Celebrating Dr. Shawn Kwatra’s New Role at the University of Maryland School of Medicine

On April 15, 2025, the University of Maryland School of Medicine marked a significant milestone by honoring Dr. Shawn Kwatra as the newly appointed Dr. Joseph Warren Burnett Professor of Dermatology. This recognition highlights Dr. Kwatra’s dedication to advancements in dermatology, particularly in the realms of chronic itch research and patient care.

A Night of Recognition and Accomplishments

The investiture ceremony gathered colleagues, mentors, and patients to celebrate Dr. Kwatra’s impressive journey:

• William F. Regine, MD, praised Dr. Kwatra, stating, “His leadership in his field inspires his colleagues and is a beacon of hope for the families he serves.”
• Mark Gladwin, MD, the dean of the university, emphasized Dr. Kwatra’s contributions, which date back to the founding of the department by Dr. Joseph Warren Burnett in 1992. “Through philanthropy, exceptional leaders like Dr. Kwatra are afforded the resources required for groundbreaking work,” he noted.

Dr. Kwatra’s Endeavors in Dermatology

Dr. Kwatra’s journey is marked by significant achievements, including:

• Founding Director of the Johns Hopkins Itch Center
• Development of innovative therapies like:
  • Occipital nerve blocks
  • Ketamine infusions
  • Cannabinoid therapy
  • New biologics to treat chronic itch

His extensive research record comprises over 300 publications in leading dermatological journals, and he is the sole NIH-funded investigator exploring prurigo nodularis, a severe condition affecting vulnerable communities.

Breakthroughs in Chronic Itch Treatments

Dr. Kwatra has pioneered various therapeutic approaches, including:

• Nemolizumab: An interleukin-31 receptor blocker showcased in a pivotal New England Journal of Medicine study published in 2023.
• FDA Approval: This therapy has received FDA endorsement for treating prurigo nodularis, illustrating the impactful nature of his work.

Patients of Dr. Kwatra have shared powerful testimonies about their transformative experiences with his treatments. One patient expressed, “The medication has turned my prurigo nodularis around… I feel as if I got my life back.”

A Commitment to Community and Collaboration

During his acceptance speech, Dr. Kwatra acknowledged his family, friends, and mentors, stating, “I’m here today because I was blessed to be raised in an environment that valued love, learning, and possibility.”

Looking Ahead

Dr. Kwatra emphasized the growth and potential of the Department of Dermatology, declaring:

• Eight new faculty members recruited this year
• Two new state-of-the-art facilities in development
• A commitment to reimagine the future of dermatologic care

In closing, Dr. Kwatra expressed gratitude for the collaborative spirit within the department, stating, “This professorship belongs to all of us who believe that progress is made together with purpose, perseverance, and a shared vision.”

Conclusion

The investiture of Dr. Shawn Kwatra as the Dr. Joseph Warren Burnett Professor of Dermatology is a testament to his relentless dedication to skin health and a celebration of the advancements being made in the field. His leadership at the University of Maryland School of Medicine promises a bright future for dermatological research and patient care.

For further details on the investiture ceremony, visit University of Maryland’s official page.