Latest News

Third Nordic Course In Virtual Dermatopathology

Welcome to the Third Nordic Course in Virtual Dermatopathology, which will take place online 22 and 23 October, 2020, due to Covid-19.  

This course is intended for both trainees and specialists in dermatology, pathology, and dermatopathology and the focus is on clinical-pathologic correlation using virtual/digital slides.

“Virtual“ or digital microscopy is the software-assisted manipulation of digital images of tissue sections, which simulates the examination of glass slides under a standard microscope, with possible magnifications up to × 40. This technique was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 as a method for primary diagnosis in surgical pathology. Digital pathology has already proven to be a useful medium in teaching and training as well as at conferences and in continuing medical education (CME), and especially now during Covid-19. As of 2020, the American Board of Dermatology will utilize digital slides in its Certifying Examinations. It is likely that the ICDP-UEMS International Board Examination in Dermatopathology and UEMS European Board of Dermato-Venereology Examination will incorporate digital slides in the future.

The goal of this course is to provide the participants with the background to use virtual dermatopathology and related software in clinical-pathologic correlation. This will be useful in consultations and CME programs, as an educational tool for medical student and post-graduate training, as well as in preparation for board examinations.

You can find more information about the programme here.

Ellen Mooney, MD, Chair
Nordic Institute of Virtual Dermatopathology
Hafnarfjordur, Iceland

IAD Autumn meeting statement

Dear Members & Colleagues,

Following continuing concerns about COVID-19 and the possibility of a second wave we have taken the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Autumn IAD meeting. We are very disappointed that we are unable to hold this event for our members but it is essential that we prioritise the health and safety of our delegates and exhibitors.

These are challenging times and it is important that we focus now on restarting Dermatology services and supporting our patients. We remain committed to finding other ways of sharing  updates in dermatology with the members through the IAD website, a summer newsletter and a webinar in October with guest speaker, Professor Des Tobin Director of the Charles Institute of Dermatology UCD, date TBC.

If you would like to contribute to the summer newsletter in any way please contact Jacqui Carroll iad@outlook.ie orinfo@irishdermatologists.ie

To all our trainee members, please be aware that the 4 travel scholarships for 2021 will remain. Applications to IAD President Dr Olivia Dolan  iad@outlook.ie or info@irishdermatologists.ie  before November 30th November 2020.

We hope you are all remaining well and looking forward to having some time away from work during the summer months. The Directors will continue to keep you informed of any further developments as we plan ahead for future meetings in 2021.

With warmest regards,

The IAD Directors

Dr Olivia Dolan (President) , Dr Gillian Gibson, Dr Trevor Markham, Prof Pauline Marren, Dr Art O’Hagan, Dr Donal O’Kane, Dr Bart Ramsay.