GLODERM- empowering skin health

GLODERM – empowering skin health: an initiative for education, capacity building and advocacy in global dermatology

Author: Aswan Tai

School of Medicine, The University of Notre Dame, Sydney, Australia.

aswantai@gmail.com

Introduction

Skin diseases are widespread and carry significant public health implications worldwide. The Global Disease of Burden (GDB) Study 2019 reported that there were approximately 4.86 billion new cases of skin and subcutaneous diseases worldwide.1 Skin diseases are the fourth leading cause of non-fatal disease burden. It is widely recognized that these conditions can have a profound impact on individuals both physically and psychologically, affecting their overall quality of life as evidenced in the GDB Study 2019, especially in resource-poor regions.2

GLODERM, the International Alliance for Global Health Dermatology, established in 2018, reflects a legacy of dedication, innovation and collaboration in advancing global skin health.

Founded by a small group of passionate dermatologists, it has now grown to an international community of more than 1000 members from over 54 countries. In 2020, GLODERM was joined by the GLODERM Trainee Committee (GTC), which has since initiated several educational initiatives to promote knowledge equity, create opportunities for building networks and fostering collaboration. GLODERM has evolved into a global leader in dermatological education, advocacy and collaboration.3

Education

GLODERM’s educational initiatives, led by the GTC, include the Educational Webinar Series, which provides a platform for knowledge exchange and professional development in dermatology. Launched in 2020, more than 30 sessions have been conducted. These webinars offer trainees and healthcare professionals worldwide free access to expert insights and cutting-edge research in dermatology, ranging from clinical case studies to discussions on research techniques, serving as a valuable resource library for anyone interested in advancing skin health. A highlight for the 2024 webinar series was the Albinism Awareness Week webinars, which covered a broad range of topics including genetics, dermatology, ophthalmology and social impact. Additionally, the GTC launched a podcast titled ‘Stories of Our Skin’ in late 2024, further contributing to global dermatological education and awareness.

Mentorship programme

Mentor or research opportunities are not always available. In 2022, the GLODERM Mentorship Programme started as a first-of-its-kind international mentorship programme that not only provides guidance and support for professional development but also fosters a culture of engagement and collaboration within the dermatological community. The programme has welcomed 17 mentees from 14 countries, who subsequently established outreach initiatives in the community, started residency programmes, raised awareness of disability and fought stigma associated with skin diseases in their respective countries. Through mentorship, GLODERM aims to build a diverse and resilient workforce equipped to address the complex challenges of global dermatology.

Conclusion

Skin health is not a privilege but a fundamental right for all individuals. Through education, advocacy and capacity building, GLODERM is dedicated to driving meaningful change in dermatology, addressing systemic barriers and empowering future generations of health professionals to meet the diverse challenges in skin health.

References

1. Yakupu A, Aimaier R, Yuan B et al. The burden of skin and subcutaneous diseases: findings from the global burden of disease study 2019. Front Public Health 2023 11:1145513.
2. Seth D, Cheldize K, Brown D, Freeman EF. Global Burden of Skin Disease: inequities and innovations. Curr Dermatol Rep 2017; 6:204–10.
3. GLODERM. Our history. Available at: https://gloderm.org/about-us/our-history/ (last accessed 8 September 2024).