Course reports

Eastern European Conference  February 23 - 24 2024 in Skopje, Macedonia

Dear members of the European Society of Veterinary Dermatology,

I am pleased to write a report on the Eastern European conference "Approach to the Dermatological Patient" held in North Macedonia at the end of February. This was the first major dermatology event in my country, a two-day event held in the center of Skopje and attended by over 80 veterinarians. Speakers covered everything from skin structure and function to autoimmune diseases. After each lecture, we had time to ask questions and discuss the topic, the speakers were kind to chat during the breaks too. The atmosphere was pleasant and friendly.

All lectures were simultaneously translated from English into Macedonian. The quality of the translations was good.

Coffee breaks and lunch were served in the large hall next to the conference room and were enjoyed by the participants.

I would like to thank Dr Jevgenija Kondratjeva for organizing this event in North Macedonia, the ESVD for sponsoring it and the two speakers, Dr Svetlina Aleksandrova and Dr Jevgenija Kondratjeva, for sharing their knowledge with the participants during these two extraordinary days!

Local organizer of the Eastern Europe conference in North Macedonia,

Dr Ksenija Iljevska

Eastern European Conference, Chisinau, Moldova 03-04 February 2023

Laser workshop, Augsburg, Germany November 17-18th 2022

The ESVD Laser Workshop was held 17th-18th of November at Anicura Kleintierspezialisten in Augsburg, Germany with Ursula Mayer as local organizer and her Team of Helping hands. The 52 participants form 17 different countries (Europe 15) where able to listen to excellent lectures about the use of surgical Diode and CO2 lasers as well as Photobiomodulation. World leading lecturers (Mona Boord, Jakub Kaczmarek, Ursula Mayer, Claudia Nett, Tim Nuttall and Maria Suarez) presented the basics, safety as well as many indications and cases with pictures and videos. They were supported by very experienced colleague from the industry (Vet Scalpel, MTY, MLT, Vetoquinol, Semos, Scil and Storz). Which also made it possible together with the clinic to use the new knowledge directly in the practical part. This wonderful event was topped off by the social evening at the Brasilian style steakhouse Rodizio at the Churrascaria Augsburg.

Histopathology workshop, Toulouse, France, June 7-10th 2022

The dermatohistopathology course was attended by 50 participants of 20 different countries, mostly residents of the European College of Veterinary Dermatology (ECVD), but also specialists in dermatology and pathology.

The seminar was brilliantly led by three renowned pathologists: Prof. Verena K. Affolter (UC Davis, USA), Prof. Elizabeth Mauldin (University of Pennsylvania, USA) and Prof. Monika Welle (Universität Bern, CH).

Throughout the week, slide reading sessions alternated with lectures and case-based tutorials.

 National Veterinary School of Toulouse and local organizing committee (Prof. Marie-Christine Cadiergues and Dr Jevgenija Kondratjeva) offered the participants a studious framework in a friendly atmosphere, favorable to exchanges and meetings.

Mirabela DUMITRACHE, Romania

Otitis workshop, Vienna, Austria May 5-7th 2022

After a two year hiatus caused in no small part by the Covid-19 pandemic, we found ourselves able to participate in our first in person workshop since March 2020. I have wanted to attend this workshop for several years and was thrilled to have the opportunity to join. The two venues were perfectly set up with the first two days of lectures held at Vet Coaching THV before moving to the University of Vienna for the practical day.

We were treated to wonderful lectures by stalwarts in otitis, notably Drs Craig Griffin and Sue Paterson, giving great lectures on anatomy of the canine and feline ear, pathogenesis of disease, biofilms and otitis media to name but a few. Dr Eberhard Ludewig provided a lecture on diagnosis imaging which allowed a refresher in both CT and MRI imaging as well as configuring 3D images and how this relates to what we are able to obtain with video-otoscopy.

Dr Nadja Affenzelle provided a wonderful lecture on behaviour especially associated with ear cases. Those of us working in clinical practice have all commented on the upsurge of difficult to handle patients noted during the Covid-19 pandemic. This problem is multifactorial and it was wonderful to get additional insights into managing these cases particularly given that the majority of patients with otitis require longterm treatment.

Dr Eva Eberspacher-Schweda provided an oversight into analgesic and anaesthetic techniques to manage patients with otitis especially in relation to nerve blocks and management of pain after procedures. Last, but not least, Professor Gerhard Oechtering shared with us endoscopic examination of the ear as well as interventional oto-endocopy. This really enlightened to me as what other procedures we can perform with our patients with the equipment that we have, especially with the non-surgical technique to access the ventromedial compartment of the tympanic bulla in cats.

After two days of lectures we headed to University of Vienna campus for a practical day which allowed us to put the theory into practice. We were lucky to have Prof Oechtering, several of his residents as well as Drs Griffin and Paterson on hand to go through these techniques and assist throughout the practical day.

The workshop was incredibly well run and I give my thanks not only to ESVD, local organisers, Vet Coaching and The University of Vienna, but also to my colleagues that attended the course. It was wonderful to be able to discuss cases, techniques and management during the two social dinners we had as well as sample some Austrian cuisine and of course, fabulous wine. Huge thanks to all of the sponsors- ICF/DRN, Nextmune, Dechra, Laboklin, Elanco and Dermoscent. The practical day was sponsored by Karl Storz who provided a large number of endoscopes allowing us to try the new techniques we had learned! We all appreciate that without such tremendous sponsorship, workshops like this would not be possible.

Overall, this was an excellent course that was well worth the wait! Please consider coming to the next workshop.

Dr Victoria Robinson, DipECVD, UK.

Eastern European Conference, Minsk, Belarus 18-19 January 2019

Thanks for a great congress! For the first time I attended a congress which was organized by the ESVD. Thanks a lot for this event in Belarus. This event took place on 18-19 of January in Renessance hotel, Minsk. There were lectors from Belgium, Sweden and Latvia, and they generously shared their attainments. We all were charged by their energy and inspiration. Schedule of congress was well and lectors expound a lecture material clear. Information was current and understandable. The translation of the lectures was good. Registration for a congress, system of payment didn't cause any difficulties. Congress sponsors were also pleased participants with games and gifts. I liked the coffee breaks and the lunch menu. 

I want to thank the organizers of the congress for a very warm and sincere atmosphere, for expanding boundaries and knowledge of the world of veterinary dermatology. This was an excellent opportunity to talk with the collegues from other clinics. The congress left only pleasant impressions. I have no doubt that all the participants - experienced doctors and young specialists - really enjoyed this event immensely. It was clear on the endless number of questions in the hall. with grateful and best wishes.

Victoria Kuntsevich, Veterinary clinic Aybivet, Minsk

Histopathology workshop, Cremona 26-29 July 2018

From the 26th to the 29th of June 2018 was held the ESVD workshop on dermatopathology in the beautiful town of Cremona, Italy. A must-do for any dermatologist and pathologist, according to most of the people who already attended it. Let’s be honest and go straight to the point : it is!

First of all, the lecturers. Drs Verena Affolter (DVM, PhD, Dipl ECVP), Elizabeth A. Mauldin (DVM, Dip ACVP and ACVD) and Paola Roccabianca (DVM, PhD, Dip ECVP) - as well as Claudia von Tscharner (DVM, PhD, Dip ECVP), not lecturing but always of good advice. Excellency condensed in three energetic – and accessible – women who managed to combine their respective experience to give us the essential knowledge not only to prepare for a board exam (as most of the participants were residents), but mostly to improve our everyday practice. They also performed the tricky task of responding to the demands of people from different horizons, levels (general private practice, university, dermatology or pathology) and countries (Western Europe, Russia, North America). 

Second, and what we all came for, the “histo labs”. Providing great material (microscopes for everyone, video-microscope to discuss the cases and a multi-ocular microscope to answer any specific question on any slide) but most importantly great pathology cases. During these 4 days, about 30 slides, representing a wide variety of dermatopathology patterns, were reviewed by each participant with thorough reading, description and of course correction by the lecturers. Finally, a mock exam was scheduled at the end of the week to apprehend our progress which, according to all the participants, was palpable!

Third, the organization. The convention center, localized in the Palazzo Trecchi, an ancient Renaissance palace, was gorgeous. The place was surprisingly well suited for such an event and conditions were excellent for an efficient study. I’m not even going to mention the perfection of the coffee breaks (after all, we were in Italy!). On top of that, the different events organized (visit of the violin museum – Cremona is the city of Stradivari, Amati or Guarneri – and social dinners in excellent authentic restaurants) allowed everyone to blend and get to know each other. 

In summary, thank you ESVD – and more especially our local organizers – and ICF, sponsor of the event, for such an amazing week which was rich not only in knowledge but also in good moments. I will repeat myself: everyone with an interest in dermatology and/or pathology should attend this workshop. I will certainly try to attend it again next time it’s held!

Jerome Ngo, Brussels, Belgium

Therapeutics workshop, Davos 20-23 March 2018

The Therapeutics Workshop was held in Davos, the mountainous district of Switzerland, in the hotel Morosani Schweizerhof. The venue was perfectly equipped with the lecture hall and place for lunches and meetings with colleagues, friends and speakers. The workshop brought together around 80 participants. The workshop was uniquely organized. There was the possibility not only to take part in the lectures of high quality held by world famous speakers, but also to enjoy the great views of Swiss nature, entertainment and food. The atmosphere and the venue provided by local organizers – Claudia Nett and Luc Beco – made the event unforgettable. The event gave a chance to participants to combine studies and rest, which is very important in this busy time. 

Wide variety of therapeutic aspects of veterinary dermatology was provided by Thierry Olivry, Katja Reitt, Monika Linek, Sue Paterson, Claudia Nett and Claude Favrot. In his turn Thomas Kündig gave a very useful lecture on human atopic dermatitis and treatment possibilities. Social events were organized with the aim to bring together the participants united by love to veterinary dermatology from many different countries around the world. The night sledge was the first such kind of experience for many participants, it brought a lot of joy and many good memories to all of us. The horse sledge tour discovered the wonderful and unexplored world of Swiss nature.

Therapeutic workshop energized and gave the inspiration for new discoveries and interventions in daily practice and life. The event would not be possible without the support of the sponsors – ArtuVet, Biokema, Ceva, Dermoscent, Elanco, MSD Animal Health, NewVetline, Royal Canin, Zoetis. Looking forward to next meeting!

Jevgenija Kondratjeva, DVM 

Veterinary Dermatology day provided by ESVD in Sofia, January 2018

Interactive case discussions for practitioners
The Veterinary Dermatology Day of ESVD was organized for the first time in Bulgaria. The one day event was very well planned and lots of colleagues attended from all over the country. The city and the location were convenient for everyone – the local organizers and the sponsors took great care of all the details in order to make the event pleasant and useful.

Me and all the colleagues that I discussed with, particularly loved the case   oriented type of the presentations. This is exactly what the practitioner would expect from attending such a meeting – to see different cases and how they were treated. Especially in the dermatology it is much easier to remember and to learn things when they are connected with a particular case  and shown with lots of pictures. All the lecturers took care to present interesting cases and everyday cases that we all see and sometimes struggle with their treatment. It is very rewarding to be able to learn from the best veterinarians in the dermatology field ,and as we say in Bulgaria “to set our watch right”.

Katarina Varjonen, Luc Beco, Sue Paterson, Claudia Nett-Mettler, Lucia Panakova , Robert Cikota and Jevgenija Kondratjeva all took care to share with us their knowledge in and easy to understand  way. They all had very practical approach in treating their cases , but I particularly loved the recipe about adding Cortavance to Otodine – credits to Sue Paterson.

Sandrine Herbelet presented the ESVD and all the events and congresses that are coming soon as well as the possibility for travel grants – a great initiative for our Eastern European Countries! I really hope there will be colleagues to apply for this grant. I’m sure we all left this conference with more knowledge and passion for dermatology ! We are looking forward to other events like this organized by ESVD!

Dr. Nadia Kostadinova, Bulgaria

Otitis practical workshop, Vienna 1-3 June 2017

Speakers: Dr. Sue Paterson MA VetMB DVD Dip ECVD MRCVS (Veterinary dermatology), Dr. Rod Rosychuk DVM, DACVIM (Veterinary internal medicine),  Univ. Prof. Dr. Gilles Dupré Dipl.ECVS (Veterinary surgery),  Ao. Univ. Prof. Dr. Sibylle Kneissl (Veterinary radiology),  Prim. Univ. Prof. Dr. Herwig Swoboda (Physician, ENT specialist)
Local Organisers: Lucia Panakova (Dipl. ECVD, ESVD Board member), Elisabeth Reinbacher, Amirhossein Mohammaddavoodi

The event held in University ot Veterinary Medicine- Vienna was an unforgettable and unique experience for me and the other 50 participants. It is an original form of continuing education and chance to meet the people from all over the world. Due to incredible local organisers Lucia Panakova, Elisabeth Reinbacher  and  Amirhossien Mohammaddavoodi, during these three days an unique working atmosphere has been created in addition to friendly spirit and extremely fruitful  close communication among all participants. Introductory lecture of Rod Rosychuk on the Anatomy of canin and feline ear. He presented systematically how to use in a more practical way our knowledge of  the anatomy of the ear to facilitate investigation and treatment of the ears. 

Sue Paterson presented a very useful and well-structured approach to otitis externa,  basic principles of ear cleaning and use of antimicrobial peptides (as the most modern and innovative molecules used otitis therapy), behavioural aspects of otitis in the dog, as well as not very frequent but being sometimes a great challenge as therapy of long lasting Pseudomonas otitis. Very interesting was lecture of Sue Paterson about ear disease in rabbits. All we know how frequent  are the patients rabbits during the last years and what challenge could be sometimes their therapy.  

Rod Rosychuk presented a very detailed and in depth lecture on one of the biggest challenges for us: “Allergic otitis”, a lot of new and interesting things about otitis externa and media in dog and cat, as well as many practically useful Management scenarios of these complex cases. It is clear for all of us the importance and value of usage of diagnostic imaging of patients with otitis. Prof. Sibylle Kneissl described in an incredible manner the basics and by many examples the CT and MRI and basis of normal topography and selected lesions.

The complex for every dermatologist matter connected with specific surgical techniques has been presented to participants by Prof. Gilles Dupre in a a fascinating and accessible way.  All this demonstrated to everybody that dermatologists and surgeons should be a well-stacked tandem. Lectures of Prof. Swoboda demonstrated what is the situation with otitis externa and media in peple, meanwhile a very interesting and useful discussion have been made. 

The work with Sue Paterson and Rod Rosychuk in a practical class and wetlab Video- otoscope during the third day of ESVD Otitis Workshop was the real pleasure for me! The desire and the great ambition to show you everything and to explain was unique. I learned a lot of new things and I hope to have a lot of patients for Video-otoscopy in my practice! The organizers had prepared many cadavers on dogs, cats and rabbits, enough for all wetlab participants, making work even more fruitful! I thank to wonderful lecturers, to local organisers, to ESVD, to all sponsors and to all participants for the last three days! The organised social events demonstrate us the incredible places of wonderful sunny Vienna. Looking forward the new meeting at the following ESVD workshops and congress!

Ivelina Vacheva, Sofia , Bulgaria

Veterinary Dermatology day provided by ESVD Riga January 2017

Interactive case discussions for practitioners
It was a great pleasure for me, recently graduated veterinarian, to take part in first ESVD veterinary dermatology conference held in Riga, Latvia, and become a part of veterinary dermatology world at least for a one day. At the conference different dermatological cases were discussed. These were presented by Claudia Nett-Mettler, Katarina Varjonen, Lucia Panakova, Svetlana Belova, Laura Udraite and Sue Paterson. Conference speakers observed important anamnesis data, clinical examination, diagnostic tests and treatment in each case. Besides, participants were provided by important information about ESVD future courses and opportunities for less well-funded countries, including information about the Travel Grant. Now I consider applying for the travel grant to visit 29th Annual Congress of the ESVD-ECVD. Furthermore, congress participants received a one year ESVD membership for reduced fee. I have already been an ESVD member, and I am very grateful for this year opportunity. 

I would like to thank sponsors for excellent product presentation and presents, which will be undoubtedly effective in patients with dermatological diseases. Also, I wish to thank organizers for very well organized event, where should be noted the high professionalism. Moreover, as pleasant bonuses were delicious food and a free parking.  The congress was very useful for me and other practitioners to develop their knowledge. I hope there will be more ESVD congresses in our country and I definitely would like to take a part in other events provided by ESVD.

Alina Lubnina, DVM, Latvia

Dear ESVD, As it was first time for us to organize so large and important conference, we would like to say few words about the meeting in Riga. Let us start from the end - it was great meeting and we loved it all! Scientific program was fantastic, well-known European dermatologists were talking about many interesting and practice-relevant topics to a wide audience. So many participants, from different countries took part in the event; they were mostly from Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, as well as Poland, UK and Bulgaria – more than 100 participants in total.  When we started to prepare this meeting, we had no idea how much interest it will ignite. Seeing how huge the interest was makes us believe, that future meetings are going to be a success too. Due to the huge interest of Lithuanian colleagues it is necessary to think about organizing one of next European countries conferences in Lithuania. 

As you can imagine, the venue is of utmost importance and we were very lucky to find a nice one. Islande Hotel was very nice and well-equipped, and we received all support we needed. No technical troubles, smooth transitions between speakers, loudspeakers and sound system were working well, so no scientific information got lost. Taking into account the request of some colleagues simultaneous translation to Russian was provided.  Helpful hotel personnel made our life much easier. And the meals and refreshments were delicious.

Receiving positive reviews, smiling faces and intense exchange between the participants convinced us, that the meeting was well received - most rewarding and fulfilling experience. It would not be possible without the support of the sponsors – three Gold sponsors – Royal Canin, ICF and Laboklin and without contribution of Magnum Veterinaria, VET-MED, KRKA, Dermoscent and AB Kauno Grudai. 

Riga, old medieval city, was a perfect place for such a meeting and we are looking forward to meet you all next year in Sofia. We wish the coming local organizers all the best and – do not hesitate to call or mail us, we will be happy to share our experience with you. We would like to thank ESVD for giving us a chance to organize this wonderful meeting, and especially to Lucia Panakova for being such a good friend and supporter.

Jevgenija Kondratjeva, Latvia and Viktorija Lokianskiene, Lithuania
Pictures from the laser workshop can be found at https://esvd-ecvdcongress.phanfare.com

ESVD practical Laser Workshop 10-11 November 2016 , Augsburg, Germany

Speakers: Dr. Mona Boord, Dr. John Godbold, Dr. Claudia Nett, Dr. Ursula Mayer
Having recently purchased a CO2 surgical laser for the practice I was delighted that the ESVD was running a workshop on laser therapy and I was quick to sign up as a participant. By way of introduction Mona Boord reviewed the science and physiology behind lasers. For many of us in the room, high school physics was in the distant past, however her approach was succinct and understandable and we were quickly up to speed.  This course included a substantial practical component which allowed us to gain experience with both surgical and therapeutic lasers and use them on various tissue types. This was hugely advantageous and the organisers and sponsors are to be congratulated on facilitating this. Presentation of case material by all the speakers which included indications for laser type, successes and failures was most valuable. There was much discussion amongst the group about the pros and cons of photobiomodulation (low level laser therapy) after John Goldbold presented some interesting case material. The consensus opinion was that therapy looked interesting but further controlled studies needed to be performed with more rigorous attention to parameters in Dermatology patients. A future challenge for the specialty! I came away from this course with more confidence in my new surgical equipment and enthusiastic about the benefit this new modality will have for my patients. 

Hilary Jackson, UK
Pictures from the laser workshop can be found at https://esvd-ecvdcongress.phanfare.com

Veterinary Dermatology day provided by ESVD in Budapest January 2016

Interactive case discussions for practitioners
I’m very glad to report about the first Hungarian ESVD event, which was held in Budapest, at the Hotel Mercure Buda. There was a high turnout at the one-day congress, with almost 100 practitioners in attendance. They arrived mainly from Hungary, but we had several guests from Austria and Lithuania as well. English was the official language of the conference, assisted by professional simultaneous translation. The speakers  took further the tradition of interactive case reports as in Austria and Poland before.  The vets were good partners in the diagnostic work. The speakers, the board members of ESVD, Sue Paterson, Claudia Nett-Mettler, Katarina Varjonen, Luc Beco and Lucia Panakova presented us very interesting and useful cases.

We had one Hungarian speaker, Noémi Tarpataki. She is likely to become the first derm graduate from Hungary. She is completing her residency training in Zürich, Switzerland. Luc showed an excellent presentation about ESVD and its events, which was very useful and necessary,  as ESVD had been unknown for the majority of Hungarian vets. The meeting could not have been planned and organised without the two gold sponsors, Merial and ICF, and without the financial contribution of Royal Canin and Ceva.

The congress posed a great opportunity for Hungarian vets with dermatology interest to meet each other and develop their common knowledge.  Taking advantage of the occasion we established the Hungarian Veterinary Dermatology Association, which I hope will be of big help to develop vet dermatology in our country. Finally, in the name of Hungarian practitioners I would like to thank ESVD board members for coming to Budapest, and thus making this professional congress so unique and such a success.

Márta Pétsch, Local Organizer
Pictures from the Budapest meeting can be found at https://esvd-ecvdcongress.phanfare.com

The ESCD Immunology Workshop in York, November 2015

The ESVD Immunology workshop was held in the fascinating town of York from 25 to 27th November, 2015. I really appreciated the location, a historic walled city founded two thousand years ago. A blend of Roman walls and medieval architecture can be found in what is considered to be the most haunted city of England!  Visiting the York Dungeon before the social dinner added fun and scare to the city reputation. As the workshop is concerned, participants, both residents and more experienced veterinarians coming from all over Europe, had the opportunity to listen to prestigious speakers on the wide and fascinating subject of Immunology. Michael Day gave a lectio magistralis on the skin immune system and how it reacts to cutaneous microorganisms, explaining the most recent developments in immunodiagnostics, immunohistochemistry and histopathology. Petra Bizikova actually enchanted the audience introducing and going deeply into the latest data about mechanisms of autoimmunity, immune mediated diseases and immunosuppression . Tim Nuttall masterfully deepened from a clinical point of view the most diffused immune mediated diseases of our domestic animals. I was personally really pleased with this workshop, and as a first-year resident I found it very useful in order to understand the mechanisms of this intriguing subject, so important for anyone with interest in dermatology.

Roberta Sartori, Italy.

ESVD Workshop Dermatopathology, June 2015, Cremona, Italy

Invited speakers, computer and Lab sessions and discussion were: Verena K. Affolter (DVM, PhD, DECVP), Elisabeth A. Mauldin (DVM, DACVP, DACVD) and Paola Roccabianca (DVM, PhD, DECVP).
Invited Lab sessions and discussion: Claudia von Tscharner and Julie A. Yager.
Local organizer: Silvia Colombo (DVM, DECVD)

As is previous years, this ESVD Workshop aimed continuous professional development in the the particular area of the dermatopathology. It was suitable for general practitioners with special interest of this topic but also offered the opportunity to diplomates and residents, both veterinary pathology and dermatology colleges, to increase and have an in-depth educational training in dermatopathology. This course changed its format a little bit from previous ones and added more interactive sessions and exercises similar to what one would encounter in the board exam. The Lab sessions were very valuable mostly due to the willingness of the invited persons to share its experience and excellent slides as well as they were easy approach to discuss cases and questions. This workshop represented an unique opportunity to meet colleagues from all parts of the world. In my opinion one of the most interesting feature of this workshop was the fact that I was able to meet pathologists and pathologist residents, actually 18 out of 49 participants, that is 37% of the total attendance, from different countries and share the pathologist’s perspective of dermatopathology and approach to the skin diseases. They participants came from all over Europe as well as Asia (Israel, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan), America (USA, Brazil, Mexico). As already mentioned I also found very rewarding the opportunity to reach and ask great and prestigious pathologist that were present not only lecturing but also in the practical sessions. Furthermore all participants enjoyed the nice city and calm, relaxed atmosphere of Cremona as well as the kindness of its people. Here medieval and Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical blend harmoniously to stir the curiosity of the visitor. Cremona's musical tradition has old and august origins: it is home to the families of the world's most famous luthiers (Amati, Stradivari, Guarneri), and for me I will also miss the ristrettos.

Ramón M. Almela, Augsburg, Germany

Workshop Clinical pathology, November 2014, France

Invited speakers were: Dr. Patrick Bourdeau, Dr. Vincent Bruet, Dr. Claude Favrot, Dr. Benoit Rannou and Dr. Kurt Sick.
Local Organizers: Dr. Patrick Bourdeau and Dr. Vincent Bruet in collaboration with Pauwels Congress Organisers (PCO)
This course aim was at educating dermatology residents and veterinarians with interest in dermatology on the optimization microscopic observations and also blotting and PCR techniques, sampling and indications. Eight hours of interactive wetlab were programmed on cytology, parasitology and mycology

Here some impresssions from the workshop: This workshop on parasitology and mycology was incredibly comprehensive and  I left with a large amount of take home information. 
The cytology day was successful: the combination of theoretical teaching and practical implementation, information retention was far more attainable. The speakers KurT Sick and Benoit Rannou had a very friendly approach on how to recognize the different types of tumours and inflammatory process by presenting challenging cases and offering good explanations. 
The expert opinion of Prof. Bourdeau shed light on the the huge collection of parasite specimens, which, albeit numerous looked clear. Everyone tried his/her best to remember as much as possible and thoroughly examine them all!. 
During the mycology day I better recognized the differences between many types fungi, and learned the advantages and disadvantages of different  ways of sampling. The last half day was a bit overwhelming as PCR and blotting techniques are usually not performed by clinical dermatologists. But the knowledge shared by prof. Claude Favrot definitely helped to better understand these procedures. 
All the participants from 17 countries enjoyed the well known French hospitality, wine and cuisine. Last, but not least, the city of Nantes is beautiful and blends history, old architecture with modern art at every step. I took an extra day just to visit it; it proved well worth it. 

Rares Capitan, Bucharest, Romania

Workshop Structure and Function, June 2014, Belgium

Invited speakers were: Dr. Keith Linder, Dr. Thierry Olivry and Dr. Monika Welle
Local Organisers: Luc Beco in collaboration with Pauwels Congress Organisers (PCO)
This course aimed at educating dermatology residents and veterinarians with interest in dermatology on the latest developments in epidermal, dermal and follicular pathology.  The lectures included information regarding structure of selected cutaneous components followed by the explanation of pathologic mechanisms leading to animal skin diseases uniquely associated with these components.

Here some impresssions from the workshop: As a freshmen in my dermatology residency I participated in the 2^nd workshop on Structure and Function of the Skin which was held in Spa, Belgium in June….what an experience!!! The level and the quality of this course were extremely high, giving the impression of spending four days at the edge of knowledge in this field. Our passionate speakers Thierry Olivry, Keith Linder and Monika Welle did their best to unravel the mysteries of ultrastructure and molecular biology of the epidermis, basal membrane, dermis, adnexa and  their diseases in a way that nobody could have done any better.  At the end of the course a lot of questions were answered but many others arose…. The efforts for keeping up with the complicated topics was compensated by a well deserved relaxing half day in the spa and by the company of the wonderful group of participants. Among them there were many residents who, like me, were overwhelmed by the depth of the information and worried about having to know it all for the diploma examination! Luc Beco proved to be once more an excellent organizer and host in his home town Spa, a noble village in Belgium, where we also could taste wonderful food and excellent wine. I really hope this course will be repeated in the future because I consider it a “must have” workshop for everybody who “feels something “ for dermatology!

Rares Capitan, Bucharest, Romania

ESVD Communications skills workshop, October 2013, Germany

The 1st Workshop on Communication skills was held on 17-19 October 2013 in Munich area (Ammersee). Invited speakers were:
Dr. Julia Atkin          www.learning-by-design.com
Dr. Ralph Schickel    www.inBehandlung.de
Dr. Jochen Schlicht   www.schlicht-leadership-development.de/team_js.html

Here some impresssions from the workshop: A must have CPD. Been working for many years or fresh out from Uni you will recognize that the most important skills for a successful work life weren't taught there. This course embraced cleverly the subject of communication and ways of improving interpersonal skills, its a must have for everybody and an eyeopener for the ones that thought they mastered the skill. Have a think about this! More than 80% of your time at work doesn't require a university degree, its the time you spend communicating with clients, nurses, colleagues and patients hence the most important part of a successful career. Can you afford not to improve on those 'soft skills'?

Tommy Blaehr

First things first: this communication course was the most applicable and valuable course I have been to for many years. Gaining deeper knowledge of our own thinking style and preference enabled us quickly to understand other people’s way of thinking. Different team work activities enlightened abilities like leadership, vision, engineering, feelings and much more. Through a clarification of the brain’s integral learning comprising: knowledge, meaning, procedures and personal experience it became clear to us that we must engage and integrate all modes of the brain’s processing to be a good teacher/communicator. 

We were shown that even though someone has a preferred leading style, it is important to adjust the leading style to the situation in order to have success. Role play elucidated situations we find most challenging in our daily work. The group then suggested the best ways of dealing with the situation and pointed out how not to act. Increasing compliance in treating chronic cases was one of the main subjects.  Our three teachers were all powerful communicators, engaging everyone and being able to crosslink their different areas of focus. Our thanks go to Dr. Ursula Mayer who made this workshop possible. “Communication skills” should become a regular workshop option for ESVD members. There is little help in knowing all the facts if you cannot communicate them.

Babette Taugbol, Oslo, Norway

ESVD Conference in Veterinary Dermatology for Young Vets and Students, Juli 2013, Austria

For the first time ever, the ESVD successfully held its “Young Vets Veterinary Dermatology Conference” from 13-14 July 2013 at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, Austria. An esteemed panel presented a series of lectures ranging in topics from careers in veterinary dermatology to lesion recognition and diagnosis to case studies. Speakers included Dr. Craig Griffin, Dr. Lucia Panakova and Dr. Jan Rybnicek. 112 participants, to include students, pactioners, and faculty, from17 countries comprised the audiance. A dinner and social hour allowed participants to get to know each other as well provided an opportunity to network with industry leaders. As part of the conference registration fee, participants recieved a one year membership to the ESVD allowing for continuing education and opportunities for young veterinarians in dermatology. Please extend a warm welcome to our new members.

Ericka L. Carroll, VMD

ESVD Dermatopathology Workshop, Mai 2013, Italy

The 6th ESVD Workshop on Dermatopathology was held on 15-18 May 2013 in Palazzo Trecchi in Cremona. The speakers Verena Affolter, Elizabeth Mauldin, Claudia von Tscharner and Julie Yager did a wonderful job discussing many of the topics in this fascinating field of dermatology. The interaction between the speakers and participants has been very high during the lectures and the laboratory sessions. Both residents and the more experienced vets were very satisfied at the end! Participants enjoyed the venue, Palazzo Trecchi one of the oldest building in the town, and after the lectures use to walk in the central medieval square and taste wine and typical food.  Cremona has been very proud to host this event again.

Fabia Scarampella 

ESVD Equine Dermatology Workshop, November 2012, Netherlands

Speakers: Kerstin Bergvall, Sue Paterson, Trevor Whitbread, Marianne Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan
For at least fourth time now, the ESVD held a workshop on Equine Dermatology. We had an excellent set of speakers with Marianne Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan (Dipl. of Equine Internal Medicine) with a long interest in Equine Dermatology, from the University of Utrecht, Netherlands, Kerstin Bergvall (Dipl.ECVD), which sees horses one day a week at the University of  Uppsala, Sweden in addition to her small animal dermatology work, Sue Paterson (Dipl.ECVD) who, as one director of a 9 practice veterinary group in St Helens, UK, sees small animal and horse dermatology referrals and Trevor Whitbread Dipl.ECVP the founder of Abbey Veterinary Services, a specialist in histopathology and cytology with a long interest in skin histopathology.

We had 52 participants from 14 Countries (UK, Netherlands, France, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Norway, Lithuania and Slovak Republic). The workshop attracted diplomates, residents, histopathologists, equine practitioners as well as other vets with a high interest in Equine Dermatology. The local organisation was shared by Marianne and our congress PCO, which provided us with the help of our sponsors Dechra, Elanco and Pfizer with a beautiful setting in a forest area near the little town Amersfoort in the Netherlands. It could be easily reached with a 45 min. train ride from Amsterdam airport. As it is tradition in our workshop and the dermatology family, the social dinners (in the hotel and also in the town of Amersfoort) gave an ideal setting for exchange of ideas and chatting with old and new friends, sometimes until the morning hours. I personally tremendously enjoyed the discussion and exchange of experience with our colleagues from Equine Medicine. Therefore I hope that for the future we will be able to attract more Equine practitioners and spur a deeper interest in Dermatology in them – since there is so much we can learn from each other. 

Ursula Mayer