Dermacon International 2023: An incredible Indian experience
Derek Lim, Wong Yisheng
23rd to 26th February saw us attending Dermacon International 2023, held at Mumbai, together with our senior colleagues from various institutions. Still weary from our early morning flight after landing at the airport, we were swiftly whisked to the Trident Hotel Bandra Kurla, where our generous hosts had arranged for our accommodation.
Our work soon began at the Jio World Convention Centre, a truly gorgeous venue where the conference was being held. The WCD booth drew crowds of Indian and international participants alike, eager to find out more about the upcoming congress and to participate in the lucky draw, where five lucky winners received free registration.
In between our shifts at the booth, we also managed to attend several of the lectures. The wide array of talks being held concurrently left us simply spoilt for choice. We were captivated by the interesting cases shared by the speakers, ranging from their local experience with atypical infections to advances in biologic treatments for inflammatory diseases. Many often neglected but clinically important topics, such as management of scrotal itch, also featured in the programme. Learning from our Indian counterparts was certainly eye-opening.
The Dermacon International Quiz fell on the second day of the conference. After several nail-biting rounds of trivia, we came in second to the formidable Indian team, who were able to identify the Carruthers (inventors of Botox) and rattle off the maximum SCORAD score without batting an eyelid.
The nights packed in as much fun as the academic rigour of the days, with grand buffet spreads and non-stop entertainment. Faculty, participants and their family members turned up in droves. Sukhwinder Singh proved to be a real crowd-pleaser, transforming the lecture room into a vibrant dance hall with his powerful rendition of “Jai Ho”.
Aside from the conference, we found some time to visit the local attractions. The Gateway of India, against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea, fascinated us with its grandeur, while the spices and teas on offer at Crawford Market were a majestic assault on the senses. Dermacon International 2023 was an immensely enriching all-round scientific, social and cultural experience which we will remember for years to come.
After basking in the warmth and friendliness of our hosts and taking in lessons from their local experience, we look forward to welcoming our international guests at WCD 2023 with the same hospitality that was extended to us.
