Dermatologist Brings Unique Expertise to Patients with Autoimmune Disease
David Pearson, MD, recently joined the Department of Dermatology as an Assistant Professor, bringing unique expertise in clinical care and research related to autoimmune connective tissue and autoimmune bullous diseases. He will be treating patients at the Dermatology Clinic at the Clinics and Surgery Center (CSC).
A Minnesota native, Dr. Pearson trained under Victoria Werth, MD, an internationally-renowned expert in dermatomyositis, cutaneous lupus, and pemphigus, during his rheumatologic dermatology fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. As a fellow, he was the sub-investigator in numerous industry-sponsored clinical trials for dermatomyositis, lupus, and pemphigus, and engaged in investigator-initiated studies examining environmental triggers and systemic manifestations of dermatomyositis, quality of life metrics in autoimmune connective tissue disease, and the validation of disease severity indices in pediatric populations. He is currently the only fellowship-trained rheumatologic dermatologist in the state, and only one of few building a clinical practice around this patient population.
His focus on autoimmune disease brings an added dimension to the multidisciplinary team of rheumatologists, pulmonologists and nephrologist treating patients at the Clinics and Surgery Center. Together, they will support the University of Minnesota Medical School’s efforts in developing its regional and national reputation as a center for autoimmune connective tissue diseases.
Dr. Pearson is currently seeking patients with dermatomyositis, cutaneous lupus, systemic sclerosis, morphea, vasculitis, pemphigus, pemphigoid, and other autoimmune connective tissue diseases.
His clinical interests include providing evidence-based and compassionate care for patients with autoimmune connective tissue and autoimmune bullous diseases. He conducts clinical research and studies exogenous triggers for autoimmune connective tissue diseases including dermatomyositis, cutaneous lupus, and systemic sclerosis. He plans to partner with industry to develop and study treatments for these debilitating conditions.