The International League of Dermatological Societies applauds its 2025 dermatology leaders and humanitarians.
The International League of Dermatological Societies has recognised distinguished global contributions to skin health with the announcement of its 2025 Certificates of Appreciation, honouring exceptional service in the field of dermatology.
Recognised across two categories – international leadership and humanitarian dermatology – this year’s awardees represent 17 countries and a shared commitment to equity, innovation, and excellence in dermatology.
Dr Valeria Aoki, president of the International Relations Office and deputy chair and Professor of the Department of Dermatology at the University of São Paulo School of Medicine, Brazil, received her International Leadership Award while attending the International Congress Dermatology in Rome last month.
Dr Aoiki’s research has included autoimmune blistering diseases, atopic dermatitis, and itch and has resulted in more than 200 peer-reviewed publications.
She is a director of the International Eczema Council, an editorial board member of the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, visiting Professor at the Universities of North Carolina, Miami, and Ljubljana. She is also a past regional ambassador for the Association of the American Medical Colleges.
“This is a great honour and recognition of inspirational teamwork,” said Dr Aoki.
“I am grateful to the Brazilian Society of Dermatology and all the healthcare professionals involved in the ‘Cooperative Group on Fogo Selvagem Research’, founded in 1984 by Professors Luis A. Diaz and Sebastião Sampaio, former recipients of this award.”
“May this recognition of my work encourage new generations of dermatologists to embrace their specialty with dedication and passion, always seeking accessible and innovative solutions for our patients.”
ILDS president Professor Henry W. Lim said the organisation received a record number of nominations for the awards this year “and it was a privilege to learn about the remarkable work being undertaken by so many dermatologists and their colleagues around the world”.
“Each of this year’s recipients is an inspiration. We extend our warmest congratulations and heartfelt thanks for their exceptional service to the field of dermatology,” he said.
[related_posts] 3202, 3614, 3493 [/related_posts]
The 2025 recipients of the ILDS International Leadership Certificate include:
- Professor Andreas D. Katsambas MD (Greece)
- Dr Antonio A. G. Massa (Portugal)
- Dr Elena Pope, MD, MSc (United States of America)
- Dr Francisco Bravo (Peru)
- Professor Hamida Megdiche Turki (Tunisia)
- Professor Margarita Velásquez-Lopera (Colombia)
- Professor Marie-Aleth Richard (France)
- Dr Michèle Verschoore (France)
- Professor Sabine A. Eming (Germany)
- Saad Sami Alsogair ME, IFAAD (Saudi Arabia)
- Srie Prihianti Gondokaryono, MD, PhD (Indonesia)
- Dr Valeria Aoki (Brazil)
The 2025 recipients of the ILDS Humanitarian Dermatology Certificate include:
- Professor Bhumesh Kumar Katakam MD-DVL, DCH (India)
- Babar Rao, MD (Unites States of America)
- Professor Mahira El Sayed (Egypt)
- Dr Kamala Burathoki (Nepal)
- Dr Dewi Inong Irana (Indonesia)
- Professor Dr Mohammod Abu Hena Chowdhury (Bangladesh)
- Professor You Chan Kim (South Korea)
- Dr Andrew Carmichael (United Kingdom)
- Dr Victoria P. Guillano (Philippines)
- Dr Pedro Jaén (Spain)
Full details of the 2025 recipients and their contributions can be found here.
The International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) represents more than 200 member societies across 104 countries, comprising over 200,000 dermatologists worldwide.
Through its official relations status with the World Health Organization (WHO), the ILDS advocates for the inclusion of skin health in global health policy, advancing education, clinical care, research and innovation to improve skin health outcomes worldwide.
Eligible ILDS member societies may nominate their members in either category of Certificate of Appreciation.
