Wound Healing Research Lab
Healing Pediatric Wounds Beyond the Surface
The Wound Healing Research Lab at ¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾«Æ· Children’s in Central Florida is pioneering new approaches to understand and treat challenging wounds that affect children and teens, considering both their physical and emotional needs.
Our lab addresses critical gaps in pediatric wound research by exploring why some wounds heal differently than others. We study conditions like hypertrophic and keloid scars, that can profoundly impact a child’s quality of life. These scars reach beyond cosmetic concernsÌý—Ìýthey can cause pain, restrict movement, and affect self-confidence during development years.Ìý
We're leading groundbreaking work in pilonidal disease, a challenging condition that mainly affects teens. This painful condition often returns after treatment, and we're changing that story. Through innovative research, we're uncovering why traditional treatments fall short and developing more effective, personalized solutions.
Our team employs the latest molecular research and expert clinical care to heal kids inside and out. Our work extends beyond just treating wounds. We work to prevent excessive scarring, lower recurrence rates, and design targeted therapies that address each child’s unique needs.
Principal Investigator
Teerin Meckmongkol, MD, PhD, FACS
Principal Scientist
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR RESEARCH
- Research Interests
- Impact & Innovation
Our Areas of Focus
Preventing & Treating Excessive ScarsÌý
We're investigating why some scars grow excessively and become problematic. Our research examines the molecular mechanisms behind abnormal scarring, aiming to develop treatments that can prevent or reduce these challenging scars before they significantly impact a child's life.
Accelerating Chronic Wound Healing
Our team studies why some wounds resist healing, particularly in children with complex medical conditions. We're developing multi-faceted treatment approaches that consider the whole patientÌý—Ìýfrom local wound care to systemic health factors like inadequate blood flow, infection, and disrupted healing processes that affect healing.
Transforming Pilonidal Disease Treatment
Through innovative research approaches, we're leading the way in understanding pilonidal disease (where hair becomes embedded under the skin near the tailbone, causing painful infections and cysts). Our work combines surgical expertise with molecular biology, immunology, and tissue engineering to develop more effective, minimally invasive treatments that can reduce recurrence rates and improve recovery.
Recent Research Highlights
We are recognized for our innovative research approach to understanding pilonidal disease. Notable projects include:Ìý
Postsurgical Pilonidal Disease
Determining predictors for failure of the minimally invasive surgical technique for pilonidal disease. Pilonidal disease is a chronic inflammatory skin condition without medical or surgical cure, with a high recurrence rate.Ìý
We are prospectively trying to identify physical and molecular reasons for pilonidal disease recurrence following surgery.Ìý
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Awards & Recognition
Researchers at ¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾«Æ· are often recognized for their exceptional contributions to pediatric research. Our team's passion to advance children's health and well-being is celebrated in these recent honors.Ìý
Dr. Meckmongkol's innovative approach to studying pilonidal disease earned her the Research Excellence Award (2021) from ¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾«Æ· Children's Health System, Orlando Florida, highlighting our lab's commitment to transforming wound care through translational research.
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Research Partnerships
We expand our knowledge and leverage diverse perspectives with partnerships and collaborations within and outside our area.Ìý
Internal Partnerships
Within the ¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾«Æ· system we’ve established robust cross-disciplinary research partnerships with Peter Minneci, MD, MHSc, the chair of surgery in Delaware Valley.Ìý
Research in Context
Our labs contribute to research that informs pediatric care, working in alignment with research centers and focused areas of scientific study at ¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾«Æ·.
General (Pediatric) Surgery
CLINICAL CARE
Comprehensive surgical care for infants, children, and teens across the ¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾«Æ· system, with teams based in Delaware Valley and Florida.
Orthopedics Research
RESEARCH AREA
Our teams study bone, joint, and muscle development to improve care for children with orthopedic conditions through innovation and collaboration.
Plastic Surgery
CLINICAL CARE
Reconstructive and cosmetic care for children with cleft palate, craniofacial differences, and other conditions, provided by ¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾Ã¾«Æ· specialists throughout the regions we serve.