Patrick M. Brunner, MD, MSc Joins American Skin Association's Medical Advisory Committee

Appointment Announcement

The American Skin Association (ASA) is proud to announce that Patrick M. Brunner, MD, MSc, has been appointed to its Medical Advisory Committee (MAC). This significant addition brings a wealth of expertise to the organization, specifically in the realm of skin immunology and inflammatory skin diseases. Dr. Brunner's impressive credentials as a clinician scientist are expected to advance ASA's mission significantly.

Background of Dr. Brunner

Dr. Brunner currently holds the position of Associate Professor of Dermatology and serves as the Director of the Cutaneous Lymphoma Clinic at the esteemed Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. His extensive research connects advanced immunologic techniques directly into clinical practice, providing better care for patients with dermatological diseases.

Howard P. Milstein, Chairman of ASA, expressed, “Dr. Brunner is an exceptional addition to ASA's Medical Advisory Committee. His extensive scientific insight combined with a commitment to improving outcomes for patients exemplifies the innovative and patient-centered approach we aspire to champion.”

Dr. Brunner completed his medical education at the Medical University of Vienna, where he also finished his residency in Dermatology. His journey took him to The Rockefeller University in New York, where he deepened his expertise through advanced clinical and translational science training, particularly focusing on atopic dermatitis under respected mentors within the ASA community.

After returning to Vienna to lead an independent research group, he made significant contributions to the understanding of immune mechanisms in chronic skin diseases, which includes leading studies on cutaneous lymphomas. Since joining Mount Sinai in 2021, Dr. Brunner has been at the forefront of research aimed at revolutionizing treatment approaches for these serious conditions.

Research Focus

Dr. Brunner's clinical research primarily addresses various immune-mediated skin disorders. His focus includes some of the most challenging conditions such as cutaneous lymphomas, atopic dermatitis, and vitiligo. Particularly noteworthy is his work on vitiligo, where he is making strides to improve tissue sampling techniques and analyze the inflammatory environments within the skin, addressing issues like disease persistence and treatment resistance.

The laboratory led by Dr. Brunner aims to uncover the complexities behind slow-growing versus aggressive cutaneous lymphomas. Using state-of-the-art techniques such as single-cell and spatial profiling of patient-derived tissues, his research is directed towards understanding disease progression, improving diagnostic precision, and evolving treatments to be both safer and more effective.

Eugene A. Bauer, MD, Co-Chair of ASA's Medical Advisory Committee, remarked on Dr. Brunner's research methodologies, stating, “His thoughtful and rigorous approach to exploring immune-driven skin diseases enhances the scientific competence of our committee.”

Contributions and Achievements

Dr. Brunner is a prolific author, having contributed to over 100 peer-reviewed publications in the fields of basic, translational, and clinical dermatology. His addition to the Medical Advisory Committee reinforces ASA’s ongoing commitment to advancing innovative research, education, and public understanding regarding skin health and diseases.

Founded nearly four decades ago, ASA stands as a collaborative force involving patients, families, medical professionals, and scientists striving to find solutions for various skin disorders affecting a significant portion of the U.S. population. The organization remains dedicated to promoting skin health, advocating for the affected populations, especially children, and stimulating public awareness regarding skin diseases.

The American Skin Association looks forward to benefiting from Dr. Brunner's expertise and vision, which aligns with its mission to impact skin health positively across the nation. His appointment is seen as a vital step towards innovative treatment pathways and research initiatives that can transform patient care in dermatology.

For more information about ASA and its mission, visit americanskin.org.