Ask Away! Blog Series featuring Dr. Hightower
In this month’s “Ask Away!” interview series, we have the honor of connecting with Dr. George Hightower, MD, PhD, a distinguished dermatologist specializing in pediatric dermatology and a fervent advocate for patient-centered care.
Dr. Hightower graciously shared his incredible journey—from his roots in the medical scientist training program to the pivotal experiences that led him to specialize in dermatology. During our interview, he also discussed his advocacy for diversity in clinical trials, highlighting the importance of inclusive research practices.
Join us as we explore Dr. George Hightower's profound perspectives on advancing pediatric dermatology, advocating for diversity in clinical trials, and the pivotal role of community engagement in shaping healthcare.
Dr. Hightower, could you share with us the journey of how your background in the medical scientist training program led you to pursue dermatology as a specialty, highlighting the pivotal moments or experiences that ignited your interest in this field?
I started at UCSD as an undergraduate thinking I’d return back to Northern California and work as a community pediatrician. After changing my major a couple of times and feeling a bit lost, I interviewed for a position in Doug Richman’s lab studying HIV. This work first ignited my interest to be a physician scientist.
What improvements or advancements in the field of pediatric dermatology do you hope to see in the near future? Are there any particular innovations or developments in dermatology that you find especially promising or exciting?
Two big ideas I’m pursuing in my own work: (1) Advancing our understanding of how the skin microbiome impacts a chronic disease like eczema and how it can be altered to improve the lives of children with severe eczema (2) Understanding how one’s neighborhood might impact vulnerability to illness and ways we can use exiting neighborhood-level data to better meet the needs of adolescents living with a chronic illness.
What inspired you to focus on advocating for diversity in clinical trials, particularly in your field?
Growing up in California’s Central Valley as a kid, I took for granted that my mentors navigated a rich textured socio-cultural landscape shaped by generations of immigration. Forging collaborations and avoiding conflict required navigating this landscape. My experiences in medical school and residency pushed me to realize that I needed to lean into what I learned as a kid. It wasn’t a given that everyone who should, would see the benefits of medical research.
We lack sufficient framework to support participatory action research for the communities most impacted by existing barriers to medical care.
Could you share some insights into how diversity, or lack thereof, impacts clinical trials in dermatology and pediatric dermatology specifically?
I see trust in medical care and medical research as going hand in hand. If our clinical trials are not reflective of the needs of our patients and the communities our hospitals and clinics serve, I anticipate this will erode trust in us as medical providers and researchers.
Are there any specific strategies or initiatives you've implemented or been part of to encourage more diverse participation in clinical trials?
Currently, I am participating in the Robert A. Winn Career Development Award Program. This program allows me to set aside time each week to attend workshops and discuss with physicians and researchers across the country how to implement innovative approaches to ensure clinical trials meet the needs of the patients and communities throughout the United States.
From your perspective, what role does patient education and community engagement play in encouraging diverse participation in clinical trials?
Patient education at its best facilitates shared decision making and active engagement. High quality clinical trials require community input and participation from design to how the final results of any given trial are used.
Considering your experience, what role do you believe mentorship plays in supporting aspiring dermatologists and researchers, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds?
Effective mentoring is crucial to ensuring dermatology has the necessary workforce to meet these needs of our patients. It’s important that we remain focused both on improving patient care and training the next generation of physicians and researchers. We can’t do this effectively, if we don’t understand and address how individuals from communities historically underrepresented in medicine are marginalized.
How do you manage to strike a work-life balance between your demanding career in medicine and research, and your personal interests such as family time?
Most days I’m not sure that I do! Working to prioritize what nourishes my family, mentees, patients, and myself is a throughline that helps me.
Don't forget to email us at: researchcomm@health.ucsd.eduor v3chavez@health.ucsd.edu if you have any additional questions for him.
I see trust in medical care and medical research as going hand in hand. If our clinical trials are not reflective of the needs of our patients and the communities our hospitals and clinics serve, I anticipate this will erode trust in us as medical providers and researchers.
Are there any specific strategies or initiatives you've implemented or been part of to encourage more diverse participation in clinical trials?
Currently, I am participating in the Robert A. Winn Career Development Award Program. This program allows me to set aside time each week to attend workshops and discuss with physicians and researchers across the country how to implement innovative approaches to ensure clinical trials meet the needs of the patients and communities throughout the United States.
From your perspective, what role does patient education and community engagement play in encouraging diverse participation in clinical trials?
Patient education at its best facilitates shared decision making and active engagement. High quality clinical trials require community input and participation from design to how the final results of any given trial are used.
Considering your experience, what role do you believe mentorship plays in supporting aspiring dermatologists and researchers, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds?
Effective mentoring is crucial to ensuring dermatology has the necessary workforce to meet these needs of our patients. It’s important that we remain focused both on improving patient care and training the next generation of physicians and researchers. We can’t do this effectively, if we don’t understand and address how individuals from communities historically underrepresented in medicine are marginalized.
How do you manage to strike a work-life balance between your demanding career in medicine and research, and your personal interests such as family time?
Most days I’m not sure that I do! Working to prioritize what nourishes my family, mentees, patients, and myself is a throughline that helps me.
Don't forget to email us at: researchcomm@health.ucsd.eduor v3chavez@health.ucsd.edu if you have any additional questions for him.
Lastly, this series will be posted on a bi-monthly basis, so feel free to send any questions you have about research and science our way.
Happy Holidays!
UC San Diego ACTRI Communications