Medical Society: Dermatology Chair

Hi everyone, I’m Shayan. I am a 3rd year medical student, and I am very passionate about being your next Dermatology chair!

Dermatology encompasses two distinct areas of practice, medical and cosmetic. While medical primarily involves the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases, cosmetics offer a range of services and procedures aimed at enhancing the appearance of patients. Both areas can have a positive impact on mental health by improving self-confidence and overall well-being. I would like to increase recognition and insight into what this fascinating field has to offer.

I have experience facilitating inter-societal events. This includes successful organisation of social and sporting events for the Pakistan, Bangla and dodgeball societies. Additionally, through my position on the Vascular surgery committee, I have been a part of organising successful speaker events.

Some of my planned initiatives include:

-Organising lectures presented by NHS dermatologists on frequently encountered skin disorders.

-Delivering talks by private cosmetic dermatologists, and Mohs Surgeon specialists to inform students about the breadth of opportunities in the field.

-Collaborate with other Dermatology Societies to to facilitate journal clubs featuring researchers from diverse institutions.

-Promote skin disease charities to raise awareness of under-recognised skin conditions

Dermatological conditions play a huge role in the self-esteem of modern-day individuals. These can often have major consequences on mental health, as the relationship between the two is intimate. Yet, dermatology teaching still remains hugely under-appreciated, so as chair, this is an area I would like to change. Continuing the work started by us this year, 

• I want to expand Dermsoc beyond those interested in dermatology and host talks in collaboration with other medsoc specialist societies. 
• I aim to initiate a dermatology teaching series that accompanies the social media informative posts. 
• Raise more awareness and money for the British skin foundation, and win an award as UCLDermsoc at the BOTDS

Hi everyone!

Besides my passion for skincare (and current amazing products) as well as healing the skin, the connection between the mind and our skin is something I want people to explore further. Our mental state can impact our skin in so many ways, so taking care of both is essential. Growing up, our skin changes in so many different ways, as does how we feel about it. As dermatology chair, I would like to bring awareness to the impact our skin can have on our daily lives and how it is just as important as other specialities. Alongside this, inclusivity in dermatology is something I believe should be talked about. We are yet to learn about how every skin condition is presented on people of colour and how different this can be to the normal textbook standard. I aim to bring in inspirational people who can talk about their journey in overcoming this and what we can do currently as medical students to learn about these conditions. Finally, as technology advances, I would like to explore the use of virtual reality and artificial intelligence in diagnosing skin conditions and cancers. This is something that some companies are already working on so I would love to arrange a practical session in which we can see and talk about these goals. Dermatology is a field which is often overlooked by other medical specialities, however, as dermatology chair I aim to spread its importance and how it links to other medical specialities and our everyday life.

Thank you everyone!

I’m Chloe and I’m currently a fifth-year medical student. I’m running for Dermatology chair as Derm has always been a particular interest of mine. I love the concept of a visual specialty that has huge overlap with surgery and psychiatry. I’ve been an active committee member of the unofficial UCL Dermatology Society this year, you may have seen my posts on different dermatological conditions or even attended the talk that I hosted with an IMT2 doctor on the Dermatology career pathway!

At medical school, we only get a limited amount of exposure to Dermatology placement, yet it comes up throughout almost all aspects of medicine. I plan to arrange a teaching series next year to target these gaps in the curriculum. I’d also love to arrange more interactive workshops, such as using a Dermatoscope and identifying lesions which we can provide certificates of attendance for. Furthermore, these workshops can provide a space to discuss the relationship between Dermatology and mental health, which are crucially interlinked and perhaps overlooked within core curriculum teaching.

I’ve been an active part of RUMS throughout medical school and have been on committee as both RUMS Tennis Publicity Officer and Education/Welfare Officer. I’ve also acted as a transition mentor and currently work for UCL Student Support and Wellbeing within Halls of Residence. I’ve been a PACS tutor for UCL MedSoc and would welcome the opportunity to have a more hands-on role within the society.