In our next edition of the Profound Research Spotlight Series, where we proudly shine a light on the remarkable individuals who lead the way in groundbreaking research and innovation, we introduce you to Dr. Sheinberg and Dr. Rotunda, distinguished Board-Certified Dermatologists at the esteemed Dermatology Group of North County. Their exceptional contributions to the field of dermatology and their pursuit of cutting-edge research are at the forefront of our mission to advance scientific knowledge and improve lives. Join us as we explore their profound impact on the field and learn more about these two prominent Principal Investigators.
Dr. Scheinberg has expertise in consulting patients with challenging psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, drug eruptions, lupus, and acne, plus dermatologic surgery, including Mohs. His 30 years of research experience includes studies on melanomas, psoriasis, and phase 3 studies of safety and effectiveness of dermatologic medications. Dr. Scheinberg is also a Clinical Professor at UCSD Medical Center and teaches Dermatology Residents. Find out more about Dr. Scheinberg in our Q&A below.
What led you to clinical research?
Dr. Scheinberg: The desire to be at the cutting edge of dermatologic research and treatment for the benefit of patients and for the excitement of helping to bring new treatments to all patients.
What is your favorite part about working in clinical research?
Dr. Scheinberg: I like seeing the patient satisfaction that comes from their knowing they are participating in clinical trials for the benefit of themselves and for others. It is also helpful for patients to see I’m keeping up with the latest in dermatologic pathogenesis of disease and management by supporting clinical research studies.
Do you have a particular success story that stuck with you?
Dr. Scheinberg: A patient was deathly afraid that a mole was malignant, and when it came back as a melanoma, she was sure she was going to die. A research study examining the genes of the melanoma allowed me to give her the prognosis that she has at least a 99% chance of not having any chance of dying from this lesion.
Another was the husband of a nurse who used to work in our office who had horrible athlete's foot and toenail fungus for decades that interfered with running and other activities of daily living. A new oral antifungal drug we studied cured him, and he was even on the news with a big smile on his face, running in front of our office and telling the audience how happy he was to no longer have the fungus.
What would you want people to know about clinical research?
Dr. Scheinberg: Besides helping to treat their own skin problems, participating in the research allows them to be part of emerging therapies that can make many people's lives better in the future.
What are some hobbies/interests of yours outside of clinical research?
Dr. Scheinberg: Skiing, Boogie Boarding, Running, Hiking, Travel, Visiting and Playing with Children and Grandchildren.
Is there any other information you’d like sponsors or patients to know about you?
Dr. Scheinberg: I believe in a holistic approach to medicine, incorporating lifestyle and nutrition into medical and surgical treatments. And I really enjoy helping patients understand exactly why they have a problem and why the specific treatment I am prescribing is likely to help them.
Dr. Rotunda practices at the Dermatologist Medical Group of North County and has been there since October 2001. She has always enjoyed challenging medical dermatology cases, including autoimmune diseases such as cutaneous lupus, scleroderma, and bullous pemphigoid. Dr. Rotunda has participated as a sub-investigator and recruitment for various genetic expression studies for atypical nevi, melanomas, and squamous cell carcinomas. Learn more in our Q&A with Dr. Rotunda below.
What led you to clinical research?
Dr. Rotunda: I am truly excited about the ability to bring access to novel therapeutics and/or delivery systems to patients outside of a tertiary care setting. So many patients who might benefit from easier access to these therapeutic options are limited by access being only through major university-based medical centers.
What is your favorite part about working in clinical research?
Dr. Rotunda: My favorite part is the ability to potentially help patients for whom there are no FDA-approved therapies or who have exhausted known therapeutics for their condition.
Do you have a particular success story that stuck with you?
Dr. Rotunda: I have several psoriasis patients over the years for whom we have often found ourselves waiting for the next new drug class to be approved because their disease was no longer being controlled by what was commercially available. I am truly excited to be able to offer early access to new therapeutics for patients like them.
What would you want people to know about clinical research?
Dr. Rotunda: While your participation in a clinical research trial may or may not benefit you directly, it will most certainly benefit others like you by helping to contribute to the medical communities’ overall knowledge of a disease and its treatment.
What are some hobbies/interests of yours outside of clinical research?
Dr. Rotunda: I enjoy spending time with my family, baking, traveling, and marveling at God’s creation.
Is there any other information you’d like sponsors or patients to know about you?
Dr. Rotunda: I want to provide personalized treatment options for patients that maximize improvement, minimize risk, and take into account their overall health status, concomitant illnesses, and any other concerns they may have about their disease and treatment options. For certain disease states, the inherent risk from the disease is reasonably high, which often means some of the treatments also come with moderate or even high risk. It is my job to help explain this to patients so that they can make informed decisions about how they want to proceed.
The expertise, dedication, and groundbreaking research of Dr. Scheinberg and Dr. Rotunda have not only elevated the field of dermatology but have also touched the lives of countless patients. As we conclude this spotlight, we are reminded of the profound impact that passionate individuals can have on our collective well-being. We encourage you to stay engaged with Profound Research as we continue to spotlight those who shape the future of science and healthcare. We eagerly anticipate sharing more visionary leaders in our upcoming editions of the Profound Research Spotlight Series.
