The Canadian Dermatology Association mission is to ensure the Canadian public has equal access to timely and exemplary dermatologic care. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure each patient who needs dermatologic care—for skin, hair and nail disease—will have access to a dermatologist and appropriate information on the treatment and management of skin diseases, no matter where in Canada he or she may live.

The CDA’s sun awareness program, now in its 21st year, is a perfect example. It teaches the Canadian public how to avoid skin cancer and prematurely aging skin. We have had great success with adults starting around age 28, when the first fine lines appear, and with parents and guardians of younger children. “Immortal” youth still remains a challenge—tanned skin still outweighs the risk of skin cancer in many young people’s minds, despite the fact a tan is the sign of skin damage and not of glowing good health.

CDA members conduct public skin cancer screenings annually from coast to coast and consistently discover multiple cases of previously undiagnosed skin cancers. The association has developed literature to alert patients to the warning signs of skin cancer.

The association enthusiastically supports the recently formed Canadian Skin Patient Alliance (www.skinpatientalliance.ca) in its efforts to ensure access to excellent care for patients with skin disease in Canada.

Looking ahead, we will broaden our scope of public outreach over the next few years by implementing public education campaigns on the treatment and management of skin, hair and nail diseases, both common and the more esoteric. We are in the process of expanding and refining our website, www.dermatology.ca. The economic, social and psychological burdens of skin diseases are indeed heavy and come at great cost to the country, the patient and the families involved. Our goal is to alleviate as much as possible of the misery engendered by these diseases.

From a physician perspective, the CDA will remain committed to providing high-quality and relevant accredited continuing professional training for dermatologists, in terms of both medical education and leadership development. The well-trained dermatologist can provide the best possible care to patients. As we continue to advocate for better access to dermatologic care for Canadians, we are concerned about a shortage of dermatologists in Canada and the need for an increase in dermatology residency training positions to ensure Canadians have timely access to dermatologists.

The CDA is an active participant in the global dermatologic community, specifically supporting dermatology training programs in Tanzania and Mali. Internationally, Canadian dermatologists have also taken a leading role in research leading to the development of major advances in the management of psoriasis, skin cancer, eczema and acne, as well as other skin diseases, and the association is working to ensure the Canadian public has access to these treatment advances which are now available. In particular, Canadians have been leaders in the development of biologic therapies for the treatment of psoriasis. These agents have had a dramatic impact in improving the quality of life of psoriatic patients worldwide.

Dr. Jack Toole is president of the Canadian Dermatology Association.