On November 8, during the Microbiome Symposium, Penn
Vet’s Dr. Charles W. Bradley, V’09, and Dr. Elizabeth A. Grice
of the Perelman School of Medicine were named the 2017
recipients of Penn’s One Health Award—recognizing their
exemplary interdisciplinary collaboration to improve health
care for the benefit of humans, animals, and the environment.
The One Health Award was established in 2013 by the deans
of Penn Medicine, Penn Nursing, Penn Dental Medicine, and
Penn Vet.
Research conducted by Bradley and Grice has uncovered
important insights about the skin microbiome of atopic
dermatitis (AD) in dogs compared to humans. Canine AD
shares important features of the human version, making dogs
an excellent clinical model. The research revealed that there
is a correlation
between the skin’s
barrier function,
the immune
system, and the
composition and diversity of bacterial colonization during
flares. The hope is that insights gained from this and future
studies will enable clinicians to treat AD by altering the skin’s
microbiome without antibiotic use.
“We are delighted to recognize the extraordinary research
collaborations throughout the University that advance the
One Health initiative,” said Penn Vet Dean Joan Hendricks.
“Drs. Bradley and Grice exemplify the spirit of One Health
by working to advance the knowledge base for the same
skin disease across species. They are also superb in their
focus on publicizing the One Health approach in their
presentations at scientific and medical conferences.”
Bradley is an Assistant Professor of Pathology in the
Department of Pathobiology at Penn Vet. His research
interests are focused on dermatopathology and the role of
the microbiome in skin disease, particularly canine AD.
“This award is a true honor, and it symbolizes the
interdisciplinary support and friendships that have grown
out of our work, across campus and health systems,”
Bradley said.
Grice is an Assistant Professor of Dermatology and
Microbiology at Penn Medicine. Her research focuses
on host-microbe interactions of the skin and elucidating
their roles in skin health, disease, and wound healing.
“We strive to embrace One Health in all lines of research
in the lab, recognizing its impact on not only human
medicine, but on animals and the environment,” she said.