The JCMS Dermatology Podcast with Dr Kirk Barber

Pediatric hand eczema is more common than we think — and it’s not simply “adult hand eczema in smaller hands.”In this episode, Dr. Kirk Barber sits down with Dr. Sonja Molin to explore why pediatric hand eczema deserves its own clinical lens. From COVID-era handwashing to slime exposure, allergic contact dermatitis, and patch testing strategies, this conversation unpacks the real-world triggers affecting children today — and how to manage them effectively.They discuss practical treatment pearls, when to patch test, steroid strategy, non-steroidal options, emerging topical JAK data, and how to empower kids and parents in long-term skin care management.If you treat eczema — or live with it — this episode delivers clinical insight with heart.This conversation centers on Dr. Molin's article in the July/Aug Issue of the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery: Patterns of Pediatric Chronic Hand Eczema: A Systematic Review With Focus on Causes and Management. Her co-authors are: Dr. Katie Yeung, Dr. Joshua Lowe, Dr. Jessica Ho.Sonja Molin, MD, PhD is a dermatologist specializing in eczema, allergic contact dermatitis, and chronic hand eczema.She is Professor of Dermatology at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and former Chair of Dermatology at Queen's University, Kingston. Dr. Barber and his guests do not receive any financial reimbursement for the production of this podcast.For more great CDA podcasts check out Dermalogues, our Residents podcast hosted by Dr Kerri Purdy.To learn more about the work of the Canadian Dermatology Association, please visit our website at dermatology.caThis podcast is produced by David McGuffin and Graham McGuffin of ExploreProductions.ca

Dermatologist and researcher Fiona Lovegrove joins the JCMS Author Interviews Podcast to discuss new Canadian consensus guidance on the diagnosis and management of bullous pemphigoid.In this episode, Dr. Kirk Barber and Dr. Lovegrove explore her Nov/Dec Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery article “Navigating Bullous Pemphigoid: Consensus Recommendations for Diagnosis and Management – A Canadian Perspective.” The conversation focuses on the rising prevalence and clinical complexity of bullous pemphigoid, evolving diagnostic tools, and practical, evidence-based strategies to achieve disease control while minimizing steroid-related harm.Topics covered include:Why clinicians are seeing more bullous pemphigoid in practiceDiagnostic approaches, including the role of serology and immunofluorescenceThe importance of rapid disease control alongside early steroid-sparing strategiesConsensus recommendations for systemic therapies, including dupilumab, methotrexate, and mycophenolateManaging medically fragile, older patients and reducing glucocorticoid toxicityHow Canadian clinical experience informs real-world treatment algorithmsThis episode offers a thoughtful, clinically grounded discussion for dermatologists, trainees, and healthcare professionals managing autoimmune blistering diseases.The article co-authors include: Maxwell Sauder, Asfandyar Mufti, Jennifer Beecker, Jan Dutz, Mark G Kirchhof, Regine Mydlarski, Kerri Purdy, Perla LansangDr. Fiona Lovegrove is a London, Ontario–based dermatologist and the founder of Lovegrove Dermatology. She is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at Western University and has a strong clinical and research focus on complex inflammatory and autoimmune skin diseases. Dr. Lovegrove is widely recognized for her ability to translate emerging dermatology research into practical, patient-centred care, and for her expertise in managing medically complex dermatologic conditions.Dr. Barber and his guests do not receive any financial reimbursement for the production of this podcast.For more great CDA podcasts check out Dermalogues, our Residents podcast hosted by Dr Kerri Purdy.To learn more about the work of the Canadian Dermatology Association, please visit our website at dermatology.caThis podcast is produced by David McGuffin, and Clare and Graham McGuffin of ExploreProductions.ca

Dr. David Croitoru is a Toronto-based dermatologist and clinician-investigator at University Health Network and Women’s College Hospital. He leads Canada’s largest Pyoderma Gangrenosum clinic and supports national dermatology research and training through SKiN Canada.

Dr. Yeung also shares how patient experiences inspire his research and why PN management is entering a more hopeful era.

Dr. Joseph Jorizzo is known for his expertise in medical dermatology and the cutaneous manifestations of systemic disease. He is Professor of Dermatology at Wake Forest University and Clinical Professor at Weill Cornell. A prolific author and lecturer, he has contributed extensively to leading dermatology textbooks and has held key leadership roles within the American Academy of Dermatology.

Dr. Hélène Veillette is Division Head of Dermatology at CHU de Québec–Université Laval, where she also serves as a Clinical Associate Professor and Researcher. Her expertise includes hidradenitis suppurativa, biotherapies, and complex dermatologic conditions. She is passionate about improving multidisciplinary care for patients with psychocutaneous diseases.

Dr. Mariusz Sapijaszko is a board-certified dermatologist, Clinical Professor at the University of Alberta, and Medical Director of the Western Canada Dermatology Institute. Dr. Sapijaszko specializes in skin cancer surgery and cosmetic dermatology and currently serves as President-Elect of the Canadian Dermatology Association.

In this special Editor's Choice edition of the JCMS podcast, Dr. Kirk Barber engages in a follow-up conversation with Cathryn Sibbald about her JCMS Lecture at the 2025 Canadian Dermatology Association conference in Halifax. Dr Sibbald, a pediatric dermatologist at SickKids Hospital and Associate Professor at the University of Toronto, delves into the complexities of treating alopecia areata. Highlights include a nuanced discussion on the importance of a holistic and patient-centered approach, the role of JAK inhibitors, and the integration of traditional therapies like methotrexate and topical treatments. Dr. Sibbald emphasizes understanding the patient's goals, assessing psychosocial impacts, and using a combination of treatments. She also discusses practical tips for managing more severe cases, such as alopecia universalis, and the use of newer assessment tools to help guide treatment plans. Dr. Sibbald has graciously agreed to share her slide deck to her JCMS Lecture with our listeners, which you can find here.Dr Barber and his guests do not receive any financial reimbursement for the production of this podcast.For more great CDA podcasts check out Dermalogues, our Residents podcast hosted by Dr Kerri Purdy.To learn more about the work of the Canadian Dermatology Association, please visit our website at dermatology.caThis podcast is produced by David McGuffin and Graham McGuffin of ExploreProductions.ca

Medico-legal complaints against physicians are a significant source of anxiety and could be associated with defensive medical practices that may correlate with poor patient outcomes. Little is known about patient concerns brought to regulatory bodies and courts against dermatologists in Canada. The article discussed here aims to correct that.

Dr. Mohannad Abu-Hilal is a dermatologist and assistant professor in the department of medicine at McMaster University in Hamilton.

Ray Zahab is a Canadian Explorer, ultra distance runner and Founder of non-profit impossible2Possible. A recent recipient of the Meritorious Service Cross of Canada, Ray is an Explorer in Residence of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. In 2015 Canadian Geographic recognized Ray as one of Canada’s Top Explorers. In 2024, Ray was awarded the Sir Christopher Ondaatje Medal for Exploration, from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. He has ran 17,000+ km across the world’s deserts, and unsupported expeditions in some of the coldest places on the planet.

Dr. Marlene Dytoc is a clinical professor at the University of Alberta and the director of several specialty dermatology clinics including psychodermatology.

Dr. Joseph Lam is an Investigator and Pediatric Dermatologist with the BC Children's Hospital. He’s also a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Dermatology and the Department of Pediatrics at UBC.

Dr. Mark Kirchhof is the Division Head of Dermatology in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa and The Ottawa Hospital. And he is the president of the CDA.

Dr. Ivan Litvonov is an Associate Professor and Director of the Division of Dermatology for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at McGill University. And he’s an associate editor at the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery.

Dr. Christopher Chew is a dermatologist at the Skin Health Institute in Melbourne, Australia. He is also a lecturer and program coordinator at Monash University Medical School, where he is pursuing a PhD studying vitiligo and melanocyte biology.

Dr. Ron Vender is founder and director of Dermatrials Research Incorporated and Venderm Innovations in Psoriasis. He’s a Dermatologist and an associate clinical professor at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.

Dr. Dominique Hanna is a dermatologist and associate professor at the University of Sherbrooke. She’s also a past president of The Association of Dermatology Specialists of Quebec. And she has been a member of the board of directors of the Canadian Dermatology Association, where she has been actively involved in expert committees including on Telehealth.

Dr. Reetesh Bose is a dermatologist at the Ottawa Hospital and lecturer on the faculty of the University of Ottawa. In 2021, he founded Canada’s first skin of color dermatology clinic at the Ottawa Hospital.

“The State of Artificial Intelligence in Skin Cancer Publications.“