ARTICLE
Second general meeting: a landmark for EDF
Just over 75 members, some accompanied by spouses, convened for a two-day
meeting at the Grand Hotel Victoria-Jungfrau in Interlaken, Switzerland
from 21-24 Jan. 1999. Although it was the "Second" General Meeting of
the EDF, it was second-to-none in importance: the EDF is now an official,
international organisation, established according to the by-laws of the
Swiss civil code. The EDF members present at the meeting re-dedicated
themselves to the objectives of the Forum and worked intensely to formulate
and begin the implementation of a series of practical steps forward for
European Dermatology.
In his opening address, Prof. Lasse Braathen underscored EDF's progress
and how important this would be for the future of dermatology and the
corresponding enhancement of patient care. He reiterated the view that
the voice of patients should always remain the EDF's guidepost and invited
attendees to exchange views freely during the two-day meeting and to interact
with company sponsors and guest speakers to sharpen perspectives of the
EDF's agenda. Prof. Braathen also stressed the importance of acting as
a group to achieve the most impactful results.
EDF honors
Professor Braathen paid homage to the extraordinary dedication and contribution
made to European Dermatology over the last years by Prof. Erwin Schöpf
from the University of Freiburg, Germany. In addition to his many years
of service to academic and clinical dermatology and venereology, Prof.
Schöpf has distinguished himself through his successful involvement
in the political environment to defend the scope and responsibilities
of his profession. In recognition of this achievement, Prof. Schöpf
was awarted the first European Dermatology Forum Honors.
Blue ribbon guests and
speakers
The ambassadorial corps of Bern joined EDF members for the Official
Opening Ceremony. Featured guest speakers during the ceremony were Dr.
Daniel Vasella, CEO of Novartis AG who addressed the topic: Healthcare
cost pressures: the impact on innovation and choice. Prof. Hans Schaefer,
Scientific Director of L'Oréal, followed with a presentation on
the subject: Dermatology and the cosmetic industry: mutual relations,
parallel interests and common responsibility. Dr. Umberto Bertazzoni,
Head of the Medical Research Unit for the European Commission, then presented
important new initiatives within the European Community which are likely
to have an influence on the future of the Dermatology profession.
Recognising that the members of the EDF are chairmen of departments
and are faced with daily managerial challenges, the EDF invited Dr. Mark
R. Hoenig from Egon Zehnder Intl. to give a presentation on Management
and leadership skills in the academic setting. Returning (by popular
demand) for the second time to the EDF's General Meeting, Mr. Björn
Edlund, Communications Director of Asea Brown Boveri, reviewed for the
audience the basic principles of communications and political lobbying
and provided a challenge for our Communication skills for the year
2000. The EDF is deeply indebted to these individuals for their contribution
to the Forum's professional growth.
Prof. Helmut Kerl, a member of the EDF, spoke in the opening plenary
session on the rich history of Dermatohistopathology in Europe and perspectives
for its future. These were themes in which the Forum participants found
many parallels to the challenges facing the full range of sub-specialities
represented in European Dermatology.
Prof. Johannes Ring, secretary of the EDF, focused on the challenges
and chances of the discipline in his lecture on The way forward for
European dermatology.
The future of dermatology
in Europe
At the Second General Meeting, Prof. Malcolm Greaves addressed two very
preoccupying issues for the future of dermatology. The first is the patient,
the second, accreditation of dermatology across Europe. Prof. Greaves
explained how in the United Kingdom patients no longer knew where to seek
treatment for their skin disorders. Presently, allergologists treat urticaria,
whereas in some other EU countries, dermatologists do. Likewise, pediatricians
in the UK treat atopic eczema on the grounds that they alone can handle
anaphylactic shock should this emergency arise. As for accreditation more
progress was needed to achieve full reciprocity of European academic boards
for the speciality of dermatology. Finally, as the EDF endeavours to help
define the scope, quality and substance of dermatology in the future,
it will become increasingly important to communicate effectively with
the other important bodies of influence such as the European Academy of
Dermatology and Venereology, the European Society for Dermatological Research,
and the Union of European Medical Specialists.
Constitution of the European
Dermatology Forum
The European Dermatology Forum is now registered as an independent organisation
according to Art. 60 ss. of the Civil Code of Switzerland. Its seat and
official address is in the city of Bern at the University of Bern Dermatology
Clinic. The Forum has been established to advance the following aspects
of dermatology and venereology:
the understanding of the structure and function of skin,
the scientific basis of dermatovenereology in Europe,
the highest standards of diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases
in both practice and hospital settings,
the training of dermatovenereologists,
the development and updating of the competencies of dermatovenereology,
the impact of dermatology in the medical community, governmental
fora and society.
The Executive Committee directs and manages the affairs of the Forum
and consists of no more than 9 members serving for a period of 5 years.
The General Meeting of the EDF will be held annually and the maximum number
of members is not to exceed 200. Copies of the constitution were distributed
to EDF members.
Progress towards partnership
On March 13th, the Presidents of EADV, Prof. Jose M. Mascaro, of EDF,
Prof. Lasse R. Braathen, and of ESDR, Prof. Peter van de Kerkhof met in
Paris to discuss their respective views of the future of Dermatology in
Europe. They jointly issued the following statement:
The meeting was held in a friendly, positive as well as creative
atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding and it was agreed that
a co-operation between the three organisations would guarantee the best
results for enhancing European Dermatology.
It was agreed that the possibilities for a more intensive co-operation
should be explored in order to promote European Dermatology including
patient care, research, education and professional politics in a more
concerted and focused action.
In the future we will meed regularly to co-ordinate our actions.
At the subsequent meeting, held on May 31st, these discussions were
advanced and the creation of a Task Force involving the officers of each
association was proposed.
International recognition of EDF
In March, the EDF was notified of its election to affiliate membership
in the International League of Dermatological Societies by the International
Committee of Dermatology. Dr. Takeji Nishikawa, Secretary-General of the
ILDS, noted in his letter that the ILDS "looks forward to a longstanding,
mutually beneficial relationship".
A printed voice for the EDF
The Executive Committee of the EDF approved a partnership with the European
Journal of Dermatology, whose Editor-in-Chief is Prof. Jean Thivolet.
The EJD will serve as the Official Journal of the European Dermatology
Forum and will have regular editorial content concerning the projects
and development of the EDF.
Progress of the EDF working groups
The major items of the EDF agenda as its Second General Meeting were
dedicated to group work. Intense debate on several core topics led to
the definition of a series of milestones for each group. The key conclusions
of the discussion and the progress to-date are summarised below:
Working group 1: defining the scope of dermatology
Leaders : Th. Luger, M. Greaves, J. Barker
Contributors: E. Falk, H. Kerl, G. Murphy, M. Horsmansheimo, A. Stuetz,
D. Forsea
Objectives
To define the scope of dermatology, control its quality, and work on
its acceptance in both national and international bodies. Harmonisation
with UEMS is desirable, particularly regarding inclusion of venereology
and allergology under dermatology.
Key messages
Dermatologists have the appropriate expertise to perform their professional
role.
Dermatologists provide uniform, high standards of clinical training
and research.
Dermatologists designate competent training centres.
Action plan
* Produce draft document defining the scope of dermatology including
recommended improvements to position paper.
* Disseminate and discuss the draft document nationally and internationally
with society representatives and other key audiences.
* Revise, ratify in Executive Committee and distribute the official
document.
Working group 2: strengthening the impact
of dermatology in the medical community,
governmental fora and society
Leaders: K. Wolff, W. Sterry
Contributors: A. Kapp, B. Giannotti, S. Popescu, R. Anadolu, R. Panizzon,
H.-J. Hulsebosch
Objectives
Explain, promote and defend profession of dermatology.
Highlight accomplishments through medical media network.
Define potential role of EDF towards general public.
Key messages
Dermatologists manage serious diseases, particularly within the hospital
setting.
Dermatologists make a strong contribution to the medical community.
Action plan
* Review with national societies their existing PR infrastructure and
potential to emulate or adapt the successful German information center
model.
* Establish communications database on most important opportunities
and threats facing the profession.
* Seek consistent representation of dermatology interests in the UEMS
via national dermatology societies.
Working group 3: communicating and collaborating
with patient associations
Leaders: L. Juhlin, E. Christophers
Contributors: O. Christensen, P. Bartak, J. Hunyadi, J. Diaz-Pérez
Objectives
Provide information and expertise to patient organisations.
Represent patient interests vis-à-vis the press, governments,
and other groups.
Raise the awareness and profile of the European Dermatology Forum among
the general public through active support of patients and their associations.
Key messages
Patient satisfaction will be a guidepost for the EDF's activities.
Action plan
* Country contacts between EDF members and local patient groups to assess
potential of collaboration.
* Analyse feedback to identify potential causes to champion at EDF meetings.
* Prepare a databank on these issues, including the epidemiology, cost
to society, problems, solutions, needs, etc.
Working group 4: training and board examinations
Leaders: R. Happle, H.-J. Hulsebusch, P. van de Kerkhof
Contributors: J. Camarasa, R. Kaufmann, D. Petzoldt, T. Rufli, H. Degreef,
M. Hornstein, H. Merk, L. Naldi, T. Egelrud
Objectives
Harmonisation of academic accreditation across countries.
Harmonisation of the scope of each medical speciality within the UEMS.
Key messages/issues
Venereology is not included under dermatology in the UK and Ireland.
Allergology is not included under dermatology within the UEMS.
Action plan
* The EDF will prepare a proposal for the UEMS to include the diagnosis
and treatment of allergic skin diseases under dermatology/dermatovenereology.
* Offer support to UEMS harmonisation efforts.
Working group 5: the relationship between the
EDF
and national and pan-European societies
Leaders: J. Ring, A. Giannetti, L. Dubertret
Contributors: J. Karvonen, P. Arenberger, I. Leigh,
A. Horvath, C. Griffiths, J.-P. Gabbud, D. Barlow, G. Lapinskaite
Objectives
Establish and foster contacts with national and pan-European societies
(academia, practising physicians).
Key messages
Explain goals, mission, and unique concept of EDF.
EDF can support the achievement of national objectives.
Action plan
* Present goals of EDF to national and pan-European societies and exchange
ideas concerning future development of profession.
* Develop personal contacts between EDF members and leaders of national
societies to ensure optimal communication.
Working group 6: post-graduate education
Leaders: G. Stingl, L. Braathen, Th. Ruzicka
Contributors: E. Schöpf, D. Pearson, M. Töpert, J. Rundegren,
L. Kanerva, J. Schmidt, Th. Krieg, S. Chimenti, H. Schaefer
Objectives
To reach the highest quality of post-graduate education in dermatology
and venereology for specialists.
Key messages
The EDF supports the establishment of educational programs and events
suitable to the evolving needs of its members (i.e., professors
and key department members).
Activities
* Develop advanced courses in immunodermatology, photodermatology, and
the scope of dermatology for implementation in 2000.
* Explore with major pan-European societies the potential of collaboration
or complementation of activities.
Thanks to our sponsors
Six companies now actively sponsor the European Dermatology Forum's
development activities in 1999. Without their financial and intellectual
support, progress would be much slower. The sponsors have shared their
perspectives on the healthcare industry with us on several occasions as
well as their own specific challenges. Through this style of active collaboration,
we aim to ensure a better level of dermatological and venereological healthcare
for European patients.
Boots/Hermal Janssen Pharmaceutica Pharma Novartis
Pharmacia & Upjohn Schering AG Galderma
At the Second General Meeting the sponsor companies were given an opportunity
to present their future perspectives to the plenary session. They also
met individually with the Executive Committee on the day prior to the
opening of the General Meeting for an exchanges of ideas and discussion
of mutually interesting projects.
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