Dermatologists Call for Regulating the Practice

Dr. Abdel-Ghani Kibbi

Dermatologists called for instituting stricter measures for the practice in Lebanon during an international conference on dermatological advances held in Issam Fares Hall on January 31 and February 1.

Organized by the Department of Dermatology at the American University of Beirut Medical Center in collaboration with the Lebanese Dermatological Society, the “9th Dermatology Update” was a scientific forum in which the latest research developments in dermatology were discussed. Presentations spotlighted the latest advances in skin cancer, acne and scar treatments, use of emollients, and contraceptives and laser treatments.

Dr. Abdel-Ghani Kibbi, the chairman of the department of dermatology at AUB, emphasized the need for establishing strict ethical measures for the practice, especially since dozens of unregulated commercial skin and beauty centers have been mushrooming and taking over the role of dermatologists—a point also stressed by Physicians Order President George Aftimos.

AUB’s VP for Medical Affairs, Nadim Cortas, commended organizers for their efforts, saying that they were setting a new trend in teamwork that would help enhance the standards of all dermatologists. “In this workshop, dermatologists are saying: we want to build our skills together to become globally competitive, productive, and attractive.” He also encouraged doctors to invest in developing their skills, producing research, keeping themselves up-to-date through recertification.

Health Minister Mohammed Jawad Khalifeh announced that the ministry is in the process of introducing legislation that will require all doctors to complete a specific number of Continuing Medical Education (CME) courses in order to renew their licenses every five years.
President of the Lebanese Dermatological Society Edward Makhoul announced a new $2,000 research grant to be awarded to a promising young dermatologist.

A pharmaceutical exhibition was also held on the sidelines of the workshop.