1. How long have you been a dermatologist and/or researcher? My first clinical post in Dermatology was in 1998 in Newcastle, before gaining experience in Dermatology units in New Zealand and then the West of Scotland. My first research post in Dermatology was as an undergraduate student with Professor TS Kupper at the Harvard Skin Disease Research Centre before progressing to my MD working between Glasgow and Dundee. 

    What inspired you to follow this career path?  As a medical student in Edinburgh, I enjoyed my Dermatology block more than any other part of the course – now retired Professor J Hunter was hugely encouraging to pursue it as a career. 

    What are the biggest challenges you face in your role?  Balancing the pressures on time in an NHS consultant post and the lack of funding to ensure services develop are probably the two biggest challenges. 

    What do you enjoy most about your job?  Interaction with patients every day and involvement in service development and clinical research for patients suffering from rare genetic skin diseases are the most enjoyable aspects of my job. 

    Why did you become involved with the ISG? My mentor, now retired Professor Colin Munro, suggested I get involved about 15 years ago and I've been delighted to be on the Medical Advisory Board since that time. It was very rewarding to help coordinate the first Scottish patient meeting in 2016, and its great to see meetings up north continuing since then. 

    How do you raise awareness and signpost people towards the ISG?  I let my patients know about ISG UK at clinic and also I contact them directly if local meetings are being coordinated.

  1. Why is being a dermatologist and researcher important to you?  It is hugely rewarding to have a job that can help others.

  1. Outside of your role what are your interests and hobbies? I love reading (I am in two book groups), knitting, hillwalking with my munro-bagging husband, spending time with my three daughters who are growing up far too quickly, trips to the theatre, playing the piano, improving my sewing skills with guidance from a friend who is a seamstress, and walking my dog, a beautiful little border terrier called Hazel. I love living in Scotland. 

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Author: Mandy Aldwin