DERMATOLOGY CLINICAL AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH UNIT

Who we are
Director: Suephy Chen, M.D., M.S., Assistant Professor of Dermatology
Co-Director: Sareeta R. Singh Parker M.D., Assistant Professor of Dermatology
Clinical Research Coordinator: Bridget Bradley, R.N.

Overall aim
The Dermatology Clinical and Outcomes Research (DCOR) Unit serves as a central cooperative effort to provide infrastructure and support for dermatologic clinical, translational, and health services research. Our goal is to facilitate the translation of basic science research into practical applications that will benefit patients, as well as investigate “real world” issues related to medical intervention. Additionally, DCOR provides Emory investigators assistance in various aspects of conducting research, including designing protocols and budgets, obtaining IRB approval, patient recruitment, logistics of patient evaluation and data collection, and data analysis.

Clinical Research
The Clinical Research division is involved in conducting investigator-initiated and industry-sponsored clinical trials, evaluating innovative therapies and off-label indications of established medications for various dermatologic conditions. The division welcomes and/or performs clinical trials for a variety of conditions including: psoriasis, acne, viral and fungal diseases, allergies/urticaria, eczema, common skin cancers, pigmented lesions and tumors, vascular malformations, cutaneous lymphomas, photoaging, autoimmune skin diseases, and blistering diseases.

The division is conveniently based in the outpatient clinic area of the Emory Dermatology Department. Additional research facilities include the General Clinical Research Center (GCRC) at Emory, which expands capabilities for inpatient treatments, and the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), a comprehensive health care center serving the veterans population in the Southeast.

Current or ongoing clinical trials:
(Click on medication to get more information on eligibility criteria for the trail)

1. Psoriasis – etanercept (Enbrel®), infliximab (Remicade®), tacrolimus (Protopic®)
2. Atopic dermatitis - tacrolimus (Protopic®)

Possible future clinical trials

1. psoriasis
2. acne
3. atopic dermatitis (eczema)
4. hives
5. melanoma
6. cutaneous lymphoma
7. pemphigus vulgaris

If you are interested in being considered for current and/or possible future trials, you will need to send us a signed form giving us consent to include your protected health information (PHI), such as name, address, and phone number, in the Dermatology Clinical Research Database. This gives us permission to use your PHI to contact you and does not obligate you to participate in any study. Your PHI will be kept confidential. This authorization form can be downloaded, signed, and then mailed or faxed to us at the address/ fax number below. In addition, if you would like further information about this form or the above trials, please call or email us at the phone number/ email address below.

Outcomes Research
The Outcomes Research division investigates “real-life” issues related to various dermatologic conditions and medical interventions, conducting health services research (HSR). It provides insight into “real-world” applications of the clinical and basic science ideas. Past and current work includes cost-effective analyses, quality of life studies, evidence-based medicine reviews, diagnostic tests, and clinical epidemiology projects.

DCOR has partnered with the Emory Center for Outcomes Research (ECOR), a nationally recognized center which conducts health services research. ECOR provides biostatistical support for research conducted by DCOR. In addition, it has been instrumental in helping design and maintain databases, which can capture, manage, and analyze large amounts of data.

Current Fellowship Opportunities

We have 2 fellowships in the Dermatology Clinical and Outcomes Research (DCOR) Unit. One is a traditional 2-year clinical trials position. The other 2-year position is that of the outcomes research fellow and applicants must either have a MPH or statistical/analytical skills at a MPH level.

Both fellows must be eligible for a Georgia medical license. All eligible and interested applicants should email their interests and curriculum vitae to Dr. Chen at schen2@emory.edu.

Contact information
DCOR
Department of Dermatology
Emory Clinic, Building A
1365 Clifton Road, Suite 1100
Atlanta, GA 30322
Tel 404-778-3084
Fax 404-778-5395
Email: skinresearch@emory.edu