The 13(th) East Zonal Indian Association of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology (IADVL) Conference, 19(th) Annual IADVL West Bengal Chapter Conference and the Indian Journal of Dermatology Diamond Jubilee Celebration, Kolkata, 2015: A Triple Educational Triumph.

This highly successful Indian Association of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology (IADVL) event was a triple combination: the 13th East Zonal IADVL Conference, 19th Annual IADVL West Bengal Chapter Conference, and Indian Journal of Dermatology (IJD) Diamond Jubilee Celebration [Figure 1]. It was held in Kolkata, India, December 18–20, 2015. Accordingly, it brought together many dermatologists from West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, and the Northeast States, thanks to Conference Secretary Nilay Kanti Das, Scientific Secretary Sudip Kumar Ghosh, Scientific Chairperson Manas Chatterjee, IADVL West Bengal President Pradip Laha, and the IJD Chief Editors Koushik Lahiri (2012–present), Sandipan Dhar (2006–2011), and Sanjay Ghosh (2006). Honorary IADVL Secretary General Rashmi Sarkar welcomed attendees.

Figure 1

Indian Journal of Dermatology editor Koushik Lahiri welcomes Steven D. and Yuki Emmet and Robert A. Schwartz (left to right)

There were many superb presentations and two outstanding orations. The R. K. Panja Oration on topical steroid-dependent facies given by Arijit Coondoo stressed severe rebound erythema [Figure 2], while the Dr. B. N. Banerjee Oration on atopic dermatitis provided by A. J. Kanwar emphasized diagnostic complexities [Figure 3]. Manas Chatterjee detailed uses of omalizumab and secukinumab in dermatology. Robert A. Schwartz updated approaches to the management of atopic dermatitis, whereas Sanjay Ghosh handled hand dermatitis. Nilendu Sarma highlighted strategies for neonatal cutaneous infections. Steven D. Emmet characterized uses and misuses of cosmeceuticals. Sudip Kumar Ghosh delineated cutaneous manifestations of diabetes mellitus. IJD editor Koushik Lahiri explored ideas on publishing scientific papers, whereas Sandipan Dhar moderated a panel discussion on the concept in academia of “Publish or Perish” [Figure 4]. Anupam Das emphasized the photosensitivity evident in Kindler's syndrome. Sixty years of IJD success was reviewed by Saumya Panda.

Figure 2

Arijit Coondoo delivers the Dr. R. K. Panja Oration

Figure 3

The Dr. B. N. Banerjee Oration is provided by A. J. Kanwar

Figure 4

Sandipan Dhar in command leads panel

Attendees admired the hard work of IJD current editor Koushik Lahiri [Figure 5], who was also honored for outstanding leadership, with special recognition from the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School Chapter of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society during this conference [Figure 6].

Figure 5

Sixty years of Indian Journal of Dermatology success is admired by Steven D. Emmet, Nilendu Sarma, Koushik Lahiri, and Robert A. Schwartz (right to left)

Figure 6

Indian Journal of Dermatology Editor Koushik Lahiri was honored for outstanding leadership, with special recognition from the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School Chapter of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society

This event was joyful. Participants relaxed in the meeting complex [Figure 7] and at a reception at the elegant historic Calcutta Club [Figure 8]. Colleagues also visited medical sites, including the renowned Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute [Figure 9], and learned about Mother Teresa from discussions with IADVL West Bengal President Pradip Laha. This meeting earned the Best Innovative Conference Award from the National IADVL.

Figure 7

Attendees relax in conference garden: Sanjay Ghosh, Robert A. Schwartz, Asok Ghoshal, and two dermatology residents Pallavi and Sukanya (left to right)

Figure 8

Calcutta Club reception: Indian Association of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology West Bengal President Pradip Laha, Robert A. Schwartz, M. Ramam, and Sujay Khandpur

Figure 9

Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute welcomes lecture by Robert A. Schwartz

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.