergraduate degree and medical degree from Vardhman Mahavir Medical College in New Delhi India. She completed a post-doctoral research fellowship at the University of Miami, where she remained to complete her Preliminary Internship in Internal Medicine, as well as her Residency Program in Dermatology. Dr. Choudhary also completed a fellowship in Integrative Dermatology, which concluded in February 2024.
While she offers care for all dermatologic conditions, her areas of clinical interest and research are atopic dermatitis, gut and skin microbiome, integrative dermatology, alternative therapies and approaches (herbs, supplements, functional medicine testing) to inflammatory skin diseases (Hidradenitis suppurativa, Acne, Psoriasis, hair loss), nutrition in cutaneous disease and dermatopathology. She is the director of the adult atopic dermatitis clinic and member of the PCOS collaboration group at UPMC Magee. Given her areas of training, Dr. Choudhary offers a holistic and integrative approach for various skin conditions.
Professional memberships
- Member of Integrative Dermatology with Integrative Dermatology Certification Program/LearnSkin
- Fellow of Pittsburgh Academy of Dermatology
- Fellow of Pennsylvania Academy of Dermatology
- Fellow of American Academy of Dermatology
- Fellow of American Academy of Dermatopathology
Education & Training
- MBBS, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
- Clinical Internship, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
- Post Doctoral Fellowship, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
- Internship, University of Miami and Jackson Memorial Hospital
- Residency, Dermatology, University of Miami and Jackson Memorial Hospital
- Fellowship, Dermatopathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
- Fellowship in Integrative Dermatology with LearnSkin
Dr. Jennifer Ornelas is a board-certified dermatologist and pediatric dermatologist. She has conducted translational research investigating botanical extracts as novel treatment options for acne and earned a master’s in clinical and translational research. She is passionate about working with children and adults alike and providing excellent care to all of her patients. She is committed to serving the medically underserved populations of the region and strives to provide culturally competent specialist care in her practice.
