DEBRA Australia Travel Grant Recipient Emma Kim
Emma Kim was awarded a travel grant by DEBRA Australia to attend the 49th Australian College of Dermatologists Annual Scientific Meeting (ACD ASM 2016) held in Perth from 14th to 17th of May. Emma is a 5th year medical student studying at the University of New South Wales. Emma is working on an independent research project with Professor Dedee Murrell and was given the chance to present at the recent conference.
Emma stated that the conference provided an excellent opportunity to hear lectures from overseas speakers, hear about new research that is happening in Australia, make connections with doctors and dermatologists practising and training in Australia, and learn about the latest technology and products from the trade exhibitors. A variety of dermatological topics were discussed including topics such as skin cancers, dermatitis, acne, alopecia and infectious diseases from which she was able to learn a great deal. Due to her particular interest in genetics and blistering diseases, Professor John McGrath’s talks on the importance of molecular genetics in dermatology was the highlight of the conference. He stressed the importance of studying genetics for better understanding of the mechanisms of diseases, and promoted the use of gene sequencing for potential personalised therapies. Emma stated that his talk about clinical trials involving injection of cultured and gene-corrected fibroblasts for EB patients was especially fascinating.
Emma’s presentation topic was on reviewing the specific keratin 5 and keratin 14 mutations causing various forms of Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex (EBS) in the Australian EBS population. The aim of this project was to review the genotype-phenotype correlations in EBS, and publish the novel mutations that we found in order to add to the growing database of known keratin mutations causing EBS.
Emma thanked DEBRA for the travel fellowship and looks forward to continuing to develop her career in dermatology, with a special interest in rare inherited diseases such as Epidermolysis Bullosa.
Emma Kim attending the ACD Conference in Perth as guest speaker
2016 Dermatology Conferences in Perth
Karen Frost was supported by the Kate Turner Foundation and DEBRA Australia to attend the Dermatology Conference in Perth last month. Karen attended the Australian Dermatology Nurses Association 15th National Conference as well as promoted DEBRA Australia with a display table set up in the exhibition hall during the 49th Annual Scientific Meeting of Dermatologists.
Karen found the conference very beneficial and utilised the time to meet up with EB Health Professionals who are working all over Australia. Sarah Hill (EB Dressing Scheme Nurse) from Bright Sky Australia also attended promoting the National EB Dressing Scheme.
Karen promoting DEBRA at the Dermatologyy Conference in Perth