Dermatology is a branch of medicine that encompasses both medical and surgical aspects as well as a broad involvement of disciplines such as immunology, infectious diseases and oncology. Over the years there have been considerable advances in dermatological treatments which have led to a greater improvement in the quality of life of its sufferers and an overall reduction in community burden etc as a result of skin diseases. Advances in immunology and other aspects of dermatology have led to therapeutic and diagnostic advances in other branches of medicine. It is not uncommon that a skin disease can be the first sign of an underlying internal disease and therefore dermatologists might be the first to recognise a potential serious underlying illness. Lastly, I will discuss some advances in the laser field that were introduced and pioneered by dermatologists. The talk will highlight the importance of dermatology as a branch of medicine.

Description of my career

I graduated from medical school in 2002 and worked for 4 years in various medical specialties as a trainee doctor gaining a broad base in general medical specialties. Subsequent to that I started my career in dermatology with a formal residency training in Manchester and completed a highly competitive sought after fellowship afterwards for a year in Mohs surgery and lasers at St. John’s Institute of Dermatology at St. Thomas’ hospital in London. Subsequent to that I worked in both the private and public sector and continued my contribution in dermatology in forms of research, trials, publications and lectures worldwide. I have published over 210 peer-reviewed publications, in dermatology and several book chapters. I have delivered hundreds of lectures in 57 countries around the world. I sit on a number of committees and serve as a reviewer for a number of scientific journals. I continue to work hard in my field and aim to shine light on the name of Aalborg University in all my academic work.