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Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists Kerala (1973–2021)
*Corresponding author: Laxmi V. Nair, Department of Dermatology, KMCT Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala, India. laxminairv@gmail.com
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Received: ,
Accepted: ,
How to cite this article: Nair LV. Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists Kerala (1973–2021). J Skin Sex Transm Dis 2022;4:211-21.
Abstract
From its humble beginnings, the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists (IADVL) Kerala, the first state branch of the IADVL, has grown in leaps and bounds. IADVL Kerala is not just the first branch. It also has several other firsts to its credit. The first annual conference of the association under the banner of the IADVL at Thiruvananthapuram in 1975 and the first South-Zone Regional Conference in 1990 at Kochi are some of the firsts. The state branch has always been at the forefront of all academic and IADVL activities. The branch undertakes community service projects and delivers information through print, radio, and visual media as a regular feature to increase patient and public awareness. Dermatology Clubs and Societies in different towns and cities are not only active academically, but are also socially committed. The continuing medical education series paved the way for the birth of the “Kerala Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology” which metamorphosed into the highly acclaimed “Journal of Skin and Sexually Transmitted Diseases”, a great achievement indeed, destined to catch attention worldwide. The Kerala IADVL has had a glorious past. Kerala has produced some of the finest dermatologists and the tradition continues. We have as our wealth, a committed younger generation that has already made its presence felt in the national and international scenario. Since the inception of the Kerala branch, the committed office bearers who struggled selflessly with single-pointed devotion have been our asset. Activity levels have steadily soared to unimaginable heights.
Keywords
Indian Association of Dermatologists
Venereologists and Leprologists
Kerala
History
Journal of Skin and Sexually Transmitted Diseases
INTRODUCTION
Kerala always had highly academic dermatologists with excellent clinical acumen who practiced dermatology very scientifically. They rendered high standards of patient care with very logical prescriptions, though the therapeutic armamentarium was limited. I was told that in the late sixties, with the wholehearted support and guidance of Dr. B.M. Ambady [Figure 1], the dermatologists and venereologists of Kerala would meet at regular intervals in various cities of the state for academic discussions.[1] He would take all the trouble to drive down from Thiruvananthapuram, pick up others on the way, and come for the meetings at Kozhikode and other places.[1] Such was the deep sense of commitment he felt toward the specialty and to the small group of dermatologists. They were destined to be the towering personalities of the future, Prof. T. Gopinathan, Prof. C. Gangadharan, Prof. B. K. H. Nair, Prof. P. Sugathan, and Dr. Krishnan Nair among others.[1,2]
- Dr. B. M. Ambady, 2nd President of Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists.
INDIAN ASSOCIATION OF DERMATOLOGISTS AND VENEREOLOGISTS (IADV) KERALA
Kerala along with the South Canara district of Karnataka has the distinction of having the first State branch of the IADV. It was called the southwestern branch of IADV. It was formed in January 1971 at the annual general body meeting of the IADV held at Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore. The branch was inaugurated on May 29, 1971, at the Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, in the presence of His Excellency V. Viswanathan, then Governor of Kerala.[3]
Dr. T. Gopinathan [Figure 2] was the Founder-President. The other office bearers were Dr. C. Gangadharan (Vice President), Dr. B. K. H. Nair (Honorary General Secretary), Dr. P. Sugathan (Honorary Joint Secretary), and Dr. V. Krishnan Nair (Treasurer). There were only seven members. In the subsequent years, members belonging to the South Canara district of Karnataka left the IADV Kerala branch and joined their parent body, the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu branch. Kerala is not only the first state branch, but also has several other firsts to its credit. Since its inception, the state branch [Figure 3] has always been at the forefront of all IADVL activities.[3] Table 1 shows the members of IADVL Kerala who rendered valuable services as office bearers of National IADVL.[1-4]
- Dr. T. Gopinathan, Founder-President of Indian Association of Dermatologists and Venereologists (IADV) Kerala and Past President (1982), Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists.
- Office bearers of Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists (IADVL) Kerala.
| Official designation (National IADVL) | Name of IADVL Kerala member | Year |
|---|---|---|
| President | Dr. B. M. Ambady | 1975 |
| Dr. T. Gopinathan | 1982 | |
| Dr. V. P. Kuriyipe | 2005 | |
| Vice President | Dr. Soman Peter | 2002 |
| Honorary General Secretary | *Dr. T. Gopinathan | 1972 |
| Dr. A. D. Dharmaratnam | 1984-1985 | |
| Dr. K. Feroz | 2020-2021 | |
| Honorary Treasurer | Dr. S. V. Rakhesh | 2020-2021 |
| Honorary Joint Secretary | Dr. K. B. Anuradha | 2020 |
IADVL: Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists. *On January 28, 1973, at a joint meeting of the IADV (Indian Association of Dermatologists and Venereologists) and the DSI (Dermatological Society of India) at Udaipur, a unanimous decision was taken to amalgamate these two bodies into one. This paved the way for the birth of the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists (IADVL). Dr. T. Gopinathan served as the Honorary General Secretary of IADV.
NATIONAL CONFERENCES OF THE IADVL IN KERALA
The 3rd National Conference of the Association (the first annual conference under the banner of the IADVL, independent of the Association of Physicians of India) was held in 1975 at Thiruvananthapuram under the Chairmanship of Dr. B. M. Ambady.[1] Dr. C. Gangadharan was the Organizing Secretary and Dr. B. K. H. Nair, the Chairman of the Scientific Committee.[3] The Honorable Governor of Kerala at that time, his Excellency N. N. Wanchoo inaugurated the conference. Dr. Ambady was instrumental in providing the status of a State Guest to the first National President of the IADVL, Dr. B. N. Banerjee, who was put up at the Government guest house and provided with a State car as well, which was a unique gesture that was never repeated in the history of the IADVL.[3] Prof. M. Sukumaran, the Principal of the Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, in his inaugural address proudly mentioned the international recognition of a new disease “Mudichood” described by Dr. P. Sugathan.[5] IADVL Kerala hosted three more national conferences in 1985, 2002, and 2018, respectively [Table 2], and is chosen to host the mid-year conference of National IADVL at Kozhikode, in 2023.[3] IADVL Kerala also hosted five south zone conferences in the years 1990, 1995, 2000, 2012, and 2019, respectively [Table 3].[3]
| National conferences of IADVL | Venue and year | Organizing team | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd National Conference | Thiruvananthapuram, 1975 |
Organizing Committee Chairperson Dr. B. M. Ambady Organizing Secretary Dr. C. Gangadharan Scientific Committee Chairperson Dr. B. K. H. Nair |
The conference was held on the premises of Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram. Scientific deliberations were excellent. Dr. Ambady, the Organizing Committee Chairman, well known for his hospitality, gave personal attention to each delegate. Most of the delegates were taken to his palatial residence for tea before the Conference. He even got made dinner sets with the IADVL logo from the government-owned Kerala Ceramics Ltd. Kollam for a nominal price. All the delegates were taken to the Kovalam Beach, Kanyakumari, and the Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial. Dr. P. Ramachandran Nair, who was a connoisseur of food, meticulously planned the menu and other details. |
| 13th National Conference | Lisie Hospital, Kochi, 1985 |
Organizing Committee Chairperson Dr. P. Ramachandran Nair Organizing Secretary Dr. Soman Peter Scientific Committee Chairperson Dr. K. Pavithran |
The conference won accolades for the scientific content, organizational skills, and exotic food. Dr. Sony Varkey, Chairman of Food Committee was highly applauded and particularly so for the famous “Kayikkante Biriyani.” It was the first time the staff from the “Kayikkante Biriyani” outlet served the delegates in their traditional attire of baniyan and lungi instead of being attired in pants and shirts. |
| 30th National Conference | Hotel Le Meridien, Kochi, 2002 | Organized by Cochin Dermatological Society. Organizing Committee Chairperson Dr. V. P. Kuriyipe Organizing Secretary Dr. P. V. Mathew Scientific Committee Chairperson Dr. K. Pavithran Scientific Committee Secretary Dr. S. Criton |
3243 delegates including dermatologists from eight foreign countries attended. A huge fund of Rs. 2,000,000 was given to the National IADVL, providing funds for the journal and other Association activities at the National level and setting the trend for future conferences to contribute larger amounts to the National IADVL. A quiz program was conducted for all the participants including spouses, which in turn paved the way for the GSK Quiz (Dr. S. Criton was the quiz master for the first 2 years and he remains the only person to hold this distinction twice) and later the IGNQPP GLAXO QUIZ for postgraduates. |
| 46th National Conference | Hotel Le Meridien and Hotel Crown e Plaza, Kochi, 2018 |
Organizing Committee Chairperson Dr. V. P. Kuriyipe Organizing Secretary Dr. M. M. Faizal Scientific Committee Chairperson Dr. S. Criton Scientific Committee Secretary Dr. Geethu Gangadharan |
4500 national and 250 international delegates attended. Widely appreciated conference for its excellent scientific content and organizational skills. |
IADVL: Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists; GSK: GlaxoSmithKline; IGNQPP: IADVL – GSK National Quiz Program for Postgraduates
| South zone conferences of IADVL | Venue and year | Organizing team | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organizing committee chairperson | Organizing secretary | Scientific committee chairperson | ||
| 1st South Zone Conference | Kochi, 1990 | Dr. M. G. Subramoniam | Dr. V. P. Kuriyipe | Dr. S. Criton |
| 5th South Zone Conference | Kozhikode, 1995 | Dr. P. Sugathan | Dr. M. P. Binitha | Dr. Laxmi V. Nair |
| 10th South Zone Conference | Thiruvananthapuram, 2000 | Dr. T. V. Gopalakrishnan | Dr. K.Yogiraj | Dr. B. K. H.Nair |
| 17th South Zone Conference | Wayanad, 2012 | Dr. Laxmi V. Nair | Dr. Najeeba Riyaz | Dr. K. Pavithran |
| 23rd South Zone Conference | Thiruvananthapuram, 2019 | Dr. K. Yogiraj | Dr. T. J. Rema Devi | Dr. G.Nandakumar |
IADVL: Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists
OTHER CONFERENCES
The IADVL Kerala has helped in organizing conferences of sister societies such as the Association of Cutaneous Surgeons of India, Cosmetology Society of India, and the Indian Society of Pediatric Dermatology.[3]
AMBADY ORATION
Soon after the passing away of Dr. B.M. Ambady, Mrs. Ambady donated a sum to the National IADVL for starting an “Oration” in his memory. The “Ambady Oration” is the most prestigious oration given by the IADVL to a dermatologist. The first Ambady Oration was delivered in February 1976 at the National IADVL Conference held at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. The speaker was Dr. V. Ramalingaswamy from the AIIMS.[1,4]
CONTRIBUTION TOWARD THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS OF IADVL
Members of IADVL Kerala have made significant contributions to the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology (IJDVL) and Indian Dermatology Online Journal (IDOJ), the official publications of National IADVL.
IJDVL
We have had Keralites who have been the Chief Editors of the IJDVL, the first being Dr. Rachel Mathai.[6] Although not a member of the IADVL Kerala at that time, she was very much part of the same. She headed the department of dermatology at Christian Medical College, Vellore. She meticulously edited and published the IJDVL with unfailing regularity. She toiled hard and nurtured the journal for 7 years from 1977 to1983 with scarce resources and more importantly at a time when the editor was solely responsible for selecting the papers for publication.[6,7]
Dr. K. Pavithran, Professor of Dermatology, Medical College, Kozhikode, took over as the Chief Editor from 1997 to 2002.[8,9] Dr. Najeeba Riyaz and Dr. M. P. Binitha were his Assistant Editors. It was during his time that color photographs were printed along with the articles instead of the earlier practice of printing on separate pages of color plates. Submissions and proofreading were still done on hard copies. Although Dr. Pavithran took over at a time when it was financially difficult for the IJDVL, at the end of his term, the journal was in a reasonably sound financial position with savings of Rs. 600,000/-.[8] At present, Dr. Feroze Kaliyadan is one of the Associate Editors.[10] There are members from the Kerala IADVL serving as Section Editors and Content Editors.[10]
IDOJ
At this juncture, we need to admire and acknowledge the visionary zeal of Dr. T. Gopinathan that marked the birth of the Indian Dermatology Online Journal.[2,11] Casual chats on ACAD_IADVL inspired him to moot the idea of a journal in electronic format which would provide a platform for practitioners to publish the rich clinical material available in the Indian subcontinent. Dr. K. T. Ashique was elected as the Deputy Editor of the IDOJ, the second official journal of the IADVL in 2009, and is presently the Associate Editor.[11-14] He was instrumental in its growth at all stages from its infancy to its present status as a journal indexed by reputed agencies.[11-14]
CONTRIBUTIONS TO OTHER NATIONAL IADVL VENTURES
The first postgraduate (PG) clinics for final-year dermatology residents, under the aegis of the National IADVL were organized by IADVL Kerala, at Kozhikode (October 21–22, 2017). It was well attended and well-conducted. The faculty included heads of the departments and professors from various medical colleges in the state and different parts of India.[3]
The IADVL Kerala wholeheartedly supported and took part in the “IADVL Chalo Gaon Ki Ore,” a National IADVL project started in 2015, that took dermatology services to remote villages.[3]
In 2019, National IADVL organized “Charmarath,” a pan-India dermatology awareness program, which received active participation from IADVL Kerala.
The branch has always implemented the activities related to IADVL Task-force Against Topical Steroid Abuse, IADVL Task-force Against Recalcitrant Tinea, and IADVL Task-Force against Quackery.[3,4]
IADVL KERALA INITIATIVES
In addition to the contributions to National IADVL initiatives, IADVL Kerala has initiated several novel projects over the years. The cooperation of various Dermatology Clubs and Societies, which are constituted in different parts of the state (all of them affiliated to IADVL Kerala) has ensured the successful implementation of these projects. The members of these Dermatology Clubs and Societies meet regularly and conduct continuing medical education (CME) programs and academic activities of high caliber. The Derma Clubs are also socially committed and conduct public camps and information campaigns to dispel fears, myths, and prejudices about skin and sexually transmitted diseases.
The first club (Trivandrum Derma Club) was formed in 1990. Later, other Dermatology Clubs were started at Kochi, Thrissur, Kollam, Kozhikode, Kottayam (East Zone Derma Club), Palakkad, Kannur, and Malappuram [Table 4].[3]
| Name of club | Date of formation) | Founder-President and Secretary | Contributions and achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trivandrum Derma Club | 1990 | Under the initiative of Dr. B. K. H. Nair, Dr. T. V. Gopalakrishnan, and Dr. M. L. D. Unnithan | Annual IADVL Kerala Conference and CME (2012), workshops by SIG Dermatology, SIG Dermato-surgery and SIG Aesthetics, Impact program on Biologicals (2019), South-Zone Conference of IADVL (2019). |
| Cochin Dermatological Society | 1990 | Dr. M. G. Subramoniam, Dr. V. P. Kuriyipe | Three National conferences (1995, 2002, and 2018), several state-level conferences, and academic programs. |
| Thrissur Dermatology Club | 1991 | Dr. T. S. Balaraman, Dr. S. Criton | Annually conducts Dr. Abdul Latheef Memorial Gold Medal Examination for MBBS students of the state since 2006, annual state conference of IADVL Kerala (2009), mid-year state conference of IADVL Kerala (2005, 2016 and 2018), regular CMEs, and hands-on training programs. |
| Kollam Derma Club | 1996 | Dr. P. T. Pillai, Dr. Col. Pavithran | Mid-year state conference of IADVL Kerala (2005, 2011, and 2020), annual state conference of IADVL Kerala (2014), IADVL state-level CME on “Dermoscopy” (2017), workshop on “Flaps and Sutures” (2018), SIG Laser esthetic workshop (2019), CUTIFEST 2019 (the annual family get-together and CME session of the IADVL Kerala). |
| Malabar Dermatology Club | 1997 | Dr. T. Gopinathan, Dr. Laxmi V. Nair | First Laser Workshop in Kerala (2001), an International Scientific Congress on “Pigmentary Disorders” (“DERMACHROME 2008”), an International Congress on “Pigmentary Disorders and Aging” conducted in association with ASPCR and ACSI (“CHROME AGE ASIA 2011”), National conference of ACSI (2014), National CME on psoriasis (2015), “SKINERGY,” a CME (2017) in association with IADVL Kerala and IADVL Practice Management Cell and “Malabar Bonhomie” (2020) a CME jointly organized by IADVL and Dowling Club, UK. Constructed a house for a flood-affected family and the keys were handed over on November 29, 2020. |
| East Zone Dermatology Club | 1999 | Dr. P. P. Mohandas, Dr. James Joseph | Four state-level meetings of the IADVL (2006, 2008, 2010, and 2013), a mega CME (2006), a live dermatosurgery workshop (2008), an annual state conference of IADVL Kerala (2020), a mid-year state conference of IADVL Kerala (2019 and 2021). |
| Palakkad Dermatology Club | 1999 | Dr. S. S. Nair, Dr. Sasi | Hosted quarterly meeting of IADVL Kerala (2000), and mid-year state conference of IADVL Kerala (2008 and 2017). |
| Kannur Derma Club | 2000 | Dr. M. P. Ashraf, Dr. M. Anoop | Annual state conference of IADVL Kerala (2010 and 2015), mid-year state conference of IADVL Kerala 2006, hands-on workshop on “Sutures.” |
| Malappuram Dermatology Society | 2020 | Dr. V. P. K. Gopinath, Dr. E. K. Jaleena | Annual state conference of IADVL Kerala (2021), CME on “Leprosy.” |
IADVL: Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists, SIG: Special Interest Group, MBBS: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, CME: Continuing medical education program, ASPCR: Asian Society for Pigment Cell Research, ACSI: Association of Cutaneous Surgeons of India, UK: United Kingdom
PUBLICATIONS OF IADVL KERALA
Since 1986, the IADVL Kerala had been publishing booklets and CME series [Figures 4a and 4b] edited by Dr. K. Pavithran. In 2004, it was upgraded to a journal titled “Kerala Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology” [Figure 4c]. Dr. K. Pavithran was the Founder Editor and Dr. S. Criton was the Editor till 2017, further Dr. M. Radhamony took over for a brief period.[3]
- (a): First issue of continuing medical education series published by Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists (IADVL) Kerala; (b): another issue of continuing medical education series; (c): volume 1, issue 1 of Kerala Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology.
At the annual state conference of IADVL Kerala held at Thrissur in 2018, it was decided to start a new journal which is published both online and in print, to keep up with the demands of the era. Dr. K. Abdul Samad was elected as the Editor in Chief. Subsequently, the new Journal was named “Journal of Skin and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (JSSTD).” It has a very active editorial board and is published by “Scientific Scholar” once in 6 months (January–June, and July–December). The first issue of JSSTD was released on April 28, 2019 [Figure 5].[3,15,16]
- Launch event of Journal of Skin and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (JSSTD).
JSSTD is well acclaimed by the dermatology fraternity. Articles are published ahead of print since November 2020 to ensure faster dissemination of knowledge. In November 2021, the first editorial board successfully completed its tenure and a new editorial board was constituted with Dr. Sarita Sasidharanpillai as the Editor in Chief.[3,17,18] Dr. Sarita needs special mention for her untiring efforts to see the timely fruition of each issue of the journal.
ACADEMICS
On the academic front, the branch has always been at the forefront. The branch periodically conducts CME programs which are accredited by the Medical Council of India. It also provides a platform for postgraduates to present papers and encourages them by awarding medals and prizes. Workshops are conducted in association with IADVL Special Interest Groups (SIGs) on psoriasis, dermatopathology, research methodology, dermatosurgery, lasers, etc.[3]
MID CUTICONS (mid-year State Conference) and CUTICONS (annual State Conference) of IADVL Kerala are always an academic bonanza and held across the length and breadth of Kerala often with the helping hands of the regional dermatology clubs.[3]
The start of the pandemic in 2020 saw the beginning of the Online Academic Cell – A CME series. Three series of CMEs are conducted regularly in rotation – Practitioners forum for practicing dermatologists, What’s new in Dermatology to keep up with the latest advances, and Online PG clinics for dermatology residents.[3,19]
Research projects: Research facilitation cell was constituted in 2020 to assist dermatology residents and members of IADVL Kerala in research activities, such as formulating research proposals and protocols and providing information about funding agencies and publication opportunities in national and international journals. The cell consists of an eminent team of epidemiologists and dermatologists.[3]
A faculty database was created for conference organizers.[3]
A faculty enclave was constituted and the recommendations of the enclave regarding UG (undergraduate) and PG curriculum and facilitating the practice of dermatology in Kerala were published in JSSTD.[20-22]
SPECIAL/UNIQUE PROJECTS
Office of the IADVL Kerala branch
The IADVL Kerala branch is a registered society since 2013. The branch has a state-of-the-art office on the 14th floor at the Indian Medical Association (IMA) House, Kochi. This was purchased in 2016 with a contribution of about Rs. 2,150,000/- raised through generous contributions from various regional clubs and the IADVL members. The project was partly funded by the State Branch. The office was inaugurated on February 28, 2016, by Dr. V.P. Kuriyipe and the President of the IADVL Kerala, Dr. S. Rajiv [Figure 6]. Dr. Kuriyipe and Dr. Varghese Mathew deserve special mention for their untiring efforts toward the completion of this project on time. The IADVL Kerala remembers with gratitude the contribution of its members to this project (minutes of IADVL Kerala meetings).[3]
- (a) Inauguration of the new office of Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists (IADVL) Kerala at IMA (Indian Medical Association) House, Kochi; (b): new office of Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists (IADVL) Kerala.
Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF)
IADVL Kerala showed its commitment to society by contributing Rs. 1,150,000 and Rs. 100,000 to the CMDRF in 2019 and 2020 respectively (minutes of IADVL Kerala meetings).[3]
COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS
IADVL Kerala conducts outreach camps in various districts in association with district medical officers.[3]
Government liaison activities
Meetings are regularly held with Kerala State Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) Control Society, State Leprosy Officer, and the Leprosy wing of the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) in connection with community service projects.[19]
Observing days
The branch has always demonstrated its commitment to serving society by observing days such as leprosy day, women’s day, skin health week, vitiligo day, psoriasis day, world AIDS day, and urticaria day. The branch conducts CMEs and awareness campaigns in association with dermatology clubs and other institutions at various places in the state.[3]
Events such as quiz competitions for UG students, short films, distribution of pamphlets, public rallies, and street plays are conducted. Write-ups and interviews in print and visual media are regular features every year.[3]
Posters/pamphlets are displayed on the association website, as well as in clinics, dermatology departments of various institutions, on social media, and on WhatsApp groups.[3]
Social service
2017 saw the implementation of two projects, one to address the dermatoses among migrant workers throughout the length and breadth of Kerala. Periodic medical and dermatology camps were organized by IADVL Kerala and various clubs in collaboration with the DHS, labor department, and dermatologists from the government health sector.[3]
A camp was conducted at Lakshadweep in collaboration with Iqraa Hospital, Calicut, and the Rajiv Gandhi Hospital, Agatti, to attend to the dermatological issues of the population.[3]
The same year also witnessed CUTIFEST, the first ever family meet of IADVL Kerala.
Leprosy eradication campaign
In December 2018, IADVL Kerala was requested to be a part of the Leprosy Eradication Campaign named “Ashwamedham.” It was flagged off on December 5, 2018, at Thiruvananthapuram by the Chief Minister Mr. Pinarayi Vijayan, and the Health Minister Mrs. Shailaja. The branch has continued with a flagship project to screen the population of Malappuram District for early diagnosis of “Leprosy” in association with the Malabar Dermatology Club, Department of Dermatology, Government Medical College, Kozhikode, and the DHS, Government of Kerala. The second phase of the “Leprosy Eradication Campaign” began in 2020. Many members of our association took part in the Leprosy Case Detection Campaign. Members also took part in the “eradication of leprosy through self-reporting and awareness campaigns” as part of the “Ashwamedham” leprosy eradication program 2021.[3]
Community dermatology
At the National conference held at Pune in 2020, Dr. Sribiju M. was appointed as Chairman of SIG Community Dermatology; later, he was requested to be in charge of the Community Dermatology activities of the state branch.[3,4]
District-level coordinators for the community dermatology initiative were identified to coordinate district-level activities of community dermatology (such as observation of IADVL days and organization of skin camps and skin health awareness classes for vulnerable population) in consultation with district branch office bearers.
Awareness programs through online, print, and audio-visual media
IADVL Kerala has a media cell and various subcommittees whose responsibilities are well defined.[3]
The media cell projects the public awareness activities of IADVL Kerala. A master plan was charted out to fill the void that exists in the quality of online videos to improve public awareness in the field of dermatology.[3]
The cell ensures the regular functioning of the YouTube channel (IADVL Kerala Charmarogyam), a vibrant Facebook Page @iadvlkerala, and other social media handles of IADVL Kerala. It coordinates with the state executive committee, state academy, and various cells of the state and presents our views and activities to the public. The cell prepares the handouts and posters for various daily activities. The print wing of the media cell is in charge of the print version of the Kerala patient information magazine in line with “Nammude Arogyam” of IMA (Indian Medical Association). The first video on “vitiligo” was posted on our Facebook channel on June 25, 2020 (Vitiligo day). “Charmarogyam” has presently more than 60 videos in the regional language, related to skin diseases.[3]
IADVL Kerala coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) relief activities
Kerala is one of the states which has been badly hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. The exponential rise in the number of COVID cases has caused a high demand for medical supplies in the local hospitals and medical colleges. In an attempt to help the government and the public in combating the pandemic, an exhaustive project of Rs. 1,400,000/- was prepared by IADVL Kerala along with the various Dermatology Clubs and Societies. The COVID care hospitals in need were identified and provided with essential medical supplies and medical equipment. Part of the project fund amounting to Rs. 693,824/- has been utilized on a war footing with the help of various Dermatology Clubs and Societies.[19] The project received financial assistance from National IADVL, under the “presidential community program.”
Around 1000 3M N95 masks were distributed at a reduced price throughout Kerala to our members as per orders received. The distribution of the masks was undertaken by members of Community Dermatology (minutes of IADVL Kerala meetings).
WEBSITE
The IADVL website (www.iadvl.org), which we are so proud of today was first created by Dr. V. P. Kuriyipe, Dr. P. V. Mathew, and Dr. S. Criton in 2001 before the 30th National Conference of the IADVL held in 2002 at Kochi, Kerala.[3] Once the conference was over, the website was retained as the official website of National IADVL. In those days, <25% of the IADVL members were computer savvy. Dr. V. P. Kuriyipe embarked on an ambitious project of one laptop for every dermatologist in the country (minutes of IADVL Kerala meetings). Initially, it received a tremendous response, but only around 400 dermatologists purchased laptops. However, this sensitized all the members and gradually the number of hits to the IADVL website increased.[3]
Official website of IADVL Kerala (www.iadvlkerala.org) started functioning in 2009, when Dr Jacob Thomas and Dr.K.. Muhammed were the President and the Honorary Secretary respectively. The website was modified and revamped by Dr. K. Feroz and later by Dr. K. T. Ashique, both of whom rendered valuable services as web administrators. At present, the site is under the able supervision of Dr. Gopikrishnan Anjaneyan. The website is mobile-enabled, can be easily accessed from smartphones even in low bandwidth data connections, and includes a special members’ area with all educational videos and recordings of CME programs.[3]
AWARDS AND HONORS INSTITUTED FOR IADVL KERALA MEMBERS
Smt. Vijayamohini, the wife of Dr. B. K. H. Nair, instituted the annual BKH Nair Award in 2006 for the best original research work by a young researcher (below 45 years).[3] In 2019, Dr. Rathish T. Pillai instituted the “Dr. PT Pillai Life Time Award,” in the honorable memory of his late father Dr. P. T. Pillai (a legendary dermatologist). In addition, IADVL Kerala has instituted various awards to honor the accomplishments of members. They include “The IADVL Kerala Oration,” (which was instituted in 2013), “IADVL Kerala Best PG Thesis Award,” “IADVL Kerala Best Teacher Award,” and “IADVL Kerala Best Practitioner Award.”[3]
CONCLUSION
Kerala IADVL has had a glorious past. Kerala has produced some of the finest dermatologists. In the initial years, the State Conferences were simple affairs without any pomp and show, but the discussions by the stalwarts were par excellence. The tradition continues. Since the inception of the Kerala Branch, the office bearers have struggled selflessly for the Association and have done a fine job year after year. Activity levels have steadily soared to unimaginable heights. National IADVL has acknowledged the contribution of our members from time to time and many of our members have received recognition at the national level [Table 5].[3,4] Several of our members have won best paper awards for their publications in IJDVL and IDOJ. Our members have served as “Coordinators,” “Convenors,” and “Academy Members” of SIGs of IADVL. It is beyond the scope of this article to individually mention them. The Kerala IADVL recognizes their contributions. We have had excellent quiz masters at the state and national levels and many of our promising residents have won prizes at the national level quiz competitions under various categories for successive years and have done us proud.
| Award | Awardees | Year |
|---|---|---|
| IADVL best branch award | Dr. M. G. Subramaniam (President, IADVL Kerala) | |
| Dr. V. P. Kuriyipe (Honorary Secretary, IADVL Kerala) | 1990 | |
| Dr. James Joseph (President, IADVL Kerala) | ||
| Dr. George Kurien (Honorary Secretary, IADVL Kerala) | 2008 | |
| Dr. M. P. Ashraf (President, IADVL Kerala) | ||
| Dr. K. Muhammed (Honorary Secretary, IADVL Kerala) | 2011 | |
| Dr. T. Salim (President, IADVL Kerala) | ||
| Dr. K. Feroz (Honorary Secretary, IADVL Kerala) | 2018 | |
| Dr. N. Asokan (President, IADVL Kerala) | ||
| Dr. David Pudukadan (Honorary Secretary, IADVL Kerala) | 2020 | |
| Special appreciation award for year-round scientific activity | Dr. S. Rajiv (President, IADVL Kerala) | 2016 |
| Dr. K. Feroz (Honorary Secretary, IADVL Kerala) | ||
| Special appreciation award for year-round internal administration and activity | Dr. George Kurien (President, IADVL Kerala) | 2022 |
| Dr (Major). V. Sandeep Lal (Honorary Secretary, IADVL Kerala) | ||
| Ambady Oration | Dr. T. Gopinathan | 1980 |
| Dr. Najeeba Riyaz | 2017 | |
| Dr. K. T. Ashique | 2020 | |
| Dr. K. C. Kandhari Award for lifetime achievement in the field of dermatology and teaching | Dr. B. K. H. Nair | 1988 |
| Dr. T. Gopinathan | 2001 | |
| Dr. Sehgal Award | Dr. T. Gopinathan | 2009 |
| Legendary dermatologist and teacher par excellence award | Dr. P. Sugathan | 2010 |
| Glaxo Oration | Dr. K. Pavithran | 1982 |
| IADVL lifetime achievement award | Dr. V. P. Kuriyipe | 2017 |
| Dr. L. K. Bhutani Award | Dr. Jacob Thomas | 2021 |
| IADVL Systopic Oration | Dr. K. Ajithkumar | 2022 |
| IADVL Canixa Oration | Dr. N. Asokan | 2021 |
| Dr. S. Pradeep Nair | 2022 | |
| Dermapractice Award | Dr. M. P. Ashraf | 2021 |
| President’s Appreciation Award | Dr. T. Salim | 2016 |
| Dr. S. Rajiv | 2018 | |
| Dr. K. B. Anuradha | 2019 | |
| Dr. K. Feroz | 2022 | |
| Dr. S. V. Rakhesh | 2022 | |
| Best Teacher South Zone | Dr. S. Criton | 2014 |
| Dr. Najeeba Riyaz | 2021 | |
| Dr. N. Asokan | 2022 |
We have a committed younger generation that has already made its presence felt in the national and international scenario. I am sure that they will take the Association to enviable heights in the future. Our present stalwarts and future generations of dermatologists will dynamically continue the glorious tradition of the IADVL Kerala and continue to render service to society.
Acknowledgment
The author expresses sincere gratitude to Dr. K. Feroz (past Honorary Secretary of IADVL Kerala and past Honorary General Secretary of National IADVL), Dr. (Major) V. Sandeep Lal (Honorary Secretary of IADVL Kerala), and the Presidents and Secretaries of various Derma Clubs and Societies for their invaluable help in collecting information for preparing this manuscript.
Declaration of patient consent
Not required as there are no patients in this article.
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
Conflicts of interest
Dr. Laxmi V. Nair is on the editorial board of the Journal.
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