OTTAWA, ON – June 28, 2022 – The Canadian Dermatology Association is proud to announce the recipients of the CDA Member Awards and the CDA Public Education Awards. The CDA Member Awards recognize Canadian dermatologists for their contributions to the practice of dermatology and the CDA Public Education Awards are awarded to those in the industry, media, and not-for-profit sectors who have furthered Canadian’s understanding of dermatologic issues and in encouraging healthy behaviour in the medical, surgical, and cosmetic care of skin, hair, and nails.
2022 CDA MEMBER AWARDS Recognizing certified dermatologists for excellence in leadership, clinical care, education, and research in the medical, surgical, and cosmetic care of skin, hair, and nails.
CDA Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Jean-Pierre DesGroseilliers & Dr. Yves Poulin This award honours certified dermatologists who have made a significant and lasting impact in the field of dermatology, through their professional accomplishments as long-standing members of the Association, and who have earned the respect and admiration of their professional colleagues. This year’s CDA Lifetime Achievement Award honours not one but two outstanding CDA members. Dr. Jean-Pierre DesGroseilliers is honoured with the CDA Lifetime Achievement Award for the important role he played in the dermatologic field, both in Canada and internationally. He also held important roles with the CDA, firstly as its vice-president in 1974, and subsequently as a member of the Board sitting on several committees. As a dedicated educator at all levels, he guided many young dermatology residents in their educational paths. As a member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, Dr. DesGroseilliers was instrumental in the development of the CanMEDS program. His years of research and contributions to medical literature on general dermatology, psoriasis, and the use of phototherapy, have been widely published across Canada and the United States. Dr. Yves Poulin is honoured with the CDA Lifetime Achievement Award for the important roles he played in the CDA, Canada and internationally. At the CDA he served on many committees, and as CDA President. During his presidency he worked tirelessly to ensure the CDA remained relevant to dermatologists in Quebec. Internationally, he contributed to the Global Psoriasis Atlas as the North American representative from 2018-2022. Dr. Poulin is an accomplished community dermatologist, educator, mentor, and researcher. As a teacher he led the dermatology program in Québec City as well as volunteering as a Royal College examiner. He is a pioneer of clinical research in Canada, being recognized for his work in the areas of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.
CDA Award of Merit: Dr. Vince Bertucci
The CDA Award of Merit recognizes the excellence of leadership and outstanding contributions to the CDA and Canadian and international dermatology. Contributions in the following have been considered: clinical and research activities; teaching; organizational and administrative ability; and community services. CDA member and certified dermatologist, Dr. Vince Bertucci is the recipient of this year’s CDA Award of Merit to recognize his commitment to leadership in dermatology. His leadership roles have included CDA President, President of the Canadian Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Chair of the Membership Committee and member of the Advisory Board Executive Committee with the American Association of Dermatology, and President-Elect of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery. Dr. Bertucci is globally recognized as a respected researcher who continuously improves the breadth and depth of aesthetic dermatology through an evidence- based approach. His contributions to education as the Director of Undergraduate Dermatology at the University of Toronto and over 25 years of contributions to resident education through the University of Toronto Dermatologic Surgery Lecture series are testaments to his commitment to dermatology.
CDA Practitioner of the Year Award: Dr. Tadeusz Pierscianowski
The CDA Practitioner of the Year Award recognizes and honours Canadian dermatologists with a focus in clinical practice and community service with an emphasis on the provision of optimal patient care. This year’s award recipient, Dr. Tadeusz Pierscianowski, has dedicated more than 37 years in practice serving patients best interests as a caring and giving clinician. For his peers, he believes in learning and providing the best education to those around him. He is a founding member of the National Capital Skin Disease Foundation and has served the Division of Dermatology at The Ottawa Hospital and The University of Ottawa in roles such as Program Director, Chair of Resident Program Committee, Chair of Resident Selection Committee, and Chair of the Ottawa Bi-Annual Clinical & Scientific Meeting Committee and remains active teaching residents at academic half day. Dr. Pierscianowski postposed his planned retirement when the pandemic began so he could provide on-going dermatology care to the elderly at an Ottawa a long-term care facility, putting the needs of patients ahead of his own, again more proof of his dedication and commitment.
CDA Early Career Volunteer Award: Dr. Rachel Asiniwasis & Dr. Mark Kirchhof
The CDA Early Career Volunteer Award recognizes residents, fellows, and new dermatologists who are committed to giving back to society by contributing at a local, provincial, national, or international level through volunteer activities that have a medical or dermatological aspect. This year, the award recognizes two outstanding CDA member recipients, Dr. Rachel Asiniwasis and Dr. Mark Kirchhof. Dr. Rachel Asiniwasis is being recognized as a true volunteer, advocating for First Nation’s health care, practicing in underserviced areas, and establishing telemedicine and virtual care for several remote Saskatchewan Indigenous communities. She was the organizer and co-chair for the first national medical congress devoted to dermatologic health topics for Inuit, First Nations, and Metis peoples. Dr. Asiniwasis is also active and dedicated to teaching colleagues, dermatology residents, medical students, and the public. Dr. Mark Kirchhof is recognized for his community outreach and inspiration for recent graduates to join him in with outreach to rural communities, as well as his leadership in education. In his role as Program Director at the University of Ottawa, he gladly provides support and leadership for many residents and colleagues. Dr. Kirchhof has also supported dermatology specialty clinics and with a colleague has been instrumental in starting the first Canadian Skin of Colour clinic.
CDA Research Award in Dermatology: Dr. Anastasiya Muntyanu
The CDA Research Award in Dermatology recognizes the best manuscript submitted for original work, not previously published and relevant to dermatology. The award recognizes excellent work intended to expand, direct, define, or assist in the understanding and/or treatment of dermatologic disease. This year’s award recipient is Dr. Anastasiya Muntyanu, a PhD candidate in experimental medicine, a dermatology resident (PGY3) at McGill University, CDA member, and Co-chair of the CDA Residents and Fellows Society. She is recognized for her outstanding work as lead author of research article, “Exposure to Silica and Systemic Sclerosis: A retrospective cohort study based on the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group”. Dr. Muntyanu’s important research advances the field, striving toward optimal preventative treatment for patients with systemic sclerosis.
CDA Resident Writing Award: Dr. Mathew Nicholas
The CDA Resident Writing Award recognizes dermatology residents who contribute and share their expertise and experiences within the dermatology community and has contributed significant knowledge in the dermatology field through publication. This year’s award recipient is Dr. Mathew Nicholas, CDA member, PGY5 dermatology resident at the University of Toronto. He receives the award for the work that he and his co-authors presented in the article: “COVID-19 Skin Manifestations in Skin of Colour” which was published in the CDA’s Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery (JSMS). Through this contribution in CDA’s JCMS, Dr. Nicholas has further the body of knowledge in the field of dermatology.
2022 CDA PUBLIC EDUCATION AWARDS The CDA Public Education Awards recognize those in the industry, media, and not-for-profit sectors who have furthered the understanding of dermatologic issues and encouraging healthy behaviour in the medical, surgical, and cosmetic care of skin, hair, and nails. Projects and activities recognized were completed between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021.
CDA PUBLIC EDUCATION AWARD: NOT-FOR-PROFIT CATEGORY Award Recipients: Canadian Arthritis Patient Alliance, Canadian Association of Psoriasis Patients, Canadian Psoriasis Network, and Canadian Spondylitis Association Baring It All The Canadian Arthritis Patient Alliance, Canadian Association of Psoriasis Patients, Canadian Psoriasis Network, and Canadian Spondylitis Association collaborated on this report, the first- ever of its kind in Canada, which reflects the needs and experiences of women+ with psoriatic and rheumatic diseases and inflammatory arthritis across life stages. The report and six related infographics were shared in English and French on the organizations’ websites, social media channels, and newsletters. The report makes four key recommendations to improve support for women+ with these conditions. The findings were presented at the 2021 CADTH Symposium, the 2022 CRA Annual Meeting, the 2022 Canadian Arthritis Research Conference, and Benefits Canada’s 2022 Chronic Disease at Work Conference and most recently internationally.
CDA PUBLIC EDUCATION AWARD: NOT-FOR-PROFIT CATEGORY Award Recipient: Melanoma Canada 3 Ways to Block the Rays Melanoma Canada and their Sun Safety Council Partners (Johnson and Johnson and Columbia) launched the national campaign to promote the importance of sun safety while staying safe from COVID-19. Throughout February, Dr. Julia Carrol, a Melanoma Canada Board Member and Dermatologist, and Annette Cyr, a three-time melanoma survivor and founder of Melanoma Canada, encouraged media outlets to spread awareness and urge Canadians to adopt three simple sun-safe practices to better protect them against melanoma and other forms of skin cancer. The campaign received national media coverage and resulted in over 400 skin check reminder sign-ups.
CDA PUBLIC EDUCATION AWARD: NOT-FOR-PROFIT CATEGORY Award Recipient: University of British Columbia (UBC) Medical Undergraduate Society Acne Education Project The Acne Education Project was founded in 2020 by UBC medical students Vincent Wan, Jason Lee, and Jeffrey Toy, each of whom has a strong interest in dermatology and a passion for advocacy. This trio aimed to destigmatize the conversation surrounding acne, dispel common myths, and deliver accurate, evidence-based information on skin hygiene and acne treatment to prepubescent youth. In 2021, the initial launch of the program reached 300 students at 10 schools in Vancouver. Following a successful launch, the program was expanded across the lower mainland to partner with over 40 schools. The goal is to reach 5000 students and expand into high schools by the end of 2022.
CDA PUBLIC EDUCATION AWARD: MEDIA (PRINT) CATEGORY Award Recipient: Fleet Street Magazine Here’s What a Dermatologist Wants You to Know About Common Sunscreen Myths This article solidly educated Canadians about the importance of wearing sunscreen on a daily basis, thereby lessening their risk of skin cancer. It was written in an easy-to-digest myth-busting format with relatable questions that encouraged the readers to learn and create healthy habits.
CDA PUBLIC EDUCATION AWARD: INDUSTRY CATEGORY Award Recipient: Seaford Pharmaceuticals The #drysolidarity campaign on social/digital media was created to help end the stigma around sweat and hyperhidrosis and get more people comfortable talking about these conditions with the simple message “You’re not alone, we’re here for you. #drysolidarity”. With over 1.2 million impressions, this campaign led to many hyperhidrosis sufferers likely feeling more comfortable in their skin and more comfortable seeking help.
Released June 28, 2022