Abstract Awards

You have received an award this year for your study, “Cutaneous Immune Responses to Dermatological Procedures With Ablative Fractional Laser, Heat- And Cold-Based Devices.” What does winning this award mean to you? How will it impact your research?
It is a great honor to receive this award, and it highlights the interest and importance of the cellular laser-tissue interactions, including immune response. It reinforces our efforts to clarify the impact of energy-based devices on the skin.

How did your background lead you to research in this area?
I have worked for a decade with laser-assisted drug delivery, which led to the idea that lasers may not only be used to facilitate delivery but can potentially serve as treatment adjuvants.

What are some key developments in this field? 
Recent discoveries show that ablative fractional lasers can potentially improve tumor response to immunotherapeutic treatment of keratinocyte cancers both in preclinical and clinical studies.

How has ASLMS contributed to your career? Why should young researchers or clinicians become involved with ASLMS?
ASLMS serves as an invaluable platform for networking within the field of energy-based devices, and the annual conference is a great opportunity to share recent findings and meet potential collaborators. 

What is something members may not know about you?
I have recently become a father, and I was fortunate to be able to join the annual conference this year just before going on paternity leave to spend time with my little boy.

You received an award this year for your study, “Full Ablative Versus Fractional Ablative Er:YAG Laser During Epidermal Cellular Grafting Surgery In Vitiligo: A Randomized Controlled Comparative Study.” What does winning this award mean to you? How will it impact your research?
Receiving the prestigious Fitzpatrick Award from the American Society of Laser in Medicine and Surgery this year is truly a remarkable achievement in my career. The news of winning this award brought immense joy, as it signifies that our work has been acknowledged and valued by our peers and the scientific community. This recognition not only honors the quality and impact of our study but also validates the dedication and effort we have invested in our research for the past years. 

I believe that winning this award will have a positive impact on our research in several ways. Firstly, it will enhance the visibility of our work, potentially attracting new collaborators and opening doors to additional funding opportunities. This increased recognition could also position our group as experts in this specific area, paving the way for further advancements in the field of laser in dermatologic surgery.

I am optimistic about leveraging this acknowledgment to propel our research forward and contribute to significant developments in the realm of laser in dermatologic surgery.

How did your background lead you to research in this area?
My academic journey and research focus have been instrumental in shaping my expertise in laser technology for skin treatment. Building on my master's degree in laser resurfacing for acne scars, I pursued a PhD in Improving the Success of Melanocyte Keratinocyte Transplantation Surgery in Vitiligo and pigmentary skin disorders, with a specific focus on the role of JAK Inhibitors and Ablative Laser Resurfacing. This extensive background provided me with a deep understanding of laser technologies and their application in skin grafting surgery, driving my passion for research and development in this field.

What are some key developments in this field? 
Overall, fractional laser technology has been a key development in the field of laser resurfacing in dermatology. Fractional lasers deliver small, focused beams of light to the skin, creating micro-injuries that stimulate the body's natural healing process and fasten the healing time. Furthermore, combination therapies involving ablative lasers, fractional lasers, and other modalities such as radiofrequency have gained popularity for addressing a wider range of skin concerns and achieving enhanced results. It is exciting to note the advancements in laser resurfacing technology continue to evolve, offering patients more customized treatment options with improved safety and efficacy profiles.

How has ASLMS contributed to your career? Why should young researchers or clinicians become involved with ASLMS?

I am a member of ASLMS and was selected as a resident liaison. This experience had several positive impacts on my journey. Being a part of ASLMS has benefited my career through providing access to cutting-edge research, networking opportunities, professional development resources, and mentorship programs. Moreover, ASLMS has provided me with valuable insights and connections that have positively impacted my career trajectory.

I strongly recommend young researchers, clinicians, dermatologists, and dermatology residents to get involved in ASLMS to leverage the unique learning and growth opportunities that ASLMS offers to young researchers and clinicians, such as exposure to interdisciplinary collaboration, access to industry leaders, and the chance to stay updated on the latest advancements in laser, particularly in the field of dermatologic surgery. It also provides ample opportunities for career advancement, knowledge expansion, and the chance to contribute to the field through involvement in ASLMS activities.

What is something members may not know about you?
One memorable experience that stands out to me is the successful treatment of a patient with hypopigmented acne scars. After 20 years of trying ineffective topicals, we utilized a combination of laser resurfacing and cellular grafting surgery which resulted in a remarkable 70% improvement after just one surgery. Witnessing the genuine tears of joy from the patient, who expressed her desire for her daughter to pursue a career in medicine like us, was truly touching and a reminder of why we are dedicated to making a positive impact in our patients' lives. 

You have received an award this year for your study, “Characteristics of Basal Cell Carcinoma Subtypes: Long Pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG Treatment With Optical Coherence Tomography Guidance.” What does winning this award mean to you? How will it impact your research?
I feel honored to win this award and it represents the commitment and dedication my mentors and colleagues have shown in supporting me reach this point. I am inspired to persevere despite the challenges I may face. I will hopefully continue to strive for excellence and pursue research keeping patients’ needs at the forefront.

How did your background lead you to research in this area?
As a medical student, I aspire to provide the best care for patients, which led me to do a research year at UCI. Through this experience, I have seen the valuable impact of research. Patients can receive optimal care when treatment plans are guided by the latest research, ultimately improving their outcomes and reducing patient mortality/morbidity.

What are some key developments in this field? 
Our research has shown, at least from preliminary results, that Long Pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG hyperthermia can successfully treat varying subtypes of Basal Cell Carcinomas at diverse depths.

How has ASLMS contributed to your career? Why should young researchers or clinicians become involved with ASLMS?
ASLMS has contributed to my career by shedding light on the work we are doing to treat Basal Cell Cancer. Being involved with ASLMS allows young researchers and clinicians to broaden their horizon and gain valuable knowledge.

What is something members may not know about you?
Mr. Bean is one of my favorite characters. He always makes me laugh. Despite everything going wrong in his life, he still keeps going and brings so much laughter.