“Sometimes just trying something — showing that you care and will follow up — is the first big step in helping these patients.”

— Dr. Hélène Veillette

In this episode of JCMS Author Interviews, host Dr. Kirk Barber welcomes Dr. Hélène Veillette, Division Head of Dermatology at CHU de Québec–Université Laval, to discuss the article she co-authored with Dr. Louis Deschenes. “Skin Picking Disorder: A Canadian Retrospective Study.” It features in the May-June issue of the JCMS.

Dr. Veillette shares findings from a retrospective review of 82 hospitalized patients diagnosed with skin picking disorder, highlighting the high rate of psychiatric comorbidities, challenges in classification, and the gaps in current dermatologic management. Together, she and Dr. Barber explores how dermatologists can better identify, understand, and manage this complex psychocutaneous condition.

• Why study skin picking disorder?
• How a resident-led idea grew into an important exploration of a frequently overlooked condition.
• Comorbidities and causes:
• 61% of patients had psychiatric comorbidities — most commonly depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and substance-related disorders.
• The team also noted neurocognitive disorders such as dementia, raising questions about causation vs. correlation.
• Clinical presentation:
• Predominantly older women with lesions on accessible areas such as the upper limbs and trunk. Morphologies included excoriations, crusts, plaques, and nodules.
• Diagnostic challenges:
• Review of DSM-5 criteria for skin picking disorder and the ongoing debate about its classification under obsessive-compulsive–related disorders.
• Treatment and management:
• Discussion of first-line therapies like SSRIs and the over-the-counter option N-acetylcysteine (NAC); the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration; and why empathy and follow-up are as critical as prescriptions.
• The role of dermatologists in psychodermatology:
• Dr. Veillette and Dr. Barber emphasize that dermatologists must engage with psychocutaneous conditions rather than refer them away — combining clinical skill with compassion to support these often-suffering patients.

For more on psycho-dermatology, check out episode 86 of JCMS Author Interviews, with Dr. Marlene Dytoc.

Dr Barber and his guests do not receive any financial reimbursement for the production of this podcast.

For more great CDA podcasts check out Dermalogues, our Residents podcast hosted by Dr Kerri Purdy.

To learn more about the work of the Canadian Dermatology Association, please visit our website at dermatology.ca

This podcast is produced by David McGuffin and Graham McGuffin of ExploreProductions.ca

In this episode of JCMS Author Interviews, Dr. Kirk Barber sits down with Dr. Mariusz Sapijaszko, a board-certified dermatologist, Clinical Professor at the University of Alberta, and Medical Director of the Western Canada Dermatology Institute. Dr. Sapijaszko specializes in skin cancer surgery and cosmetic dermatology and currently serves as President-Elect of the Canadian Dermatology Association. Kirk and Dr. Sapijaszko dig into the article he co-authored in the March–April 2025 issue of JCMS, titled: “Optimizing Surgical Site Infection Prevention in Dermatologic Surgery.”  They dive into practical, evidence-based recommendations from this article to help dermatologists — especially those in outpatient and community-based practices — improve patient safety while streamlining their workflows. From glove selection and skin prep techniques to PPE decisions, suture choice, and wound care, this episode is packed with actionable advice for both early-career dermatologists and seasoned practitioners. Whether you’re setting up a new practice or refining your surgical protocols, you’ll gain clear strategies to reduce infection risk and optimize outcomes. 

Dr Barber and his guests do not receive any financial reimbursement for the production of this podcast.

For more great CDA podcasts check out Dermalogues, our Residents podcast hosted by Dr Kerri Purdy.

To learn more about the work of the Canadian Dermatology Association, please visit our website at dermatology.ca

This podcast is produced by David McGuffin and Graham McGuffin of ExploreProductions.ca

In this special Editor's Choice edition of the JCMS podcast, Dr. Kirk Barber engages in a follow-up conversation with Cathryn Sibbald about her JCMS Lecture at the 2025 Canadian Dermatology Association conference in Halifax. Dr Sibbald, a pediatric dermatologist at SickKids Hospital and Associate Professor at the University of Toronto, delves into the complexities of treating alopecia areata. Highlights include a nuanced discussion on the importance of a holistic and patient-centered approach, the role of JAK inhibitors, and the integration of traditional therapies like methotrexate and topical treatments. Dr. Sibbald emphasizes understanding the patient's goals, assessing psychosocial impacts, and using a combination of treatments. She also discusses practical tips for managing more severe cases, such as alopecia universalis, and the use of newer assessment tools to help guide treatment plans. 

Dr. Sibbald has graciously agreed to share her slide deck to her JCMS Lecture with our listeners, which you can find here.

Dr Barber and his guests do not receive any financial reimbursement for the production of this podcast.

For more great CDA podcasts check out Dermalogues, our Residents podcast hosted by Dr Kerri Purdy.

To learn more about the work of the Canadian Dermatology Association, please visit our website at dermatology.ca

This podcast is produced by David McGuffin and Graham McGuffin of ExploreProductions.ca

In this episode of JCMS Author Interviews, host Kirk Barber speaks with University of Calgary Dermatologist Dr. Jori Hardin and Dr. Gary Garber of the Canadian Medical Protective Association about the findings of their fascinating article 'Medico-Legal Complaints Against Dermatologists: Data From the Canadian Medical Protective Association, 2013 to 2022,' published in the November-December 2024 issue of the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. They discuss the frequency and nature of complaints in dermatological practice, the importance of effective communication and thorough documentation, and the evolving role of AI in medical documentation. They emphasize the need for continued quality improvement, patient safety, and the supportive role of the CMPA in defending and educating physicians.

Co-Authors: Bryan Ma, MD, Ye-Jean Park, Jing Han, BSc, Maharshi Gandhi, MPH, Michele Ramien, MD

David Klassen, MD, Laura Payant, MScN, Elaine Rose, MPH, HD, MSc, FACP, Mireille Probst, RN

Dr. Jory Hardin is a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Calgary. 

Dr. Gary Garber, who is the Director of Safe Medical Care Research at The Canadian Medical Protective Association in Ottawa. 

An infectious diseases physician based at The Ottawa Hospital, previously Dr. Garber was Chief of the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Department at Public Health Ontario.

This podcast is supported by an educational grant by Incyte Biosciences Canada, made available through the CDA Corporate Supporter Program.  

Dr Barber and his guests do not receive any financial reimbursement for the production of the podcast.

For more great CDA podcasts check out Dermalogues, our Residents podcast hosted by Dr Kerri Purdy.

To learn more about the work of the Canadian Dermatology Association, please visit our website at dermatology.ca

This podcast is produced by David McGuffin of ExploreProductions.ca

In this episode of JCMS Author Interviews, host Kirk Barber speaks with Dr. Mohamed Abu-Hilal, a dermatologist and assistant professor at McMaster University, about his systematic review article on the maternal, fetal, and labor outcomes of Dupilumab use for atopic dermatitis during pregnancy. Dr. Abu Halal shares the motivations behind the study, discusses its findings, and addresses the safety and efficacy of dupilumab for pregnant patients suffering from eczema. The conversation covers the challenges in documenting cases, the reassuring results of live births, and the practical implications for dermatologists and patients. The episode emphasizes the importance of maintaining good maternal health for positive pregnancy outcomes and touches on the broader applications of dupilumab for other conditions.

This podcast is supported by an educational grant by Incyte Biosciences Canada, made available through the CDA Corporate Supporter Program.  

Dr Barber and his guests do not receive any financial reimbursement for the production of the podcast.

For more great CDA podcasts check out Dermalogues, our Residents podcast hosted by Dr Kerri Purdy.

To learn more about the work of the Canadian Dermatology Association, please visit our website at dermatology.ca

This podcast is produced by David McGuffin of ExploreProductions.ca

In this special edition of the JCMS podcast, host Kirk Barber welcomes Ray Zahab, an extreme adventurer who has set world records that include the fastest expedition on foot to the South Pole and running across the Sahara desert, over a marathon a day, for three months, in the heat of summer. Ray gets into his skin care routines in extreme environments, including how his feet have adapted to running without socks across some of the world's hottest deserts. Ray shares insights on skin care techniques to stay warm in extreme cold, and strategies for hydration and protection from the sun in extreme heat. He also offers tips on foot care and equipment for maintaining comfort during long runs and winter expeditions. The conversation delves into his non-profit organization, Impossible2Possible, which provides free, educational expeditions for adolescents.This episode provides a fascinating look into the life of a modern-day explorer and the steps taken to survive and thrive in extreme conditions. 

Ray Zahab is a Canadian Explorer, ultra distance runner and Founder of non-profit impossible2Possible. A recent recipient of the Meritorious Service Cross of Canada, Ray is an Explorer in Residence of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. In 2015 Canadian Geographic recognized Ray as one of Canada’s Top Explorers. In 2024, Ray was awarded the Sir Christopher Ondaatje Medal for Exploration. He has run 17,000+ km across the world’s deserts, and unsupported expeditions in some of the coldest places on the planet.

For more great CDA podcasts check out Dermalogues, our Residents podcast hosted by Dr Kerri Purdy.

To learn more about the work of the Canadian Dermatology Association, please visit our website at dermatology.ca

This podcast is produced by David McGuffin of ExploreProductions.ca

In this episode of JCMS Author Interviews, host Dr. Kirk Barber interviews Dr. Marlene Dytoc, a clinical professor at the University of Alberta and the director of several specialty dermatology clinics including psychodermatology. This fascinting episode discusses findings from an article co-authored by Dr. Dytoc on Alberta's first psychodermatology clinic. Key topics include the challenges of managing delusional parasitosis, Morgellons disease, and other psychocutaneous disorders, the difficulty in patient adherence to medication, and the importance of developing therapeutic alliances. The podcast also examines the potential for community engagement and improvements in treatment metrics through clinical surveys and support groups.

To learn more about psychodermatology contact Dr. Dytoc at: [email protected] 

This podcast is supported by an educational grant by Incyte Biosciences Canada, made available through the CDA Corporate Supporter Program.  

Dr Barber and his guests do not receive any financial reimbursement for the production of the podcast.

For more great CDA podcasts check out Dermalogues, our Residents podcast hosted by Dr Kerri Purdy.

To learn more about the work of the Canadian Dermatology Association, please visit our website at dermatology.ca

JCMS Author Interviews is produced by the CDA and David McGuffin of ExploreProductions.ca   

Our theme music was composed by Lee Rosevere.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:49 Challenges in Psychodermatology

02:44 Patient Consultations and Time Management

05:30 Therapeutic Approaches and Medication

09:16 Clinic Operations and Improvements

19:05 Global Perspectives and Future Directions

22:27 Final Thoughts

Keywords:

psychodermatology, patient care, therapeutic alliance, medication adherence, psychiatric comorbidities, treatment strategies, quality improvement, global perspectives, mental health, dermatology

Kirk is thrilled to have Dr. Joseph Lam on the podcast for a fascinating conversation about his article in the January-February 2025 issue of the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery titled:

"Pediatric Vitiligo Treatment with JAK Inhibitors: A Scoping Review."

His co-authors on this article are Dea Metko and Shanti Mehta.

Dr. Lam is an Investigator and Pediatric Dermatologist with the BC Children's Hospital. He’s also a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Dermatology and the Department of Pediatrics at UBC.

This podcast is supported by an educational grant by Incyte Biosciences Canada, made available through the CDA Corporate Supporter Program.  

Dr Barber and his guests do not receive any financial reimbursement for the production of the podcast.

For more great CDA podcasts check out Dermalogues, our Residents podcast hosted by Dr Kerri Purdy.

To learn more about the work of the Canadian Dermatology Association, please visit our website at dermatology.ca

JCMS Author Interviews is produced by the CDA and David McGuffin of Explore Podcast Productions in Ottawa.   

Our theme music was composed by Lee Rosevere.

Kirk is happy to have Dr. Mark Kirchhof for their ongoing series of conversations on the use and effectiveness of cannabis in treating of dermatological conditions. Today they take a fascinating dive into cannabis and HS based on the article Dr. Kirchhof co-authored in the September-October issue of the Journal of Cutaneous Surgery and Medicine. It's titled: Evaluation of Cannabis-Related Product Use Among Patients With Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Narrative Review

His co-authors are: Delaram Shojaei, MSc, Haleh Zabihi, BMSc,

Vincent Maida, MD and Afsaneh Alavi, MD.

Dr. Kirchhof is the Division Head of Dermatology in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa and The Ottawa Hospital. And the president elect of the CDA.

This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Arcutis Canada Inc. through the CDA Corporate Supporter Program.  

Dr Barber and his guests do not receive any financial reimbursement for the production of the podcast.

For more great CDA podcasts check out Dermalogues, our Residents podcast hosted by Dr Kerri Purdy.

To learn more about the work of the Canadian Dermatology Association, please visit our website at dermatology.ca

JCMS Author Interviews is produced by the CDA and David McGuffin of Explore Podcast Productions in Ottawa.   

Our theme music was composed by Lee Rosevere.

Kirk is happy to welcome Dr. Ivan Litvinov back to the podcast for what Kirk describes as "a clinically very important discussion as the JAKs are becoming more and more useful to us in a greater variety of conditions." Together they do a fascinating deep dive into the article Dr. Litvinov co-authored in the May/June issue of the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. It's titled:

"Efficacy and Safety of JAK-Inhibitors in Treating Refractory Palmoplantar Pustulosis and Palmoplantar Pustular Psoriasis: A Systematic Review."

Dr. Ivan Litvonov is an Associate Professor and Director of the Division of Dermatology for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at McGill University. And he’s an associate editor at the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery.

His co-authors on this article are Hibo Rijal, Naïla Bouadi and Erin Dahlke.

This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Arcutis Canada Inc. through the CDA Corporate Supporter Program.  

Dr Barber and his guests do not receive any financial reimbursement for the production of the podcast.

For more great CDA podcasts check out Dermalogues, our Residents podcast hosted by Dr Kerri Purdy.

To learn more about the work of the Canadian Dermatology Association, please visit our website at dermatology.ca

JCMS Author Interviews is produced by the CDA and David McGuffin of Explore Podcast Productions in Ottawa.   

Our theme music was composed by Lee Rosevere.