My Journey from International Medical Graduate to Dermatologist-Physician-Scientist

My path towards becoming a physician-scientist began at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, where I initially intended to follow in my father's footsteps and pursue a career in ophthalmology. However, a pivotal event early in my medical education shifted my focus. My mother developed lichen planopilaris, a rare autoimmune form of scarring hair loss with a poorly understood pathogenesis. Watching her endure ineffective and painful treatments was deeply unsettling—not only because of the physical consequences of the disease, but also due to the emotional toll it took on her self-esteem. This personal experience sparked my interest in immunodermatology, as I became increasingly motivated to study skin diseases and work toward finding better treatments for patients facing similar challenges.

After graduating from medical school in 2004, I worked as a research assistant at a dermatology research center at Tehran University. There, I gained valuable experience in designing and conducting clinical trials, but the real turning point came in 2006, when I was selected to participate in an exchange program to the U.S. During my visit, I had the opportunity to observe the work being done at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other research institutes. At that time, the NIH had launched a new initiative aimed at training a generation of translational scientists who could bridge the gap between bench research and clinical application. The concept of translating scientific discoveries into real-world treatments resonated deeply with me, aligning with my long-term vision for my career.

Inspired by this experience, I made the life-changing decision to pursue training in the U.S. as a physician-scientist specializing in dermatology. However, due to the political situation and the lack of formal diplomatic relations between Iran and the U.S., this plan proved to be extremely challenging. It took five years before I was able to obtain a visa to move to the U.S., and in 2011, I finally arrived, hopeful to advance my training in skin immunology and translational research. Though I lacked formal bench research training at the time, I was fortunate to meet Dr. John Harris at UMass Chan Medical School. His mentorship would profoundly shape my career.

Dr. Harris welcomed me into his lab, where I focused on studying the immunological mechanisms behind vitiligo, a common autoimmune skin disease characterized by white, depigmented patches. Despite its significant psychosocial impact, no targeted treatments were available at the time. Under Dr. Harris’s guidance, my research led to the discovery of a novel immune signaling pathway involved in vitiligo pathogenesis. This breakthrough was instrumental in guiding the development of the first FDA-approved treatment for the disease. Contributing to research that had a direct impact on patient care reinforced my passion for dermatology and translational research. I realized that combining clinical practice with scientific investigation would allow me to help bridge the gap between the lab and the clinic, improving the lives of patients with complex autoimmune skin conditions.

While I was eager to begin formal dermatology training, securing a dermatology residency in the U.S. as an international medical graduate was highly competitive. The path was uncertain, and it took six years of determination and hard work before I was able to enter and complete my dermatology residency at UMass. I owe a great deal to the faculty members at UMass Dermatology who supported me during this time. Throughout my residency, I became increasingly focused on studying connective tissue diseases such as cutaneous lupus and dermatomyositis. These diseases disproportionately affect patients from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, leading to both physical and emotional suffering. My clinical experiences reinforced my commitment to better understanding these diseases and improving treatment options, especially for underserved populations.

After completing my residency, I had the opportunity to establish a new clinic and research center at UMass dedicated to the treatment and study of connective tissue diseases. As the founding director, I aimed to create a space where patients with rare and difficult-to-treat conditions could receive specialized care while simultaneously advancing research. However, launching my career as a physician-scientist during the COVID-19 pandemic presented unexpected challenges. Like many others in the medical community, I had to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances while balancing patient care with the demands of establishing a research program. Despite these obstacles, I was fortunate to receive strong institutional support from UMass Chan Medical School and continued mentorship from Dr. Harris, who is now the chair of our department. With their guidance, I successfully secured several grants, including NIH funding, to support my research efforts. One of my major ongoing projects focuses on developing innovative ways to study the progression of cutaneous lupus. By leveraging digital health platforms, wearable sensors, and at-home blood and skin sampling methods, we aim to better understand the triggers of disease flares and identify early markers of disease progression. This nationwide, siteless study has the potential to revolutionize how we study and treat complex connective tissue diseases, making clinical research more accessible to patients who may otherwise have limited access to specialized care.

As an early investigator, my journey over the past five years has taught me that success in academic medical research requires a diverse skill set beyond just scientific and medical knowledge. Building and maintaining strong interpersonal relationships has proven critical for successful research collaborations. Navigating the complex landscape of funding opportunities—whether from the NIH, nonprofit organizations, or industry—has become an essential part of my role. This process can be particularly daunting given the field’s competitiveness, where limited funding resources mean often contending with more established investigators. Yet, these challenges have refined my abilities and strengthened my resolve to contribute meaningfully to academic medicine.

At the heart of my work as a physician-scientist is a deep commitment to making a lasting difference in the lives of my patients. Whether through direct patient care or by pushing the boundaries of research to discover new treatments, I am dedicated to advancing the field of dermatology and improving outcomes for patients with autoimmune skin diseases. +

Mehdi Rashighi, MDAssistant Professor of Dermatology and MedicineFounding Director, Connective Tissue Disease Clinic and Research Center Autoimmune Therapeutics InstituteUMass Chan Medical School

Email: mehdi.rashighi@umassmed.edu