Dr. Margolis's research work is focused on dermato-epidemiology and, more specifically, the epidemiology and treatment of chronic wounds, atopic dermatitis, and acne. Dermatologic illnesses are highly prevalent and tend to be chronic. For example, atopic dermatitis affects about 10% of our population and tends to wax and wane over a lifetime. His research awards have been focused on the treatment of patients with chronic cutaneous wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, the prevention of chronic cutaneous wounds, the treatment of atopic dermatitis, the genetic variants of atopic dermatitis, cardiovascular disease and psoriasis, the effect of chronic antibiotic exposure in patients with acne, and the effectiveness of acne therapies.  

His research group has received NIH funding since 1995. His research awards have been based on case-control, prospective cohort, and randomized clinical trial designs. Many of his studies now incorporate laboratory data such as genotyping with epidemiologic study designs.  

Dr. Margolis frequently serves on data safety monitoring boards for studies sponsored by both industry and the NIH, and on industry, governmental, and nonprofit advisory panels. He also mentors MSCE candidates and dermatology postdocs. He is one of the MPIs for the Dermatology T32 program.