Join the Network
Twitter Youtube
info@skincanada.org
Menu

SkIN Canada Skin Investigation Network of Canada

Newsletter

Funded by

Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis

IN THIS ISSUE

Research Map

Directory of Canadian skin researchers
Check it out

Subscribe to Newsletter

Join our network
Featured profile

Early-Career Investigator

Dr. Cait Champion, MD MSc FRCSC CIP is a rural General Surgeon in Parry Sound, ON, and Assistant Professor at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) University where she has been working since 2019 following completion of her General Surgery residency and Clinician Investigator program (MSc Health Systems) training at the University of Ottawa.  She is passionate about rural access to care and believes in the power of collaboration to transform clinical care, education and research in rural communities.  She is a founding member of the Canadian Frostbite Care Network, launched in October 2024, and holds leadership roles in education for surgical trainees and practicing surgeons through NOSM University and the Canadian Association of General Surgery (CAGS).  When not at work she can be found reading books, playing at the park, and enjoying the outdoors with her family.

READ FULL INTERVIEW

Fall 2024

Featured profile: Patient Research Partner – Dana Gies

1. What inspired you to become an advocate for patients with skin conditions?

I have always been an advocate from a young age. As a volunteer board member with Cystic Fibrosis for over 20 years, I have been involved with various advocacy efforts and bring this experience with me to the CSPA. I am inspired by the efforts of my predecessors; they have paved the way for us to continue to include and amplify the patient voice within the greater healthcare community. I have personally suffered from various skin, hair and nail conditions and I bring a passion and dedication to my new role. I look forward to shining a light on our mission to improve the health and well-being of people affected by these conditions and more importantly, acting as a catalyst for change.

2. What are some of the challenges you had to face while trying to accomplish your goals?

Helping and advocating for the masses is not an easy feat. There are thousands of different skin conditions – and more than 1,000 rare skin diseases. At CSPA, we aim to bridge the gaps among the public, patients and their loved ones, healthcare professionals, and researchers. Other challenges I have faced include the competition for resources, and the changing priorities from all stakeholders and partners.

3. What are your hopes for the future of skin research to include patients and patient research representatives on research teams?

My hope is that we continue to prioritize the inclusion of patients and their caregivers on research teams. They bring collaborative expertise from new perspectives, patient knowledge from lived experience, and ensure researchers remain focused on better health outcomes. I also believe we need to continue advocating for research to include patients with all different colours of skin and improve the accessibility for people across Canada.

4. What are the roles and contributions of Patient Research Partners (PRPs) to SkIN Canada and skin research?

Patient Research Partners, like the CSPA, work with researchers to help them better understand patient perspectives which also help them prioritize research. We can also help to disseminate research results from different activities, provide feedback and recommendations, and support the recruitment of additional patients and PRPs.

5. In your view, what are some of the obstacles that may dissuade patients from participating as PRPs?

Some patients may worry about the time commitment involved in participating, however; patients can choose how much or how little time they can commit to. Other barriers may include limited: resources, information, representation, language, physical, and financial means. There are various ways to get involved and I encourage patients to reach out to organizations, like the CSPA, to learn more about the types of activities they can participate in.

6. How does your participation in SkIN Canada’s Patient Advisory Council help advance your work as a skin patient advocate?

The Patient Advisory Council (PAC) aims to help build partnerships among patients, the public, and SkIN Canada to promote patient engagement in activities and research supported by the Network. This will advance my work as a skin patient advocate by ensuring there is a spotlight on the patient voice with every project we touch. From prioritizing research questions, to planning, delivery, and evaluation, to ultimately the dissemination of research results. The result is better patient centric care, and we can all get behind that.

From the Training Committee Hub

Introducing our Newest Training Committee Member – Asmaa Fadl

A dentist by training, Asmaa transitioned from clinical practice to academia, now pursuing a Ph.D. in the Precision Oral-Systemic Health program at the University of Saskatchewan. Under the guidance of Dr. Andrew Leask, her research delves into the molecular mechanisms driving skin fibrosis in scleroderma. This shift reflects her growing interest in the interconnectedness of all aspects of health, embracing a holistic approach to medicine. Asmaa is a passionate advocate for mental health and holistic well-being, using her love for nature and photography skills to create inspirational imagery.

SkIN Canada Travel and Mobility Awards – Application Deadline May 15, 2025

1. Travel Award: The deadline for the next SkIN Canada Trainee Travel Award is Wednesday May 15 (2025) before 11:59 PM ET. SkIN Canada provides partial funding for trainees to attend conferences as part of their training experience. A limited number of awards are available each year on a competitive basis. There are two competition periods per year, one in May and one in October. Applicants who have previously received funding through this program in a fiscal year are not eligible to receive funding until the following fiscal year. The value of the SkIN Canada Travel Award is a maximum of $1,000 CAD. 

 

2. Mobility Award: The deadline for the next SkIN Canada Trainee Mobility Award is Tuesday May 15 (2025) before 11:59 PM ET. The SkIN Canada Trainee Mobility Award provides funding for trainees in the field of skin research to study and conduct research for a brief period in a laboratory other than their own within Canada or abroad as part of their training experience. A limited number of awards are available each year on a competitive basis.  There will be two competition periods per year, one in May and one in October. Applicants are eligible for the award only once during a particular training period or level of study (e.g. MSc, PhD, Clinical residency, or Postdoctoral training).
        The value of the Skin Canada Trainee Mobility Award is up to $4,000 which can be used for the trainee’s research in a laboratory other than their own, within Canada or abroad for a period ranging from 2 weeks to 6 months. 

LEARN MORE

SkIN Canada Training Committee Opening

The Training Committee represents skin research trainees from across Canada. The Committee considers representations from across Canada to be valuable. The committee currently has an opening for a PhD student or a post-doctoral fellow from any of the Western Provinces. If interested in joining this dynamic committee, please send your expression of interest and CV  to info@skincanada.org.

Successful Completion of SkIN Canada Trainee Webinar on October 10, 2024
 

Title of Webinar: Advancements in Bioprinting and Bioengineering: Applications to the Skin

Speakers and titles of presentations: 

1. Derek Rosenzweig, PhD. Associate Professor, McGill University: Title: Leveraging 3D bioprinting toward human disease modeling and tissue regeneration.

2. Rahul Gawri, MD, PhD. Junior Scientist, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center (RI-MUHC). Title: Variance in Physiological Tissue-Level Oxygen Tension: An Effective Tool in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Applications.

3. Tarek Klaylat, PhD Student: Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, McGill University Supervisor: Dr. Rahul Gawri. Title: Ligamentogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived stromal cells using physiological oxygen tensions for tissue engineering applications.

4. Brenda Fraser, Patient Research Partner (PRP): Title: Scleroderma-Experienced Dermatological Changes.

Click Here to View Webinar Video

Next Skin Canada TC meeting:  Week of Nov 25, 2024.
Next Skin Canada TC Webinar: Week of March 17, 2025 (Topic: Scleroderma disease mechanisms and recent advances in treatments). 

News from Other Organizations

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is seeking a Scientific Director for the Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (CIHR-IMHA), one of CIHR’s 13 health research Institutes.

Scientific Directors (SDs) of CIHR Institutes are leaders in their respective fields who champion and support health research, knowledge mobilization, and capacity development at the highest level of scientific excellence. As key representatives of CIHR, they provide scientific leadership and advice, shaping CIHR’s health research priorities and investment strategies with the goal of improving the health of people in Canada and around the world. This role provides an unparalleled opportunity to mentor and train the next generation of health researchers, advocate for researchers, people with lived experience and other partner communities and give back to the health research ecosystem.

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is seeking a Scientific Director for the Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (CIHR-IMHA), one of CIHR’s 13 health research Institutes. The deadline for application submission is Thursday November 21, 2024.

 

CIHR-IMHA Funding Opportunities

CIHR-IMHA Inclusive Research Excellence Prizes

Planning and Dissemination Grants – ICS (Winter 2025)

Catalyst Grant: Digital Health

A note from Dana Gies,  Executive Director CSPA.

We are excited to announce that registration for our Breaking Barriers virtual symposium is now open! Our theme is Bolstering mental health & resiliency among skin patients, and we have some phenomenal speakers and discussions planned for you. We encourage all patients and caregivers to join us for these informative and inspiring sessions on Dec. 4th and 5th: https://bit.ly/breaking-barriers-2024.
We also want to take a moment to appreciate the friends and family members in your lives and in the lives of patients across Canada who go above and beyond in supporting people impacted by skin, hair and nail conditions. We recognize the time and energy that loved ones dedicate to supporting people living with diverse health conditions, and to celebrate these often unsung efforts, we’d love to hear their story and have them nominated for the Tanny Nadon Caregiver Award. To nominate a loved one today and learn more about the award and the Spotlight series, you can visit our website: https://canadianskin.ca/get-involved/patients-and-caregivers/tanny-nadon-caregiver-award.

Best regards, 

Dana Gies

Recent Publications on Skin Research
Inflammatory Skin Conditions
 

1.    Silverberg JI, Gooderham M, Katoh N, Aoki V, Pink AE, Binamer Y, Rademaker M, Fomina D, Gutermuth J, Ahn J, Valenzuela F, Ameen M, Steinhoff M, Kirchhof MG, Lio P, Wollenberg A. Combining treat-to-target principles and shared decision-making: International expert consensus-based recommendations with a novel concept for minimal disease activity criteria in atopic dermatitis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. Jul 11 2024.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38989857
2.    Wheeler KE, Chu DK, Schneider L. Updated Guidelines for Atopic Dermatitis-AAAAI/ACAAI Joint Task Force. JAMA Pediatr. Jul 8 2024.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38976275
3.    Chu X, Wang J, Ologundudu L, Brignardello-Petersen R, Guyatt GH, Oykhman P, Bernstein JA, Saini SS, Beck LA, Waserman S, Moellman J, Khan DA, Ben-Shoshan M, Baker DR, Oliver ET, Sheikh J, Lang D, Mathur SK, Winders T, Eftekhari S, Gardner DD, Runyon L, Asiniwasis RN, Cole EF, Chan J, Wheeler KE, Trayes KP, Tran P, Chu DK. Efficacy and Safety of Systemic Corticosteroids for Urticaria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. Jul 2024;12(7):1879-1889 e1878.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38642709
4.    Ushcatz I, Zhao HJ, Tadrous M, Aoki V, Chang AY, Dlova N, Merilleno ASP, Drucker AM. Association of Countries’ Atopic Dermatitis Burden and Sociodemographic Index with Topical Calcineurin Inhibitor Utilization. Dermatitis. Jul 3 2024.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38959123
5.    Li K, Bouadi N, Jeremian R, Bi WG, Piguet V, Croitoru DO. A Comparative Analysis of Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Acne Inversa Webpages. Clin Exp Dermatol. Jul 3 2024.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38959433

READ MORE

 

Wound Healing, Fibrosis and Regeneration

1.    Arif S, Larochelle S, Trudel B, Gounou C, Bordeleau F, Brisson AR, Moulin VJ. The diffusion of normal skin wound myofibroblast-derived microvesicles differs according to matrix composition. J Extracell Biol. Jan 2024;3(1):e131.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38938680
2.    Arif S, Richer M, Larochelle S, Moulin VJ. Microvesicles derived from dermal myofibroblasts modify the integrity of the blood and lymphatic barriers using distinct endocytosis pathways. J Extracell Biol. May 2024;3(5):e151.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38939570
3.    Rijal H, Bouadi N, Piguet V, Mukovozov I. Treatment Outcomes of Scleroderma With Janus Kinase Inhibitors: A Systematic Review. J Cutan Med Surg. Jun 10 2024:12034754241260021.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38859662
4.    Safoine M, Paquette C, Gingras GM, Fradette J. Improving Cutaneous Wound Healing in Diabetic Mice Using Naturally Derived Tissue-Engineered Biological Dressings Produced under Serum-Free Conditions. Stem Cells Int. 2024;2024:3601101.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38737365
5.    Attiogbe E, Larochelle S, Chaib Y, Mainzer C, Mauroux A, Bordes S, Closs B, Gilbert C, Moulin VJ. An in vitro autologous, vascularized, and immunocompetent Tissue Engineered Skin model obtained by the self-assembled approach. Acta biomaterialia. Sep 15 2023;168:361-371.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37419164

READ MORE


Skin Cancer

 1.    Narod SA, Metcalfe K, Finch A, Chan AW, Armel SR, Aeilts A, Eisen A, Karlan B, Bordeleau L, Tung N, Foulkes WD, Neuhausen SL, Eng C, Olopade O, Zakalik D, Couch F, Cullinane C, Pal T, Sun P, Kotsopoulos J, Hereditary Breast Cancer Clinical Research G. The risk of skin cancer in women who carry BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. Hered Cancer Clin Pract. May 13 2024;22(1):7.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38741145
2.    Ituarte BE, Taylor MA, Thomas SI, Ehsan E, Griffin J, Fernandez JM, Wei EX. Analysis of increasing prevalence of skin of colour publications in the PubMed database. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. May 11 2024.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38733280
3.    Blanchard M, Morren MA, Busschots AM, Hauben E, Alberti-Violetti S, Berti E, Avallone G, Tavoletti G, Panzone M, Quaglino P, Colonna C, Melchers RC, Vermeer MH, Gniadecki R, Mitteldorf C, Gosmann J, Stadler R, Jonak C, Oren-Shabtai M, Hodak E, Friedland R, Gordon E, Geskin LJ, Scarisbrick JJ, Mayo Martinez F, Noguera Morel L, Pehr K, Amarov B, Faouzi M, Nicolay JP, Kempf W, Blanchard G, Guenova E. Paediatric onset lymphomatoid papulosis: results of a multicentre retrospective cohort study, on behalf of the EORTC Cutaneous Lymphoma Tumours Group (CLTG). The British journal of dermatology. Apr 10 2024.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38595050
4.    Huang Y, Fleming P, Fung K, Chan AW. Association between dermatology follow-up and melanoma survival: a population-based cohort study. J Am Acad Dermatol. Feb 16 2024.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38368952
5.    Venables ZC, Gran S, Levell NJ, Yiu ZZN, Proby CM. International melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer mortality trends – is it time to re-focus our attention? Clin Exp Dermatol. Dec 7 2023.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38060677

Skin of Colour

1.    Scheufele CJ, Wong CM, Nguyen DA, Carletti M, Weis SE. Presentations of Cutaneous Disease in Various Skin Pigmentations: Seborrheic Dermatitis. HCA Healthc J Med. 2024;5(2):97-102.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38984223
2.    Lim H, Wong CM, Scheufele CJ, Nguyen DA, Carletti M, Weis SE. Presentations of Cutaneous Disease in Various Skin Pigmentations: Porokeratosis. HCA Healthc J Med. 2024;5(2):113-123.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38984231
3.    Nguyen C, Thompson J, Nguyen DA, Wong CM, Scheufele CJ, Carletti M, Weis SE. Presentations of Cutaneous Disease in Various Skin Pigmentations: Chronic Atopic Dermatitis. HCA Healthc J Med. 2024;5(2):103-111.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38984232
4.    Litaiem N, Sboui K, Daghrir J, Khouladi A, Tlig L, Bouchouicha M, Sayadi M, Zeglaoui F. Collective human intelligence vs. artificial intelligence: a comparative analysis for melanoma diagnosis in darker skin tones. Int J Dermatol. Jul 4 2024.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38965055
5.    Salmen NL, Curtis DP, Baumann AN, Willets J, Brodell RT. Skin color reporting in basal cell carcinoma-related randomized controlled trials in top dermatology journals: a systematic review. Arch Dermatol Res. Jul 5 2024;316(7):451.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38967663

 
Other

1.    Manyara AM, Davies P, Stewart D, Weir CJ, Young AE, Blazeby J, Butcher NJ, Bujkiewicz S, Chan AW, Dawoud D, Offringa M, Ouwens M, Hrobjartssson A, Amstutz A, Bertolaccini L, Bruno VD, Devane D, Faria C, Gilbert PB, Harris R, Lassere M, Marinelli L, Markham S, Powers JH, 3rd, Rezaei Y, Richert L, Schwendicke F, Tereshchenko LG, Thoma A, Turan A, Worrall A, Christensen R, Collins GS, Ross JS, Taylor RS, Ciani O. Reporting of surrogate endpoints in randomised controlled trial protocols (SPIRIT-Surrogate): extension checklist with explanation and elaboration. BMJ. Jul 9 2024;386:e078525.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38981624
2.    Manyara AM, Davies P, Stewart D, Weir CJ, Young AE, Blazeby J, Butcher NJ, Bujkiewicz S, Chan AW, Dawoud D, Offringa M, Ouwens M, Hrobjartssson A, Amstutz A, Bertolaccini L, Bruno VD, Devane D, Faria C, Gilbert PB, Harris R, Lassere M, Marinelli L, Markham S, Powers JH, 3rd, Rezaei Y, Richert L, Schwendicke F, Tereshchenko LG, Thoma A, Turan A, Worrall A, Christensen R, Collins GS, Ross JS, Taylor RS, Ciani O. Reporting of surrogate endpoints in randomised controlled trial reports (CONSORT-Surrogate): extension checklist with explanation and elaboration. BMJ. Jul 9 2024;386:e078524.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38981645
3.    Khalaf F, Ricciuti Z, Barayan D, Wojtowicz-Piotrowski S, Jeschke MG. Post-burn endocrine-immune dynamics and ageing considerations. Nat Rev Endocrinol. Jul 9 2024.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38982289
4.    McDermid A, Lam K, Ko YCK, Schmitt T, Khosravi-Hafshejani T, Dutz JP. Cyclosporin als Erstlinienbehandlung bei SARS‐CoV‐2‐reaktiver infektiöser mukokutaner Eruption bei Erwachsenen. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. Jul 2024;22(7):1013-1015.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38978425
5.    Abdi P, Haq Z, Diaz MJ, Maibach HI, Ogunyemi B. Rosacea as a potential risk factor for dementia. Int J Dermatol. Jun 17 2024.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38887091

READ MORE

SkIN Canada Executive Committee

Contact us

Visit website