Jul 30, 2019

Dermatology: Division Director's Message

Division of Dermatology
Dr. Vincent Piguet
By

Dr. Vincent Piguet, Department Division Director, Dermatology

I hope everyone is having an enjoyable summer so far and is preparing for another excellent academic year. I would like to wish a warm welcome to our new residents and fellows as they embark on their dermatology training at the University of Toronto. I would also like to congratulate our graduating residents and fellows - it is a remarkable accomplishment and we wish you continued success in your careers to come!

There have been many other notable achievements for the Division since the last newsletter which should be highlighted. Under the leadership of former Program Director, Dr. Scott Walsh, the Dermatology Residency Program won the 2019 PARO Residency Program Excellence Award - an exceptional achievement which speaks to the calibre of our clinician teachers. Dr. Walsh was himself inducted into the inaugural class of the Academy of Master Clinicians in recognition of his consistent clinical expertise and highest quality of patient care. This honour further confirms what all of us in the Division of Dermatology have known for years –  that Dr. Scott Walsh is truly an exemplary dermatologist, and the Program owes much of its success to his extensive knowledge and passion for teaching. We would like to thank him once again for his outstanding work shepherding the program over the past 12 years.

In terms of research, we have had a successful several months in terms of funding, with faculty and residents being awarded several grants from the Canadian Dermatology Foundation (CDF) and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Of note, Dr. An-Wen Chan received the Department of Medicine's 2019 William Goldie Prize and Travel Award for Research, given annually to a faculty member within 10 years of their appointment for their contribution of merit to the advancement of sound knowledge in internal medicine through research.

Our residents have been highly productive, attending and presenting their research at international conferences including a strong presence at the World Congress of Dermatology in Milan – well done! I am pleased to be able to also highlight some of our important specialized clinical activities in this newsletter, as well as recent events such as the annual Resident Welcome Breakfast and Resident Retreat.

In conclusion, I hope you have wonderful 2019/20 academic year and look forward to updating you on progresses and changes made over the coming months!