What you may not know (yet) about the WCD2023 Scientific Programme
From the Scientific Programme
Here you will find news, insights, reminders, and useful information about a broad, deep and interesting scientific programme!
Controversies in Dermatology Debates – New Format
Prof. Roy Chan
This year we are introducing a new style to the Controversies of Dermatology sessions at the WCD, by adopting the Oxford style debate format. This involves a debate on a predetermined statement – also called a “motion” – from two opposing perspectives. One speaker argues “for” and the other “against” the motion within a formalized structure.
Each speaker has been assigned the perspective to prepare before the session. The purpose of assigning contrasting viewpoints for each side is to stimulate a broad-ranging discussion that fully explores the key issues. The position the speaker presents may not necessarily be his or her own professional viewpoint. At the end of the session, it is expected that participants and audience will have a more informed and balanced outlook on the relevant issues pertaining to the controversy.
The debate is broken down into four sections: opening remarks, an intra-panel discussion, a question-and-answer period, and closing remarks. A timekeeper will be seated next to the moderator in between the speakers and will keep a close watch of the timings.
The Initial and Final Vote will be made using the conference mobile application. This will provide an exciting session in which everyone can participate.
Here are detailed guidelines for the debate:
- First 10 min: Before the debate begins, the moderator shares the motion and invites each audience member to cast their initial vote – for, against, or undecided. The voting breakdown is not shared publicly until the end of the debate.
- Opening Remarks by speakers (10 minutes x 2): After the initial vote, the opposing speakers present their opening remarks one at a time. These statements are typically prepared ahead of time and don’t involve a rebuttal period, though debaters can address the other side’s argument in their remarks.
- Intra-Panel Discussion (10 minutes): Following the opening remarks, the speakers engage with one another directly. The discussion is guided by arguments from the opening statements and questions from the moderator.
- Question-and-Answer Period (10 minutes): During this portion of the debate, audience members have the opportunity to ask the speakers questions regarding the motion. Audience members typically use this time to gain further clarification on each side’s arguments.
- Closing Remarks by speakers (2 minutes x 2): Following the question-and-answer section, the opposing speakers deliver separate 2-minute closing arguments. This an opportunity to reiterate their points, sell their argument, and persuade the audience to vote for their side.
- Last 10 min: Once both sides have shared their closing arguments, the audience places their final vote – for, against, or undecided. The greater positive percentage change between the first and second votes determines the debate winner.
The moderator reviews the voting and announces the results.
Courses
Our full-day and half-day courses are still available: 24 didactic sessions for participants who wish to gain new knowledge in a field where they may not already be familiar.
All information about topics and fees is available here.
To know what they are about, below are some short write ups from two of our Chairs of the available didactic sessions:
Basic Dermatological Surgery
This course will teach the fundamentals of dermatologic surgery including pre- and post-op care, anesthesia, anatomy, biopsy techniques, excisions, suturing, instrumentation, complications and optimizing surgical outcomes through lectures and video demonstrations. Each faculty member will also present their favorite surgical pearl. The faculty, all leading dermatologic surgeons in their home countries, come from three continents to share their unique perspectives. The attendees will leave the course armed with a plethora of practical dermatologic surgery knowledge to apply to the care of their own patients.
Prof. George J. Hruza, MD MBA FAAD
Chair of this course
Laser I: Pigment and Assisted Hair Removal Lasers
This course will discuss about treating the pigmentary disorders with lasers, especially the strategy for complex pigmentations in Asian populations. Melasma is a real challenge: to laser or not to laser; the experts will be sharing their point of view, and you can also join the debate!
We will also cover the what’s new, and the paradigm shift in laser hair removal.
Prof. Leihong Flora XIANG, MD PhD
Chair of this course
Scholarship Awarding
We are delighted to announce that 1316 scholarships have been awarded!
The scholarships were awarded based on merit and need.
The Scientific Committee reviewed all abstracts and scored them based on a variety of criteria.
Geographical parity for each ILDS region was considered when awarding the scholarships.
The following scholarships were awarded out of the three types available:
- 658 WCD Trainee Scholarship for applicants who are in training in dermatology as residents or fellows at the time of the 25th World Congress of Dermatology,
- 403 WCD Rising Star Scholarship for dermatologist under the age of 40 by 3rd July 2023, and not at the rank of Full Professor,
- 255 WCD Dermatologist Scholarship for certified dermatologists residing in one of the countries defined by the World Bank as Low income or Lower-Middle income, and working at least 80% in public institutions.
The countries that benefited the most from the scholarships are listed below:
