Dear WCD2023 Delegates, Members of the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS), Friends and Colleagues,
Welcome to Singapore and our flagship event, the World Congress of Dermatology.
Here in beautiful Singapore, surrounded by modern design, water and wonderful tropical vegetation we will be hosted with great devotion by the Dermatological Society of Singapore for a global highlight in dermatology.
Faithful to our mission of improving “Skin Health for the World”, the ILDS has worked hard towards making this WCD a globally inclusive event fostering high-level dermatological education, exchange of professional knowledge and skills, with the aim of improving our specialty and patient care.
The 25th WCD takes place every 4 years under the auspices of the ILDS and builds upon the success of WCD 2019 Milan. I am extremely grateful to WCD2023 President Roy Chan, Secretary-General Yen Loo Lim, and the Dermatological Society of Singapore for their tremendous devotion as hosts in challenging post-Covid times. My thanks also to the Scientific Programme Committee, headed by Martin Röcken (Chair) and Henry Lim (Vice-Chair) for the newly structured program with half-day/day grouped theme tracks of great depth, quality, global representation, practical relevance, and appeal. I am confident everyone will benefit from the exciting scientific and social program offered here in Singapore.
In tradition, WCD2023 will also be a time of suspense during which new members will be elected to the ILDS Board of Directors and the location of the next World Congress will be decided.
It has been a true honour to serve as your ILDS President over the last four
years. Representing over 190-member dermatological societies and 220,000 dermatologists worldwide, and dermatology within the WHO as a non-state actor, is an honor! Together with dedicated dermatologists, a wonderful ILDS office team in London, patient representatives, nurses, allied health professionals, and industry we are delivering on our agenda (www.ilds.org) to successfully promote skin health globally. Thankyou!
I truly appreciate you being with us in Singapore to share your precious time and experience with colleagues from different parts of the world. Please stay tuned to the latest news by following our social media accounts @ILDSDerm on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
I look forward to meeting you all in Singapore. With my best personal regards,
Lars E. French, MD
ILDS President
