Derm In The News: August 20-26

Keep up with the latest headlines in dermatology from the past week, including growing concerns of a dermatologist shortage in Ontario, LEO Pharma's acquisition of Timber Pharmaceuticals, and more. This week, we have also included a patient-forward rundown of top headlines to share with your patients.

Toronto CityNews: Founder of Toronto dermatology clinic said shortage of dermatologists turning into a 'crisis'

Davindra Singh, MD, founder of Toronto-based dermatology clinic AvantDerm, says the shortage of dermatology providers in Ontario is becoming a crisis. Without AvantDerm's rapid-access clinic, one of only a few in the Canadian province, some patients may have to wait longer than a year to be seen by a provider.

BioPharma Reporter: LEO Pharma enhances dermatology pipeline with Timber Pharmaceuticals takeover

Earlier this week, LEO Pharma announced its acquisition of Timber Pharmaceuticals, a $36 million transaction. The acquisition was unanimously approved by both parties and is expected to close later this year.

Read the Dermatology Times® breaking article detailing this acquisition here.

Orange County Business Journal: Hoag Dermatologist Invents Sunscreen for Scalps

Steven Wang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon at Hoag Physician Partners, has developed a sunscreen brand aimed at improving sun protection efforts on the scalp.

Patient-Forward Rundown

Top headlines from this week to share with your patients

STAT: Medical illustrations neglect people with dark skin. A Nigerian doctor-to-be is working to change that

Chidiebere Ibe, a medical student and illustrator, took up medical illustrations in 2020.

"I took a course in pathology and realized that all the slides that were used in lecturing were skin diseases on white people," Ibe said in an interview with StatNews. "And I keep asking myself: Our patients, the majority of them are Black people, yet the resources to get them treated are white-centered; how does [the same disease] look like on Black people?"

The Times and Democrat: Chris Evans urges men to check for skin cancer after diagnosis

Radio host Chris Evans revealed this week that he has been diagnosed with melanoma. In 2019, Evans was told that his concerns of skin cancer risk amid high UV levels were "nothing to worry about." Now, Evans is encouraging men to take charge of their skin health.

CBC: N.S. and P.E.I. have higher rates of skin cancer than national average. Here's why

Residents of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island have higher rates of skin cancer than that of the national average. Ivan Litvinov, MD, PhD, FRCPC, says this can be attributed to excess sun exposure, improper sun protection efforts, and occupational exposure.