Nghiem Lab Welcomes Clinical Research Fellow Austin Jabbour

UW Dermatology is excited to welcome Austin Jabbour, MD, to the laboratory of Paul Nghiem, MD, PhD as a Clinical Research Fellow. Dr. Jabbour officially joined the Nghiem Lab on July 1, 2023.

Dr. Paul Nghiem, Head of the UW Division of Dermatology, is Principal Investigator for the Nghiem Lab, located at the UW Medicine Biotech & Medical Research Hub in Seattle’s South Lake Union (SLU) neighborhood. One of three research labs in the division, the Nghiem Lab Research Team studies the biology of skin cancer with a special focus on Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare but lethal skin cancer.

Welcome to UW Dermatology Austin!

Biography

Austin J. Jabbour, MD

Pronouns: he/him/his
Hometown: Syracuse, NY
Undergraduate: SUNY Geneseo (Geneseo, NY), Major in Biology, Minor in Business Studies
Medical School: University of Queensland-Ochsner Health in Brisbane, QLD, Australia and New Orleans, LA
Additional Training: Internal Medicine-Preliminary (PGY-1) at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY

Research Experience: Research during medical school included remote work on Merkel cell carcinoma through the Dermatology Branch of the NIH with Isaac Brownell, MD, PhD, and inflammatory skin disorders at Columbia University with Lynn Petukhova, PhD.

Clinical & Research Interests: Cutaneous oncology, Merkel cell carcinoma, inflammatory dermatoses

Why did you choose to pursue a fellowship with the Nghiem Lab?

I was first introduced to Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) as a medical assistant in a private dermatology office in New York before starting medical school, where we diagnosed a personal friend at the age of 22 years old. Since that time, my interest in the niche field has grown exponentially and I have been able to contribute to several projects within Merkel cell research at the NIH. I was introduced to Dr. Nghiem through these collaborations, and my story was destined to continue in the field.

What do you hope to gain from your experience in the Nghiem Lab?

I hope to develop a thorough and holistic approach to and appreciation of the treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma. This experience will prepare me for the rigors of treating complex dermatologic and oncologic patients with a multidisciplinary level of understanding while also being given the opportunity to publish novel research in the field.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Adventures with my dog (Cavapoo named Wiley), scuba diving, pickleball, soccer, and golf.