Welcome Message: Dr Willie Visser

Welcome to the 2023 Annual Dermatology Congress: Shared roots, bright future.

Dear Colleagues,

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the beautiful, colourful, and vibrant Mother City. Stellenbosch University is proud to host the 7th Dermatology Congress of South Africa in Cape Town. I am particularly excited as this will be the first full-length congress since the COVID pandemic. The 2023 theme will be ‘Shared roots, bright future’. Our congress logo is a tree in the colours of the South African flag, with intertwining roots, which branch out into different individuals. This symbolises and celebrates our diversity, while emphasising our common heritage.

The congress will take place from 24 to 27 August 2023. It will take place at the award-winning Century City Conference Centre (CCCC). CCCC is a dynamic, versatile, and high-tech conference centre. It boasts an ideal central location at the heart of Cape Town’s vibrant Century City precinct. It is conveniently situated close to many of the Mother City’s key travel services and attractions. A range of luxury and affordable accommodation is available nearby. In addition to the 223 rooms at the three Century City Hotel properties, there are over 500 rooms within walking distance of the Conference Centre. Century City is a 250-hectare urban estate and hosts Canal Walk, Cape Town’s premier shopping centre. It is not a concrete jungle but also home to a 16-hectare award-winning nature reserve and eight kilometres of stunning waterways and canals.

Our program includes renowned local and international speakers. Prof Melinda Gooderham and Prof Jerry Tan from Canada have already confirmed their attendance as speakers. We aim to primarily cater to the interests of dermatologists in private practice. However, a wide range of topics in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology will be covered. Practical workshops will be offered as part of our pre-congress program.

Without the pharmaceutical industry this congress would not be possible. At the 2023 congress the industry will be well represented, and we anticipate hosting one of the largest dermatological pharmaceutical exhibitions ever.

Aside from the excellent scientific program, we are planning an exciting social program. There will also be free time to explore and indulge in everything Cape Town has to offer. The Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner promise to be spectacular occasions and will give participants a chance to network, while enjoying the cuisine, culture, and warm hospitality of the Western Cape.

It gives me great pleasure to invite our local dermatologists to attend the Congress, but I also want to extend a warm welcome to dermatologists from all over Africa and around the globe and encourage them to attend this meeting. Let’s make the 2023 Dermatology Congress an event to remember!

Dr Willie Visser
Head of Dermatology: Stellenbosch University
Chair of Congress Committee 2023

Welcome Message from President of the DSSA: Dr Noufal Raboobee

On behalf of the Dermatological Society of South Africa (DSSA), I am delighted to welcome you to the 7th Combined Dermatology Congress, a premier event that all dermatologists in the country eagerly look forward to.

It is one of the main sources of our education and along with its sister societies, the SASDS, the Vitiligo Society, Melanoma Society, WDS and the Mohs Surgery Society, provides a unique opportunity to imbibe the most recent advances and developments in our field. It also showcases the local and budding talent in our country and allows for exchange between colleagues and internationally acclaimed experts. The pharmaceutical industry is an integral partner and will be on hand to offer support and demonstrate latest equipment.

One of the highlights of the congress is the awards evening which recognises the contribution of our colleagues who helped shape our discipline and elevate its status.

We hope you will enjoy your time in Cape Town and are confident that you will leave enriched, both in terms of the knowledge gained and the renewal of personal contacts after a prolonged period of isolation.

I wish to thank the organising committee for putting together what promises to be a splendid congress.

Dr Noufal Raboobee
President: DSSA – www.derma.co.za

Welcome Message from President of the VSSA: Dr Noufal Raboobee

The Vitiligo Society of South Africa (VSSA) extends a warm welcome to you.

From its inception, the VSSA has been instrumental in introducing new treatments, both medical and surgical, to South African dermatologists for the benefit of vitiligo patients. This year is no exception.

We have the privilege of hosting Dr Dilip Kachhawa from Jodhpur, India. He has pioneered the famous Jodhpur technique of non-cultured menalocyte grafting, which can be carried out without the use of specialized ingredients and equipment, bringing the procedure within reach of any dermatologist who is interested in performing it. There will be a video demonstration of the technique, not to be missed.

Dr Kachhawa will also take us through the concept of stability which has become an important facet of surgical treatment in vitiligo, essentially determining the ideal timing of surgical interventions. The most recent armamentarium in vitiligo treatment, the JAK inhibitors, will be discussed in detail.

It is vital for dermatologists who have an interest in pigmentary disorders to be thoroughly familiar with these new developments in the field of vitiligo.

Dr Noufal Raboobee
President: VSSA – www.vitiligosociety.co.za