ILDS Honors Young Dermatologists Receiving International Achievement Award

The International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) recently announced the recipients of its 2025 Young Dermatologists International Achievement Awards.¹

Recognized for their contributions to dermatology, particularly in underserved regions, 6 young dermatologists—1 from each ILDS region—will be honored at the 4th ILDS World Skin Summit in Cape Town, South Africa, in October 2025.

This biennial award highlights the work of recently qualified dermatologists who are making significant strides in advancing dermatological care and addressing health disparities. The recipients have been nominated by their respective professional societies, representing diverse regions and specialties.

ILDS 2025 Young Dermatologists International Achievement Award recipients | Headshot Image Credit: © ILDS

2025 Awardees

Africa: Olufolakemi Cole-Adeife, MBBS, MWACP, FMCP, DTM&H

Nominated by: Nigerian Association of Dermatologists

Olufolakemi Cole-Adeife, MBBS, MWACP, FMCP, DTM&H, is recognized for her wide-ranging work in dermatology, from advancing research on skin conditions prevalent in darker skin tones to addressing issues like acne, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis. Based in Lagos, Nigeria, she combines her expertise as a clinician and educator to improve dermatological care and raise public awareness about skin health. Her advocacy efforts extend to dispelling myths about skin-lightening practices and promoting healthy skin care habits through community outreach and media initiatives.

"It is the greatest honor and a powerful validation of my efforts as a global health dermatologist," Cole-Adeife said.

North America: Esther E. Freeman, MD, PhD

Nominated by: Association of Professors of Dermatology

Esther Freeman, MD, PhD, has made significant contributions to global dermatology through her work on improving care access in underserved communities. As director of global health dermatology at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, she has led initiatives to mentor emerging dermatology leaders in low-resource settings. Her extensive research, published in top-tier journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine, addresses barriers to care worldwide. In addition to her academic and clinical roles, Freeman serves as vice chair of the International Foundation for Dermatology and continues to champion innovative approaches to advancing global skin health.

"I’m honored to receive this award, which reflects our team’s shared commitment to advancing global skin health. This recognition brings vital attention to improving access to care worldwide, especially in underserved regions where support is urgently needed," Freeman said.

East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania: Bryan Edgar Ko Guevara, MD, FPDS, FDSP

Nominated by: Philippine Dermatological Society

Bryan Ko Guevara, MD, FPDS, FDSP, is a dermatologist and dermatopathologist based in the Philippines, with expertise in both clinical and research aspects of dermatology. As the chair of the research committee and in-service training examination committee of the Philippine Dermatological Society, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of dermatology education in the region. He is also an associate editor for the Australasian Journal of Dermatology and has contributed extensively to the field, particularly in psoriasis research, as a fellow of the International Psoriasis Council. Guevara’s leadership in both academic and professional domains continues to drive advancements in dermatology care across Southeast Asia.

"This award gives me a sense of accomplishment and motivation to do further for our community," Ko Guevara said.

Latin America: Jonathan Ho, MBBS, D.Sc

Nominated by: Caribbean Dermatology Association

Jonathan Ho, MBBS, D.Sc, is a dermatology educator and clinician based at the University of the West Indies (UWI) in Jamaica, where he serves as a lecturer in dermatology and dermatopathology. As co-director of the dermatology residency program at UWI, he plays a key role in training the next generation of dermatologists in the Caribbean. His clinical focus includes complex medical dermatology and wound care, with a particular interest in inpatient dermatology. Ho is also the outgoing president of the Dermatology Association of Jamaica and holds the position of deputy editor in chief for PathologyOutlines in dermatopathology, contributing significantly to the field’s academic and professional development in the region.

"I am deeply honoured to have been chosen for this award. I am proud to represent the Caribbean," Ho said.

West, South, and Central Asia: Niraj Parajuli, MD

Nominated by: Society of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists of Nepal

Niraj Parajuli, MD, is a senior consultant dermatologist based at the National Academy of Medical Sciences, Bir Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal. He is deeply involved in global dermatology efforts, serving as the vice-chair of the NTD NGO Network Skin Cross Cutting Group and a Steering Committee member of the International Alliance for Global Health Dermatology, where he also mentors the 2024-2025 cohort. Parajuli is also the general secretary of the Society of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists of Nepal. His clinical and research interests focus on skin-related neglected tropical diseases, rare dermatological conditions, and the use of digital tools in dermatology, areas in which he is actively working to advance knowledge and care in his region.

"I am humbled to receive this award. I do appreciate my works being recognised which will inspire me," Parajuli said.

Europe: Dr Zenas Yiu

Nominated by: British Association of Dermatologists

Zenas Yiu is a distinguished MRC clinician scientist in dermatology and pharmacoepidemiology, as well as an honorary consultant dermatologist at the University of Manchester. With a background that includes a master’s degree in epidemiology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and a doctorate supported by a NIHR Doctoral Research Fellowship, Yiu’s research primarily focuses on psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa. He is also a steering committee member for the European Dermato-Epidemiology Network and leads the GUIDEMAP initiative, which aims to map and assess global dermatology clinical practice guidelines. His work has contributed significantly to the development of evidence-based dermatological care on a global scale.

"I am honoured to receive this award and to be able to represent the BAD at the World Summit in 2025," Yiu said.

Reference

1. Announcing the winners of the ILDS 2025 Young Dermatologists International Achievement Awards. News release. International League of Dermatological Societies. November 14, 2024. Accessed November 15, 2024. https://www.ilds.org/news-events/news/YDIA2025-winners/