The importance of community is reflected in the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child”. We can apply this wisdom to all spheres of life and it certainly came to mind when Paola Chellew had the honour of revisiting the Johannesburg Aesthetic Doctors’ Journal Club, which was founded in 2015.
Six years ago, I felt privileged to be invited to meet the members of this Journal Club and to find out why its existence was necessary. During Women’s Month 2024, in reconnecting with the group at a breakfast sponsored by Allergan, I realised that despite the changes that have occurred through the passing of time, the group has developed into a force to be reckoned with.
The Aesthetic Doctors’ Journal Club was founded by Dr Debbie Norval, a general practitioner with a PGDip in Aesthetic Medicine (cum laude), as well as a board member and past president of the Aesthetic & Anti-Ageing Medicine Society of South Africa (AAMSSA).
Today, the exponential growth of the aesthetic medical field is reflected in the abundance of medical clinics and aesthetic practices available to the general public. Today, getting your aesthetic injections done is tantamount to scheduling your dentist appointment.
The beauty salons of yesteryear have been rapidly replaced with medical spas and clinics where microneedling takes precedence over a massage. As aesthetic medical doctors are an important part of our self-care regime, it may be interesting to consider how they are cared for on their own.
What is the Journal Club?
For all humans, there’s an inherent importance in belonging to a tribe – and that’s precisely what the Journal Club is.
But it’s so much more than just a social group. The field of aesthetic medicine abounds with change, innovation, and ever-evolving techniques. Doctors who graduated 10 years ago or more are always having to keep up to date with new data, results from clinical trials, and the constant influx of new products and how they are used effectively. It can be particularly overwhelming on top of a full day’s work!
Enter the Journal Club: a forum where the discussion of medical literature, the sharing of ideas and techniques, and the joyful discovery of a particular success all fully embrace an ‘all for one and one for all’ philosophy. It’s a microcosm where everyone speaks the same language and upholds the belief that the patient comes first. And if anyone goes abroad for a conference, everything they’ve learned is shared and discussed with the group.
The current Aesthetic Doctors’ Journal Club members:
Dr Michelle Emmett (abroad)
Dr Jenni Irvine (NZ)
Dr Pholile Mpofu (dermatologist)
Dr Ugeshni Naidoo (dermatologist)
Dr Danise Theron (abroad)
According to AAMSSA, “The Aesthetic Doctors’ Journal Club is a CPD-accredited academic forum based on the discussion of research papers in peer-reviewed journals related to aesthetic and functional medicine. The aim of the Journal Club is to develop skills together in reading, critical appraisal, and subject knowledge, while also highlighting new findings, sharing resources, and providing peer support to each other.”
Click here for more information on starting your own AAMSSA Journal Club.
What the members say
Over the last 10 years, this Journal Club has evolved into a sisterhood and not just an academic forum. Indeed, the meetings ensure that practical and intellectual materials are discussed, but daily exchanges occur on the WhatsApp group.
Dr Natasha Chapman explains:
“Our Journal Club began as a two-monthly meeting where a group of doctors met to discuss the latest journal articles and advancements in aesthetic medicine. Over the years, it has transformed. We have formed deep friendships, become confidantes and colleagues, served as sounding boards and shared knowledge, creating a supportive network for one another. In a world where doctors usually work alone and without much interaction with colleagues, being part of this Journal Club is extremely powerful.
“Our WhatsApp group buzzes daily with questions, comments and guidance, while our meetings serve as opportunities to learn, share, and connect as good friends. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this remarkable community of strong, successful women who are wholeheartedly supportive of one another.
“Our Journal Club is one of my most-valued group of friends. Sharing my passion for aesthetic medicine with like-minded women who each have their own strengths and special interests helps me broaden my knowledge base and stimulates me to continually learn and improve. We all help each other to become better doctors, which is beneficial to our patients and to the aesthetic industry as a whole.”
Dr Cathy Davies adds:
“The ‘Aesthetic Sisters’ have grown from colleagues to close friends, creating a nurturing and supportive environment where we can learn and grow together, both on WhatsApp and in person. This group is a powerhouse of collective knowledge and oftentimes a launchpad for the success of new products for several companies.”
Dr Cecile Baard agrees:
“It is such a gift to be part of our Journal Club. The bi-monthly academic meetings we have are always stimulating, especially if someone was able to attend a conference the others weren’t able to. But it is so much more than that. Being in private practice on your own can be daunting and lonely, but advice or a friendly ear is just a WhatsApp message away.”
Dr Debbie Norval, founder of the Journal Club, explains further:
“In the rapidly evolving field of aesthetic medicine, it can be challenging to discern what is scientifically sound from what might be a passing trend. Our Journal Club has been instrumental in navigating these complexities. We take turns presenting the latest scientific research in aesthetic and regenerative medicine, thoroughly examining the science behind the treatments we administer. This commitment to continuous learning means that we remain at the forefront of our field.
“Beyond the theoretical, we also arrange regular practical sessions where we learn new skills, experiment with products, and refine our techniques, often practising on one another. These hands-on experiences are invaluable, helping us to deliver the best care to our patients.
“The group constantly evolves with time and we often invite guest doctors to attend our meetings in the event of a product launch or new technique that they might be interested in. Recently, we welcomed Dr Moaaza Omar and Dr Aysha Kola Adam from Crosby Medical and Aesthetic Centre, as well as Dr Nadia Jabaar, an Integrative Medicine & Aesthetic Doctor as guest attendees.
“The true strength of our Journal Club lies in the unwavering support we offer each other. We are constantly in touch on our busy WhatsApp group, sharing challenges, celebrating triumphs, and offering advice on cases and complication management.
“There is no spirit of competition among us – no egos, no rivalry. Even though we might be viewed as competitors, we genuinely wish the best for one another. When one of us excels, the rest of us applaud her success.
“We attend local conferences together, and when one of us attends an international event, it has become a valuable tradition to share the ‘learning pearls’ with our colleagues back home.
“Our support extends beyond professional boundaries. We have stood by each other through life’s personal journeys – divorce, illness, the loss of loved ones, raising teenagers, and caring for elderly parents.
“Our group is a diverse mix of professionals – GPs, dermatologists, integrative and functional medicine specialists, a hair specialist, and aesthetic practitioners. Together, we form a powerful force, each bringing uniqu