Stories of Our Skin

International Alliance for Global Health Dermatology (GLODERM)

Welcome to Stories of Our Skin, a unique journey brought to you by the International Alliance for Global Health Dermatology (GLODERM), and supported by CeraVe Care For All. Join us as we explore the social, environmental and cultural impact of global health issues in dermatology. In this podcast, we’ll be sharing expert insights and real stories from individuals around the globe.

Episodes

  1. 07/31/2025

    Beyond the Diagnosis: Challenging Stigma Through Medicine and Storytelling

    Welcome to the next episode of "Stories of Our Skin," a podcast series by the GLODERM Trainee Committee, supported by CeraVe Care For All. In this special roundtable discussion, hosts Sidra Khan and Aakaash Varma bring together two influential figures: Professor Ncoza Dlova, an internationally recognised dermatologist, and Rick Guidotti, a renowned fashion photographer and founder of Positive Exposure. Together, they discuss the stigma faced by individuals with visible skin conditions and explore how art, education, and empathy can challenge societal perceptions and empower those affected. Key Highlights Introduction to the Podcast: Sidra and Aakaash introduce the podcast series and its objectives.Guest Backgrounds: Overview of Prof. Ncoza Dlova’s work in dermatology and Rick Guidotti’s advocacy through photography.The Intersection of Art and Dermatology: Exploring how photography and visual art can play a role in reducing stigma and promoting inclusivity.Challenges of Visible Skin Conditions: Discussing the impact of visible skin conditions on individuals and the importance of empathy in patient care.Empowering Patients: The role of education and support in empowering patients to embrace their unique beauty and experiences.Global Initiatives: Prof. Dlova and Rick share ideas for future collaborations and initiatives to address stigma on a global scale.Audience Engagement: Call to action for listeners to join the conversation on Twitter.As we wrap up this episode, we hope the insights shared by Prof. Ncoza Dlova and Rick Guidotti on stigma, art, and empowerment in dermatology have been both enlightening and inspiring. Stay tuned for more episodes where we dive deeper into critical issues and advancements in dermatology, bringing expert perspectives and real stories to light. Remember to follow us on social media @glodermalliance, share your thoughts, and be part of the conversation on global skin health. Thank you for listening!

    26 min
  2. 06/30/2025

    Visual Empowerment: Representing Skin Disease Through Photography

    Welcome to the next episode of "Stories of Our Skin," a podcast series by the GLODERM Trainee Committee, supported by CeraVe Care For All. Join hosts Sidra Khan and Aakaash Varma as they engage in a profound conversation with Rick Guidotti, an acclaimed fashion photographer and the founder of Positive Exposure. In this episode, Rick shares his journey from high fashion to advocating for people with visible differences, and how his work has redefined beauty standards around the world. His story is one of empathy, empowerment, and celebrating the richness of human diversity. Key Highlights Introduction to the Podcast: Sidra and Aakaash introduce the podcast series and its objectives.Guest Background: Overview of Rick Guidotti’s career as a fashion photographer and his transition into advocacy.Personal Journey: Rick shares his inspiring journey from high fashion to founding Positive Exposure.Redefining Beauty: Discussion on how Rick’s work challenges traditional beauty standards and celebrates diversity.Impactful Experiences: Memorable moments from Rick’s work, including his interactions with individuals and families.Current Projects: An overview of Positive Exposure’s ongoing initiatives and collaborations with global advocacy groups.Role of Photography and Art: How photography can be a powerful tool for social change and reducing stigma.Future Goals: Rick’s vision for the future of Positive Exposure and his continued efforts to make a difference.Audience Engagement: Call to action for listeners to join the conversation on Twitter.As we wrap up this episode, we hope Rick Guidotti’s journey of redefining beauty and celebrating human diversity has been both enlightening and inspiring. Find out more about Rick's work at Positive Exposure: https://positiveexposure.org/ Stay tuned for more episodes where we dive deeper into critical issues and advancements in dermatology, bringing expert perspectives and real stories to light. Remember to follow us on social media @glodermalliance, share your thoughts, and be part of the conversation on global skin health. Thank you for listening!

    14 min
  3. 05/29/2025

    Clinical Encounters: The Dermatologist’s Role in Navigating Stigma

    Welcome to the next episode of "Stories of Our Skin," a podcast series by the GLODERM Trainee Committee, supported by CeraVe Care For All. Join hosts Sidra Khan and Aakaash Varma as they engage in a powerful conversation with Professor Ncoza Dlova, an internationally renowned dermatologist from South Africa. In this episode, Prof Dlova shares her journey into dermatology, the stigma faced by patients with visible skin conditions, and the pervasive issue of colourism. Her insights highlight the deep-seated cultural and societal challenges that influence skin health and the importance of education and compassion in addressing them. Key Highlights Introduction to the Podcast: Sidra and Aakaash introduce the podcast series and its objectives.Guest Background: Overview of Prof Ncoza Dlova’s illustrious career and contributions to dermatology.Personal Journey: Prof Dlova shares her inspiring journey into medicine and dermatology.Stigma and Skin Disease: Discussion on the stigma faced by patients with visible skin conditions and how it impacts their lives.Addressing Colorism: Prof Dlova delves into the issue of colourism, skin bleaching, and the cultural factors that contribute to it.Role of Education: The importance of educating patients and communities to dispel myths and reduce stigma.Community Engagement: The role of social media and other platforms in raising awareness and providing support.Future Initiatives: Prof Dlova’s ongoing efforts to address colourism and skin bleaching through a multidisciplinary approach.Audience Engagement: Call to action for listeners to join the conversation on Twitter.As we wrap up this episode, we hope Prof Ncoza Dlova’s insights on the stigma of skin disease and the pervasive issue of colourism have been both informative and thought-provoking. Stay tuned for more episodes where we dive deeper into critical issues and advancements in dermatology, bringing expert perspectives and real stories to light. Remember to follow us on social media @glodermalliance, share your thoughts, and be part of the conversation on global skin health. Thank you for listening!

    18 min
  4. 04/29/2025

    Uniting Dermatology and Climate Experts for a Sustainable Future 

    Welcome to the next episode of "Stories of Our Skin," a podcast series by the GLODERM Trainee Committee, supported by CeraVe Care For All. In this special roundtable discussion, hosts Sidra Khan and Aakaash Varma bring together two distinguished guests: Dr Eva Parker, a dermatologist and climate change advocate, and Zainab Waheed, a passionate climate activist from Pakistan. Together, they explore the complex relationship between climate change and skin health, discussing the challenges, opportunities, and actionable steps needed to address this pressing global issue. Key Highlights Introduction to the Podcast: Sidra and Aakaash introduce the podcast series and its objectives.Guest Backgrounds: Overview of Dr Eva Parker’s work in dermatology and climate advocacy and Zainab Waheed’s role as a climate activist.The Impact of Climate Change on Skin Health: Exploring how climate change exacerbates skin conditions, particularly in vulnerable populations.Challenges in Climate Advocacy: Discussing the hurdles faced by both healthcare professionals and activists in raising awareness and creating change.Synergistic Collaboration: The potential for collaboration between dermatologists and activists to advocate for climate-friendly policies and actions.Education and Awareness: The role of education in raising awareness about climate change and its impact on skin health.Future Initiatives: Dr Parker and Zainab share their visions for future collaborations and initiatives.Audience Engagement: Call to action for listeners to join the conversation on Twitter.As we wrap up this episode, we hope the insights shared by Dr Eva Parker and Zainab Waheed on climate change and its impact on skin health have been both enlightening and inspiring. Stay tuned for more episodes where we dive deeper into critical issues and advancements in dermatology, bringing expert perspectives and real stories to light. Remember to follow us on social media @glodermalliance, share your thoughts, and be part of the conversation on global skin health. Thank you for listening!

    29 min
  5. 03/18/2025

    From Awareness to Action: Insights from a Climate Activist

    Welcome to the next episode of "Stories of Our Skin," a podcast series by the GLODERM Trainee Committee, supported by CeraVe Care For All. Join hosts Sidra Khan and Aakaash Varma as they engage in an enlightening conversation with Zainab Waheed, a young and passionate climate advocate from Pakistan. In this episode, Zainab shares her personal journey into climate activism, the impact of climate change on her community, and the challenges faced by marginalised groups. Her inspiring story highlights the importance of climate justice and the role of young activists in making a difference. Key Highlights Introduction to the Podcast: Sidra and Aakaash introduce the podcast series and its objectives.Guest Background: Overview of Zainab Waheed’s work in climate advocacy.Personal Journey: Zainab shares her journey into climate activism and the personal experiences that motivated her.Impact on Local Communities: Discussion on how climate change affects vulnerable populations in Pakistan, including young girls and people with disabilities.Challenges in Activism: Zainab talks about the hurdles she faces in her activism, including the need for government permissions to protest.Role of Education and Awareness: The importance of educating local communities and empowering them to demand climate justice.Future Goals: Zainab’s vision for scaling up her initiatives and continuing to fight for climate justice.Audience Engagement: Call to action for listeners to join the conversation on Twitter. Stay tuned for more episodes where we dive deeper into critical issues and advancements in dermatology, bringing expert perspectives and real stories to light. Remember to follow us on social media @glodermalliance, share your thoughts, and be part of the conversation on global skin health. Thank you for listening!

    12 min
  6. 02/18/2025

    Environmental Challenges and Skin Disease: A Dermatologist’s Perspective

    Welcome to the next episode of "Stories of Our Skin," a podcast series by the GLODERM Trainee Committee, supported by CeraVe Care For All. Join hosts Sidra Khan and Aakaash Varma as they engage in a compelling discussion with Dr Eva Parker, an esteemed dermatologist and environmental health advocate. This episode delves into the often-overlooked issue of climate change's impact on skin health, exploring its effects on various skin conditions and the broader implications for global health. Key Highlights Introduction to the Podcast: Sidra and Aakaash introduce the podcast series and its objectives.Guest Background: Overview of Dr Eva Parker’s career and her dedication to environmental health.Intersection of Dermatology and Climate Change: Dr Parker discusses her journey from environmental science to dermatology.Impact of Climate Change on Skin Health: Emerging patterns and conditions influenced by climate change.Challenges and Awareness: Hurdles faced in raising awareness about climate change’s impact on skin health.Extreme Weather Events: The effects of flooding and other extreme weather events on skin diseases.Global Disparities: The differing impacts of climate change on skin health between the global north and south.Future Predictions: Dr Parker's insights on the future of climate change and its continued impact on dermatology.Audience Engagement: Call to action for listeners to join the conversation on Twitter.Stay tuned for more episodes where we dive deeper into critical issues and advancements in dermatology, bringing expert perspectives and real stories to light. Remember to follow us on social media @glodermalliance, share your thoughts, and be part of the conversation on global skin health. Thank you for listening!

    18 min
  7. 01/21/2025

    Bridging the Gap between Dermatology and the Digital World

    Welcome to the next episode of "Stories of Our Skin," a podcast series by the GLODERM Trainee Committee, supported by CeraVe Care for All. Join hosts Sidra Khan and Aakaash Varma as they engage in a thought-provoking roundtable discussion with dermatologist Dr Toby Maurer and entrepreneur Dominique Du Crest. This episode delves into the complexities of health technology, AI, telemedicine, and their roles in addressing global health inequities in dermatology. Key Highlights Introduction to the Podcast: Sidra and Aakaash introduce the podcast series and its objectives.Guest Backgrounds: Overview of Dr Toby Maurer and Dominique Du Crest’s expertise and contributions.Health Technology Overview: The potential and challenges of AI, telemedicine, and digital technology in dermatology.Access to Care: Discussing the global challenge of inadequate dermatological care and potential tech solutions.Misinformation and AI: Addressing the spread of misinformation and the role of generative AI.Data Privacy and Ethics: The importance of ethical standards in data acquisition and patient privacy.Future of Dermatology: Predictions for the role of technology in dermatology over the next five years.Audience Engagement: Call to action for listeners to join the conversation on Twitter.As we wrap up this episode, we hope the insights shared by Dr Toby Maurer and Dominique Du Crest on health technology and global dermatology have been both informative and inspiring. To read up on references mentioned during our podcast, click here: https://bit.ly/m/Stories-of-Our-Skin-Podcast-Links  Stay tuned for more episodes where we dive deeper into critical issues and advancements in dermatology, bringing expert perspectives and real stories to light. Remember to follow us on social media @glodermalliance, share your thoughts, and be part of the conversation on global skin health. Thank you for listening!

    38 min
  8. 12/18/2024

    The Future of Skin Health: Digital Advances in Dermatology

    Welcome to the next episode of "Stories of Our Skin," a podcast series by the GLODERM Trainee Committee, supported by CeraVe Care for All. Join hosts Sidra Khan and Aakaash Varma as they explore the intersection of digital technology and dermatology with Dominique Du Crest, co-founder of the Skin & Digital Summit. Dominique shares his journey from business management to becoming a skin enthusiast, his insights on the challenges of misinformation in dermatology, and the potential of AI and digital technologies to revolutionise skin care. Key Highlights Introduction to the Podcast: Sidra and Aakaash introduce the podcast series and its objectives.Guest Background: Dominique Du Crest's journey from business management to becoming a skin enthusiast.Fascination with Skin: Dominique discusses his passion for skin as an organ and its silent communication of systemic disorders.Challenges in Dermatology: The global challenges of suboptimal access to care and skin-related misinformation.Role of Digital Technology: Insights into how AI and digital technology can help address dermatological issues.Creation of the Skin & Digital Summit: Dominique's vision and journey in creating the Skin & Digital Summit.Audience Engagement: Call to action for listeners to join the conversation on social media.As we wrap up this episode, we hope Dominique Du Crest's insights on digital dermatology and the challenges of misinformation have been both informative and inspiring. Stay tuned for more episodes where we dive deeper into critical issues and advancements in dermatology, bringing expert perspectives and real stories to light. Remember to follow us on social media @glodermalliance, share your thoughts, and be part of the conversation on global skin health. Thank you for listening!

    19 min
  9. From Dermatology to Global Health: Dr Maurer's Inspiring Career Path

    11/12/2024

    From Dermatology to Global Health: Dr Maurer's Inspiring Career Path

    Welcome to the inaugural episode of "Stories of Our Skin," a podcast series by the GLODERM Trainee Committee, supported by CeraVe Care For All. Join hosts Dr Sidra Khan and Dr Aakaash Varma as they explore the impact of global health issues in dermatology.  In this episode, they are joined by Dr Toby Maurer, an expert in HIV dermatology and infectious diseases, to discuss the role of teledermatology and the importance of health equity in dermatology. Dr Maurer shares her journey, insights, and the challenges and successes in implementing health technology to improve global skin health.​ Key Highlights​ Introduction to the Podcast: Sidra and Aakaash introduce the podcast series and its objectives.​Guest Background: Dr Toby Maurer's extensive experience in dermatology, focusing on HIV and infectious diseases.​Journey into Dermatology: Dr Maurer's path from family medicine to dermatology during the height of the HIV epidemic.​Global Health Impact: Discussion on the significance of global health in dermatology and the challenges faced.​Teledermatology: Insights into the benefits and challenges of implementing teledermatology, with a real-life example from Zambia.​Future Trends: Dr Maurer's vision for the future of global health dermatology and the role of social justice.​Audience Engagement: Call to action for listeners to join the conversation on X (formerly Twitter).​Stay tuned for more episodes where we dive deeper into critical issues and advancements in dermatology, bringing expert perspectives and real stories to light. Remember to follow us on social media @glodermalliance, share your thoughts, and be part of the conversation on global skin health. Thank you for listening!

    16 min
  10. The Beginning of Our Journey

    09/25/2024 · BONUS

    The Beginning of Our Journey

    Welcome to the pilot episode of "Stories of Our Skin," a podcast series by the GLODERM Trainee Committee, supported by CeraVe Care For All. Join hosts Sidra Khan and Aakaash Varma as they introduce the podcast, share their journey in dermatology, and discuss the vision behind the GLODERM Trainee Committee. This episode explores the inception of the podcast, the importance of global dermatology education, and the exciting topics that will be covered in future episodes. Key Highlights Introduction to the Podcast: Sidra and Aakaash introduce the podcast series and its objectives.Host Backgrounds: Overview of Sidra Khan’s and Aakaash Varma’s journey in dermatology.Inception of GLODERM Trainee Committee: The story behind the formation of the committee and its goals.Impact of COVID-19: How the pandemic accelerated the need for digital education in dermatology.Purpose of the Podcast: The vision for the podcast and the topics it will cover.Future Episodes Preview: A sneak peek into upcoming episodes on climate change, stigma of skin disease, and more.Audience Engagement: Call to action for listeners to join the conversation on Twitter and other platforms.Stay tuned for more episodes where we dive deeper into critical issues and advancements in dermatology, bringing expert perspectives and real stories to light. Remember to follow us on social media @glodermalliance, share your thoughts, and be part of the conversation on global skin health. Thank you for listening!

    9 min

About

Welcome to Stories of Our Skin, a unique journey brought to you by the International Alliance for Global Health Dermatology (GLODERM), and supported by CeraVe Care For All. Join us as we explore the social, environmental and cultural impact of global health issues in dermatology. In this podcast, we’ll be sharing expert insights and real stories from individuals around the globe.