Gordon Hale Expand How long have you been a dermatologist and/or researcher? My first dermatology job was based at Crosshouse Hospital in Ayrshire in 2012 and I started working full time in dermatology in 2015. What inspired you to follow this career path? I took time out of my undergraduate medical degree to undertake a BMSc degree in medical genetics and my research project was on the genetic basis of skin disease. This inspired me to become a dermatologist. What are the biggest challenges you face in your role? The biggest challenge at the moment is balancing providing a dermatology service for patients with having the time to carry out teaching, research and continued education. What do you enjoy most about your job? The best part is working with patients (some of whom are desperate for help or have given up hope) to find treatments that improve their well-being. Why did you become involved with the ISG? A colleague and former mentor of mine Dr Mozheh Zamiri suggested that it was something I might be interested to work on, I grasped the opportunity! How do you raise awareness and signpost people towards the ISG? I see children who have icthyosis in my clinics at the Royal Hospital for Children along with their families. It is usually at this stage that I will direct people to the ISG. Why is being a dermatologist and researcher important to you? I think it’s important that we don’t stand still and that we continue to work on improving our understanding of these complex conditions. Without on-going research we wouldn’t be able to develop new and improved treatments for patients. Outside of your role what are your interests and hobbies? I’m a keen runner and recently completed a 2-day ultra-marathon on the Isle of Arran in Scotland.
Dr Anna Martinez Expand How long have you been a dermatologist? I have been a Paediatric Dermatologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital since 2003. I qualified from St Bartholomew’s medical school in 1991 and did my training in North London What inspired you to follow this career path? I have always loved paediatrics and working with children and their families. My first paediatric dermatology job as a junior doctor at GOSH. The complexity and diversity of this specialty immediately drew me towards it and the need for expert multidisciplinary care Why is being a dermatologist and researcher important to you? I have always loved looking after children and families with rare diseases most of these are genetic for which there is no current treatment. research is the only way to offer the possibly of better treatments and hopefully a cure for these often-severe disorders What are the biggest challenges you face in your role? Trying to give best care possible whilst there are no effective treatments and driving clinical research with running clinical trials try and get better treatments available for patients What do you enjoy most about your job? I love working with my team, teaching but most of all the long-term relationships I have with my patients and their families Why did you become involved with the ISG? I have always had a special interest in looking after babies and children with ichthyses. I get contacted when most of the babies are born with congenital ichthyosis in South of England to try and provide the best care. Being part of the ISG provides lifelong support for families and individuals with ichthyoses. How do you raise awareness and signpost people towards the ISG? All the new families with ichthyoses are signposted to the ISG to join the support group and take part in all the many events and opportunities provided. Outside of your role what are your interests and hobbies? I have two children age 24 and 22 who I love spending time with and a cockerpoo Otis so long walks at the weekend are always fun. I love cooking and have over 100 house plants so that keeps me very busy!
Polly Buchanan - Dermatology Nurse Expand How long have you been a dermatology nurse? Do you care for adults and children? I have 38 years experience in dermatology nursing and 50 years experience in nursing overall. I moved into dermatology as a research nurse in 1996 which placed me on a clinical and academic career pathway in dermatology nursing. I am qualified to care for all ages throughout the lifespan. Why is being a dermatology nurse important to you? I have enjoyed all my nursing roles over the years. These include clinical practice, research, clinical specialism and education. It was my move to into the world of dermatology that gave me the opportunity to really make a difference for patients and the nursing profession. It is making a difference for patients who are living with a lifelong skin condition that is most important to me. I have been lucky enough to have worked in universities, profit and non profit organisations as well as Secondary and Primary Care in the NHS. What inspired you to follow this career path? Right from the start my patients inspired me, the positive feedback and the holistic care that was needed. I think for the first time in my nursing career I realised I needed to embrace a bio-psycho-social approach to care. This approach I have fostered always and gave me the opportunity to develop new and innovative roles for dermatology nurses. That career pathway took me to becoming the first Skin Cancer Nurse Specialist and then the first Consultant Nurse in Dermatology in the UK. My career also included being a Senior Lecturer, Manager for Professional Development, and Lead Nurse in Research and Development. Throughout my career and various roles I have always been drawn back to direct patient care. In my twilight years, my current role is Community Dermatology Nurse Specialist whereby I carry out dermatology clinics in GP practices in primary care What are biggest challenges you face in your role? The greatest challenges in my current role are resources, both financial and human. Waiting times to be seen in dermatology clinics remain excessively long. I would like to see community based dermatology nurses in every GP surgery. This will help, but we also need professional education and patient education programmes which enhances self care. Having recently reduced my clinical hours , I am spending more time providing education for Primary Care Nurses, District Nurses, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, Pharmacists and Patient Organisations. Within education my biggest challenges remain helping others understand the value of emollients as well as trying to understand and reduce steroid phobia. What do you enjoy most about your job? Being with the patients and their families/carers. Being able to implement a bio-psycho- social approach to care. Seeing the confidence and competence of others (patients, carers and health professionals) in understanding skin care which helps them cope with a lifelong skin condition. I really enjoy education also. Why have you chosen to get more involved with ISG and join the MAB? ISG represents everything I have mentioned above which are my passions and what has guided my career to date. Now I am semi-retired I have the time to focus and dedicate to ISG. Hopefully, with my nursing knowledge and clinical skills I can make positive contributions within the MAB. How do raise awareness and signpost people towards ISG? I raise awareness and signpost people towards ISG through my clinical practice and educational roles. This mainly includes showing patients and health professionals the ISG website first hand in my clinics. The ISG website is included in my list of resources at the end of every presentation at conferences or webinars. I am also clinical editor of the Dermatological Nursing journal and encourage articles for publication within the clinical practice/education, patient voice, product review and research sections. Outside your role what are your interests and hobbies? I have had a love of horses and dogs all my life. At one time, not that long ago, I had 2 horses, 2 dogs and two cats. Quite a handful each day. Now that my family are grown up and flown the nest I relax with my animals by being outdoors, walking and enjoying nature. I also love art and music with an eclectic taste in both. My latest new interest is growing my own vegetables in raised beds. A good book is perfect when I’m on holiday and is a must for me.
Dr Fiona Browne Expand How long have you been a dermatologist and do you care for adults and children? I started my dermatology training in 2006 and have been a consultant since 2011. I initially worked with both adults in children but since moving to Dublin in 2015 I just look after children. What inspired you to follow this career path? I started my medical training wanting to do palliative care but during a rotation in dermatology I soon changed my mind. I quickly realised how rewarding it is to treat skin disease and what a huge difference you can make to people’s lives. I was also very lucky to have worked with great teachers and really inspiring mentors along the way. What are the biggest challenges you face in your role? Thankfully in dermatology we can treat most conditions successfully and year on year there are further advances made. Unfortunately though, there are still some conditions that we have no cure or treatment for and I find this very challenging. What do you enjoy most about your job? Why did you become involved with the ISG? I became involved with the ISG after meeting Mandy and Maggie at the Birmingham Paediatric Dermatology course. They came along to give a first-hand account to us, as trainees, of how living with ichthyosis was for them. Since then the ISG has been a great support to patients and families, not just in the UK but in Ireland also. How do you raise awareness and signpost people towards the ISG? I am lucky to work with a large multidisciplinary team and we do our best to make sure we work holistically from the first encounter with a family so we signpost to the ISG and the support they offer. Why is being a dermatologist and researcher important to you? Being a dermatologist brings me great satisfaction. It is never dull and we are constantly making progress in terms of treatments and understanding skin conditions. Doing research and participating in clinical trials is fundamental to that progress. Outside of your role what are your interests and hobbies? Family and friends are the most important things to me. We live in a very beautiful part of the world so being outdoors with them, walking on the beach or in the mountains is all I need to switch off.
Mr Raman Malhotra - Consultant Ophthalmic and Oculoplastic Surgeon Expand How long have you been an ophthalmologist and surgeon? I completed my specialist surgical training in 2003 and was appointed as a consultant that year. November 2021 will mark 18 years as a consultant. What inspired you to follow this career path? I was initially inspired by the delicate and intricate nature of eye surgery and the positive nature of my mentors in this speciality. I have since been inspired by the outcomes and impact of this to people's lives and more recently by seeing the progress made by trainees who have worked with me and are now successful surgeons in their own right. To have been part of this process is not only gratifying and rewarding but also, inspirational. What are the biggest challenges you face in your role? Fitting everything in the waking day. I have tried to stop emailing at night! What do you enjoy most about your job? The people I interact with throughout the week, comprising of my team and staff colleagues as well as the sizeable number of patients and relatives I meet each week. Why did you become involved with the ISG? This is a challenging condition and one that most of us are not exposed to in our training. I was involved in using technology that we use in other aspects of my speciality to try and correct eyelid ectropion and retraction in ichthyosis. This sparked my interest. We were then fortunate to be involved in providing ophthalmic input to multi-speciality project to help devise European Guidelines for Ichthyosis Management. This, unexpectedly turned out to be a huge amount of work but something that changed my entire outlook on this condition. I learned so much in the course of this project. One thing leads to another... How do you raise awareness and signpost people towards the ISG? The ISG website Why is being an ophthalmologist and surgeon important to you? It combines my interest in science, surgery, innovation, continued learning and the care and contribution to improving people's quality of life. Also, couldn't quite cut a career as a musician! Outside of your role what are your interests and hobbies? Music, tennis, travel...not much of that lately!
Dr Richard Goodwin Expand I’ve been in post since 2003, as a consultant dermatologist here in Newport, South Wales. From the beginning I was offered the chance to take on the paediatric clinic, where I have been ably supported by Heulwen Wyatt, my paediatric nurse. As we further developed the children’s dermatology service together, I looked for more external experience in paediatric dermatology: it was attending the Birmingham Children’s Hospital where I met Professor Celia Moss, my single most inspiring and supportive role model. She in turn introduced me to the Ichthyosis Support Group (and Mandy Aldwin-Easton, ISG Trustee). There are lots of challenges, not least an ever-increasing demand for dermatology services. Finding practical and innovative ways to try to address this remains an on-going interest for all of us in the field. I enjoy meeting and speaking with patients more than anything else. The questions they pose mean I am never allowed to get bored or complacent. I also enjoy trying to pass on my knowledge to my colleagues and trainees, through teaching and asking more questions. I am not afraid to say when I don’t know the answer to questions from patients, parents and other colleagues. It is these conversations that stimulate future research. I enjoy being an advocate for patient support groups and the ISG remains a wonderful role model that I use as my regular example of where we need each other’s support. Teaching my trainees and peers about ichthyosis always includes the ISG. Being a dermatologist has always been a great privilege, using my knowledge and experience gained from others to help guide and advise patients in making the best decisions about their care. I never get tired of this. When I am not working, you will find me in the garden, walking the dog or standing in a river wondering where the fish have gone.
Professor Celia Moss OBE - Honorary Expand How long have you been a dermatologist and researcher? I became interested in research as an undergraduate at Oxford although once I started medical training in London I was more focussed on looking after patients. I qualified in medicine in 1975 and started dermatology training in 1980, in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. That department was very research- orientated, but I remained first and foremost a clinical dermatologist. I was appointed consultant dermatologist in Birmingham in 1993 and retired officially in 2011 but continued part-time until 2021. I have never been a laboratory researcher but I provide clinical input for scientific studies and am still conducting a study of the incidence of collodion and harlequin babies. What inspired you to follow this career path? Dermatology always appealed because it is a very “hands on” specialty, relying on clinical skills rather than Xrays, scans or blood tests. As a medical student I spent two elective periods working with leprosy, in Malawi and Myanmar, which consolidated my interest in skin disease. Of course there were also personal and domestic factors influencing career choices at various stages. Compared with surgery or mainstream medical specialties like cardiology, dermatology work is mainly outpatient-based and non-emergency, so it’s compatible with looking after a family. What are the biggest challenges you face in your role? Finding enough hours in the day! What do you enjoy most about your job? Almost everything! I enjoy interacting with people, whether it be patients, families, colleagues or even managers: interactions with “the management” can be frustrating but I have learnt that time and persistence usually succeed in the end. I have always been interested in genetic disease and it has been wonderful to have lived and worked through a period of dramatic scientific advance: families I puzzled over 30 years ago are finally getting answers. And it is a great privilege to have worked for the NHS for 46 years. Why did you become involved with the ISG? I soon learnt that doctors can’t actually do very much to improve the lives of people with ichthyosis, while families get lots of support and useful tips from each other. So, I hosted the 2nd ISG Conference in 2001 at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and the rest is history! Of the many patient support groups I have worked with I have enjoyed ISG the most – for the people, their commitment and their willingness to take on challenges and get involved in national and international initiatives. How do you raise awareness and signpost people towards the ISG? Whenever I meet a new patient with ichthyosis I always give them ISG contact information and I have encouraged colleagues to join the medical advisory board. When ichthyosis is discussed at regional and national meetings, I remind fellow health professionals about the ISG. Why is being a dermatologist and researcher important to you? I’m now retired but I want to go on using the knowledge and skills I have built up over the years. I have an honorary contract with Birmingham Children’s Hospital and contribute to teaching, case discussions and research. As a member of the editorial advisory boards of several dermatology journals I give advice on papers submitted for publication and write plain English summaries of complex research studies. I want to go on contributing and I’m keen to keep the brain cells active! Outside of your role what are your interests and hobbies? Before the pandemic, my husband (also a retired doctor) and I enjoyed travelling and supporting colleagues in under-resourced countries, particularly India. We have 3 grown up children and a grandchild, all living fairly near, so family activities are very important. During lockdown I have enjoyed gardening and sewing and I find zoom meetings ideal for knitting!
Dr Gabriela Petrof Expand How long have you been a dermatologist? I have been working in Dermatology since 2010 and as a Consultant Dermatologist since 2019. What inspired you to follow this career path? I was inspired to study medicine by my mother and specifically Dermatology as the skin offers a great insight into human health. I find the spectrum of skin diseases fascinating and I find rare and genetic skin diseases of particular interest as I can build a strong and lasting connection with the individual affected and their family. Why is being a dermatologist and researcher important to you? Research in rare skin diseases is the only pathway for these individuals to get access to meaningful treatments. I have completed a PhD studying cell therapies for adults and children with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Conducting clinical research is an important part of my daily job. What are the biggest challenges you face in your role? Getting treatments to patients as soon as possible. What do you enjoy most about your job? My conversations with families. Why did you become involved with the ISG? I look after a lot of individuals with ichthyoses and I welcomed being part of the support group which tries to educate individuals and support their journey through getting a diagnosis and treatment. How do you raise awareness and signpost people towards the ISG? I encourage them to join the support group and engage in family events. Also to stay updated about research projects. Outside of your role what are your interests and hobbies? I spend time with my family. I love travelling, reading and walking.
Professor Sara Brown Expand How long have you been a dermatologist and researcher and do you care for adults and children? I have been working as a dermatologist since Jan 2000 and I completed my specialist training in 2008. I care for adults and children. What inspired you to follow this career path? I think the skin is such an important and interesting part of human health and I am inspired by the opportunities to make a real difference to people affected by dermatological disease if we can understand the skin better. What are the biggest challenges you face in your role? Not enough hours in the day. What do you enjoy most about your job? It’s a privilege to try and help people with skin problems. Why did you become involved with the ISG? Specialist support groups are important for patients/families and healthcare professionals so we can learn from each other. How do you raise awareness and signpost people towards the ISG? We have ISG leaflets in our department but I also mention the organisation to patients and families affected by ichthyosis. Why is being a dermatologist and researcher important to you? Patients and the challenges that they face are what motivates and directs my research – so I value being a dermatologist, to hear about and share with these challenges directly. Being a researcher is important to me so that I have hope of better treatments in the future – hope for me as a clinician but also hope to share with my patients. Outside of your role what are your interests and hobbies? I have a large and over-friendly dog and I love walking. I also enjoy cycling (with my e-bike!) gardening and baking for friends and family.
Professor Anthony Bewley Expand 1. How long have you been a Dermatologist? I became a Consultant Dermatologist at Barts Health NHS Trust in 1996 and Honorary Professor at Queen Mary College (University of London) in London, UK in 2020. I qualified from Bristol University Medical School, Bristol, UK, in 1987, and trained in dermatology at the Westminster Hospital and University College London Hospitals in London, and Portsmouth and Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust, UK. 2. What inspired you to follow this career path? Having atopic eczema as a child was a big influence, and then going through medical school I weeded out all the things I didn’t want to do and then took it from there. 3. What are the biggest challenges you face in your role? Knowing that medicine is limited is important. And striving to get the most out of what we have. 4. What do you enjoy most about your job? My colleagues and my patients. 5. Why did you become involved with the ISG? I have always been inspired by how the ISG has been set up and evolved with such kindness and respect for patients. That made me want to be a part of it. 6. How do you raise awareness and signpost people towards the ISG? Through all the work I do in psychodermatology (the brain:skin link), I’m always referring to the ISG and their great approach to empowering individuals with ichthyosis and other skin conditions. 7. Why is being a dermatologist and researcher important to you? Because skin matters so much, but so does the person inside that skin. Connecting with the person within the skin is crucial. 8. Outside of your role what are your interests and hobbies? Swimming, hiking and reading.
Professor Edel O'Toole - Chairman Expand How long have you been a dermatologist and researcher? I started training in the specialty of dermatology in 1991. I started doing laboratory research in the United States in 1994. What inspired you to follow this career path? I actually came into the field of dermatology by accident, but after a few months in the specialty I realized that I was good at clinical diagnosis and I enjoyed the challenge and the variety of skin disorders. I also enjoyed seeing individuals of all ages and ethnicities. With regard to research, I really enjoy trying to understand more about what goes on in the cellular machinery in disease and how this might lead to new treatments. In recent years, this has changed from looking at 1 gene to looking at thousands of genes. What are the biggest challenges you face in your role? There are 2 main challenges: 1 clinical and 1 research laboratory related. Clinical: Increasing amounts of paperwork, now mainly electronic. Research laboratory: The biggest is obtaining funding. Whether you apply for £10,000 or half a million pounds, usually there is at least a 42 page form to be filled in. What do you enjoy most about your job? I enjoy seeing patients and trying to improve their skin disorder, whatever it is. I enjoy passing on knowledge about genetic skin disease to patients and dermatology trainees, because I firmly believe knowledge is power. I enjoy the discovery element of research. It is exciting to be involved in finding a new gene or to discover something unexpected about mechanisms involved in a rare disorder. I also very much enjoy supervising PhD students and seeing them gain confidence and blossom during their PhD studies. Why did you become involved with the ISG? I got involved with the ISG because of David Paige, a paediatric dermatology colleague here at the Royal London Hospital. David taught me a lot about ichthyosis when I was a registrar and initially as a consultant. After attending a few ISG family days, I realized how important the support of the ISG is for patients and families of those with ichthyosis and input and updates from medical professionals is really important. How do you raise awareness and signpost people towards the ISG? I tell adult patients and parents of children with ichthyosis about the ISG. I tell consultant and trainee colleagues and interested and relevant pharmaceutical companies about the ISG. I also re-tweet ISG tweets on my Twitter account to spread the word online. Why is being a dermatologist and researcher important to you? It is a privilege to be both a clinician and a researcher. I enjoy my work very much including seeing patients improve or being able to cope better with their skin disorder. At the Royal London Hospital and in the Blizard Institute I work with really good people and although challenging, there is always something new and interesting happening. Outside of your role what are your interests and hobbies? I enjoy playing the piano and a little bit of gardening. I like listening to all sorts of music including classical, rock (Queen, Fleetwood Mac, Van Morrison) and orchestral arrangements of Irish traditional music, such as the work of Seán Ó Riada. I enjoy cooking and baking. I like going to arthouse films (pre-Covid19) and travelling. My favourite travel destinations are Japan and Ireland.