Undergraduate : I am involved in the Phase II and Phase III medical student dermatology teaching programme and implementation of the Curriculum.  Within this I give formal lectures, teach at integrated sessions and in clinical teaching sessions.  I teach the Phase III students at my general dermatology clinic and I previously established a “teaching clinic” in Perth.  I also hold a fortnightly “Photodermatology” tutorial for Phase III.  I participate in the OSCE and portfolio examinations and in interviewing prospective medical students.  I have been involved in the significant revision of our undergraduate teaching programme and in the establishment of a dermatology core curriculum for undergraduates.  I am involved in the development of changes in our undergraduate teaching programme and in lecturing and clinical teaching in our recently revised Phase II undergraduate course.  I have a central role in curriculum development including: Co-Chair of Steering Committee for dermatology teaching programme; appointment of Technical Assistant for development of audio-visual teaching methods and was co-applicant in IVIMEDS undergraduate virtual learning programme (collaborative proposal with University of Queensland).  I have been involved in the supervision and grading of the 4th Year pathology BMedSci medical student essays and in Special Study Modules and fourth year projects in photodermatology for medical students (more than 20 students to date and 5 during 2012/13).  I supervise SSCs in photodynamic therapy in years 1 and 2/3.  I have been project supervisor for five St Andrew’s medical students, who have each had an eight to 12-week attachment.  I have been involved in undergraduate curriculum developments in my role as committee member on the BAD Education Sub-committee and the BAD Dermatology Teachers Group.  I am tutor via the Student Support Scheme as academic and pastoral tutor for 12 medical students and I am a student mentor and careers advisor (Speciality Advisory Group for medical students since 2009) for the British Association of Dermatologists.  I am author of the Dermatology chapter for Davidson’s Textbook of Medicine 2012.  I also authored a chapter for Treatment of Skin Disease, 4th Edition 2012.  I have recently agreed to write two additional chapters for Rook’s Textbook of Dermatology and a third chapter for an American Photodermatology textbook.  I am External Examiner for the 4th year undergraduate curriculum in Edinburgh and my role involves committee participation four times per year and standard setting and quality assurance for all the 4th year online assessments.  I have co-supervised two undergraduate students recently who were awarded Carnegie Trust and Biochemistry Society Summer Vacation Scholarships.

Postgraduate : I have a major role in postgraduate training as Training Programme Director for Dermatology in the Eastern Deanery and am involved in all stages of training of Specialist trainees.  I was involved in the appointment process for an NES Foundation Course for Dermatology. 

I give tutorials, lectures and practical demonstrations in a yearly Photodermatology Course for trainee dermatologists in Dundee and London and in a separate course for Consultants.  I also give lectures and practical demonstrations at the Photodermatology nursing course, at the Paediatric Dermatology Annual Course and the Dermatology Pharmacists Course.  I was involved in meetings of the British Association of University Teachers of Dermatology (BAUTOD).  I am a member of the Scottish Clinical Research Excellence Development Scheme (SCREDS) approval and appointment committee.  I was also instrumental in securing a SCRED post in Dermatology and in appointing a postholder who has now gone on to be awarded a Wellcome Trust PhD Fellowship.  I have supervised and examined MD and PhD students.  I have been invited to other centres in the UK to speak on areas of interest in Photodermatology.  I have been involved in teaching both local and European primary care physicians.

I regularly attend and participate in the British Association of Dermatologists and British Society of Investigative Dermatologists annual meetings in order to ensure continuation of my own training.  I am also regularly invited to speak at National and International meetings and attend at least one International general dermatology meeting each year, typically either the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatologists or the European Academy of Dermato-Venereology.  I additionally ensure that I present at and attend at least one investigative meeting each year, particularly the National and International Photobiology meetings.

In my position as Clinical Senior Lecturer, I have developed several areas of research.  I have undertaken many presentations based on these areas of research, at both National and International meetings.  I am involved in the BAD Research Network.

LABORATORY-BASED PHOTOBIOLOGY RESEARCH

Mechanisms regulation individuality in Cytochrome P450 CYP2S1 expression in human skin:  Dr Gillian Smith, Biomedical Research Institute and I appointed a Postdoctoral Scientist to work on this project which investigated in detail the mechanisms of regulation of CYP2S1 in skin, and this work was also the subject of a Proof of Concept application (2007). (Chief Scientist Office, £170,353, 2006 – 2012)

Expression and regulation of cytoprotective genes in human skin:  I collaborated with Professor CR Wolf in the Biomedical Research Institute, University of Dundee.  We examined individuality of cytoprotective gene and drug metabolising enzyme expression and regulation by chemical agents and UVR, in patients with psoriasis and in healthy controls.  I was awarded funding from the Photobiology Trust Fund for a Technician, to perform the preliminary work for this project and I obtained a grant from the Chief Scientist Office for substantive funding.  A postdoctoral scientist was appointed on this grant. We showed regulation in expression of several of the genes studied, by UVR and chemicals used to treat psoriasis and global up-regulation of drug metabolism in psoriatic plaque. 

We also discovered that a novel P450, CYP2S1 was expressed in skin and regulated by topical anti-psoriatic therapies, including retinoids and this was under patent as a potential therapeutic target.  We published this work in the Lancet and J Invest Dermatol and obtained an “excellent” outcome for the final grant report to the CSO.  We were also awarded further funding to extend this work in order to clarify whether these genes were implicated as predictive markers of treatment outcome or toxicity (CSO grants, £101,845, 2000 – 2002; £20,911, 2004 - 2005).

Factors affecting individuality in response to psoralen-UVA (PUVA) photochemotherapy:  I was awarded an MRC Component grant for a postdoctoral scientist and a photobiology technician to work on a study examining genetic factors, which may determine individuality in 8-methoxypsoralen metabolism and response to PUVA photochemotherapy. This was a collaborative study with Professor CR Wolf and the study is complete, with a published manuscript in the British Journal of Dermatology. (MRC Component Grant, £242,180, 2001 - 2005).

The Dundee Molecular Pharmacology MRC Co-operative Group:  We were awarded an MRC Co-operative Group grant in order to provide a genotyping and analytical facility for pharmacogenetic research.  This grant provided the core facility in the Biomedical Research Centre required for collaboration between the co-applicants and was an essential part of the MRC Component Grant detailed above. (MRC Co-operative Group Grant, £342,948, 2001 - 2006).

The influence of glutathione S-transferase (GST) genotype on response to TL-01 phototherapy: This study arose as a consequence of the findings from our CSO-funded study.  We examined the role of GST genotype as a possible predictor of therapeutic response to TL-01. (British Skin Foundation, £9,250, 2003 - 2008).

The effect of ultraviolet radiation and photochemotherapy on p53 activation pathways in human skin in vivo:  I worked with Professor T. Hupp in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Pathology and we examined the pathways of UVR-induced activation of p53 in human skin in vivo.  A Research Assistant funded by the British Skin Foundation undertook this project and we made some interesting findings, which were published. (British Skin Foundation, £35,654, 2001 - 2002).

UV-dependent regulation of p53 function by a novel protein kinase pathway:  Dr Ted Hupp and I were awarded a three-year PhD studentship to work on this project, and Lee Finlan was awarded a PhD for this project. (British Skin Foundation, £54,000, 2002 – 2005).

Mechanism –based chemoprotective agents for reducing the risk of ultraviolet radiation-induced skin cancer:  I am a collaborator with Dr Albena Dinko-Kostova in a study examining the possible photoprotective role of sulforaphane. (Cancer Research UK- £690,000, 2009-2014).

CLINICALLY-BASED PHOTOBIOLOGY RESEARCH

Photodynamic therapy (PDT):  I supervised a study examining the nature of phototoxicity induced by PDT in human skin in vivo.  I was awarded funding for this project by the Dundee Teaching Hospitals Grant scheme.  I have undertaken studies of the use of PDT for mycosis fungoides and psoriasis.  I am supervising studies to optimise PDT regimes for management of non-melanoma skin cancer and Bowen’s disease and to compare PDT with other established treatment regimes.  We are developing LEDs and polymers for use in PDT, with a view to ambulatory home PDT and I have recently initiated a randomised controlled clinical trial to investigate this.  I have been involved in laboratory-based studies of hypericin as a photosensitiser for PDT.  I supervised a medical student in a study examining pain relief during PDT and we are doing further studies in this area using in vivo models in collaboration with Professor Tim Hales with additional undergraduate student supervision on a Carnegie Scholarship.  I have recently established a photobiology tissue bank for future genetic studies including photobiology and PDT patients.  I am involved in several studies of the fluorescence of ALA and MAL and have been co-supervisor of an MD student and a PhD student.  I am currently co-supervising a PhD student in photophysics.  I have collaborations with PDT colleagues in Falkirk/Glasgow and Leeds.  I am responsible for the PDT skin research programme at Ninewells and I find PDT a most enjoyable and fascinating major part of my clinical, teaching and research activities.

Sabbatical period working with Professor Ross Barnetson, Dept of Dermatology, University of Sydney, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia, April – July 2003:  I undertook a sabbatical period at the University of Sydney as I was keen to develop my clinical and research interests in PDT.  I undertook a study of the characteristics of 5-aminolaevulinic-induced protoporphyrin IX fluorescence in normal human skin in vivo using a fluorescence spectrometer that I took to Sydney.  This was presented at the British Society of Investigative Dermatologists Annual Meeting in 2004 and at the Scottish Dermatology Society and was subsequently published.  I also used the fluorescence spectrometer to assess protoporphyrin IX fluorescence in patients receiving ALA PDT for skin cancers.  These fluorescence studies complemented my ongoing PDT research programme in Dundee and the sabbatical allowed me to dedicate the time required to undertake these detailed experiments. 

I also spent time with Professor Gary Halliday and attended the Department’s academic research meetings.  Professor Halliday has a large research group consisting of approximately twenty postdoctoral scientists and research students all working on a wide range of photobiology studies, including the effects of ultraviolet radiation on immunosuppression and dendritic cell function and the role of immunity in skin carcinogenesis.  

During my sabbatical I also participated in the Annual Meeting of the Australasian College of Dermatologists in Brisbane, and I was invited to the Dermatology department in Melbourne in order to spend time with Dr Peter Foley who has interests in photobiology and PDT.  I was also invited to present my work and experience in the Departments in both Sydney and Melbourne.  I found the experience of the sabbatical period in Sydney invaluable both from a clinical and research viewpoint and the experience gained in working in another academic department was most beneficial.

Non-invasive imaging: I am involved in several studies of non-invasive skin imaging to assist in diagnosis and monitoring of treatment responses for skin malignancies.  My role is as PI and co-investigator.  This work includes work with autofluorescence, PpIX imaging, Raman spectroscopy and skin erythema measurements.

PUVA therapy:  I supervised a study examining persistence of photosensitivity after PUVA therapy.  I was awarded funding from the “Anonymous Trust” for this project.  On the basis of the preliminary findings of this experimental work, we are performing a clinical study, which compares topical PUVA treatment regimes, with a view to optimising patient therapy and this is funded by a grant from the British Skin Foundation. 

I supervised studies of the characteristics of erythema induced by topical and systemic PUVA, in an attempt to optimise treatment and minimise the risk of burning.  The results of these studies have led to changes in our methods of delivery of PUVA.  The Tayside University Hospitals NHS Trust, Anonymous Trust Grant Scheme and Psoriasis Association awarded funding for these projects. 

Ultraviolet erythema:  I supervised studies of TL-01 UVB and UVA1 erythema.

Blackcurrant juice and antioxidant content: effect on endothelial and skin behaviour:  I participated in a study of possible photoprotective effects of berry juice, jointly with Professor J. Belch’s team, and this is now at the stage of analysis and write-up.

Photopatch testing:  I participated in the supervision and conduction of a prospective multicentre UK photopatch test study, which aimed to clarify the incidence of photocontact allergy and standardise the photopatch test regime.  I was also involved in a study in which we studied possible mechanisms of induction of false positive photopatch tests.  I was involved in a European Photopatch Test Study Group, which had the aim of standardising European photopatch test methodology by undertaking further studies and this was the basis of an MD thesis in our department, which I acted as co-supervisor for.

Laser:  I was involved in a study examining the optimal parameters for laser treatment of facial telangiectasia.

The Photodermatoses:  I am undertaking several research studies investigating the aetiology and management of the photodermatoses.  These include the effect of topical steroids in the treatment of polymorphic light eruption and the outcome of photosensitivity in young patients with chronic actinic dermatitis.  I was involved in a study examining the natural history of solar urticaria.  I also have an interest in patients with late-onset porphyrias.

Phototherapy studies:  I have been involved in studies, which aim to optimise phototherapy and PUVA regimes and in retrospective studies of the efficacy of phototherapy in the management of urticaria and pruritus.  We have established the use of high-output UVA1 in the department and I supervised studies of the erythemal characteristics of UVA1 and the effect of St John’s wort and psoralens which resulted in my Research Fellow being awarded an MD and a BSF Fellowship Prize.  I am also involved in clinical studies of UVA1 for scleroderma and eczema. 

Imiquimod:  I undertook a dose-ranging study examining the use of imiquimod in the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma and a study of the use of imiquimod in the treatment of lentigo maligna. 3M provided funding (£20K) for a research nurse to facilitate the dose-ranging study. 

Evidence-based guidelines:  As a Member and as Committee Member and Chairman of the British Photodermatology Group I have been involved in several workshops to review specific areas of photobiology with a view to publication of evidence-based guidelines.  These have been in the areas of photoallergy and photopatch testing, topical PUVA, UV calibration and dosimetry, PDT and extracorporeal photopheresis.  I organised the 2002 Workshop, which reviewed the use of TL-01 UVB phototherapy.  I am currently a co-author of a developing guideline on the use of PUVA.

Radiotherapy-induced erythema:  I was involved in a collaborative project with Professor A. Munro to investigate radiotherapy-induced erythema as a possible predictor of therapeutic toxicity.  The Anonymous Trust Grant Scheme funded this project.

Photobiology Tissue Bank:  I set up a Photobiology Tissue Bank in 2012 and all patients attending the Photobiology Unit are invited to participate.  This will allow us to undertake future genotype-phenotype studies and we have already collected >400 samples.