Letter from the 25th WCD President and Secretary–General
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
We are well into the second year of COVID-19 pandemic. Our individual and collective experiences in confronting the pandemic will go down in history and will be remembered for the ages. It has been a difficult time for everyone. Thankfully, some countries seem to be getting on top of the situation, although in others, the epidemic continues to elude control. The situation will likely get worse before it gets better.
We hope that you have kept your spirits up through these trying times.
The pandemic has undeniably complicated planning for WCD 2023, but the National Organising Committee, Scientific Programme Committee, and ILDS have been soldiering on. As things stand, we are cautiously optimistic for an in-person WCD in July 2023.
A lot will depend on how we respond collectively. There must be a coordinated response because no one is safe until everyone is safe. Equitable vaccine roll-out and high vaccine coverage will be critical for resumption of international travel for business and leisure. It is likely that a certain degree of travel, border, and vaccination status control may be imposed.
We have pivoted our promotional strategies from in-person activities to electronic and social media. We have been working closely with our Professional Conference Organiser to come up with new messages and ways of reaching out. For updates on WCD 2023, visit our website https://www.wcd2023singapore.org/ and subscribe to our WCD e-Newsletter.
We consistently post news and information on our social media platforms via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Do follow us on these sites as we would love to stay in touch with you and to receive your feedback. We have regular WCD Podcasts and videos on our YouTube channel, both of which increase the avenues to keep you informed and to generate interest in the WCD. In 2022 we are planning for in-person promotional activities at conferences.
The Scientific Programme Committee has finalised the list of distinguished lecturers, keynote lecturers, participants in controversies in dermatology and the chairpersons for over 60 topics for the symposia. We are confident the Scientific Programme will be excellent and something that you will look forward to.
We have received tremendous commitment of support from our industry partners. This bodes well for the success of WCD 2023. We are also very thankful for the wonderful support and encouragement from many colleagues and friends in the dermatology fraternity, among them are our WCD Ambassadors who are lending their voices to spread the news of WCD 2023 to all corners of the world.
We thank you all for your help and enthusiasm, and we hope to see you in Singapore in 2023!
Until then, stay safe and stay well.
Best wishes,
Prof. Roy CHAN President 25th WCD
Dr. Yen Loo LIMSecretary-General 25th WCD