CDT

Rising Stars in Dermatology Conference 2026

Friday April 17 - Sunday April 19, 2026
Conference Objectives
The 2026 Rising Stars in Dermatology Conference will serve a foundational role in helping early-in-practice dermatologists gain meaningful insight into patient and disease management for dermatologic diseases. This event in Toronto, is geared towards the early-in-practice clinician (<10 years in practice) and will include didactic lectures, complex case discussions, and panel Q&A sessions.

Only 50 spots, including limited travel grants, are available for this inaugural conference and we encourage you to register early.

If you are able to join us, kindly RSVP by registering to the conference using the link below. Registrations will close on March 15th, 2026, or when the conference reaches capacity. As space is limited, we encourage you to RSVP at your earliest convenience if you plan to attend.  

Scientific Steering Committee
Prajapati SQ
Vimal H. Prajapati
MD, FRCP, DABD
Co-Chair Steering Committee
Devani SQ

Alim R. Devani

MD, FRCPC

Co-Chair Steering Committee

Sauder SQ

Maxwell B. Sauder

MD, FRCPC, FAAD, FCDA

Steering Committee

Tran SQ

Mimi Tran

MD, FRCPC

Steering Committee

Faculty

Sonya Abdulla-SQ

Dr. Sonya Abdulla

DrBlakely_Headshot_SQ

Dr. Kim Blakely

George-Christodoulou headshot SQ NB

Dr. George Christodoulou

Sophia Colantonio Dec 2025 SQ NB

Dr. Sophia Colantonio

David Croitoru Headshot-SQ

Dr. David Croitoru

Ferrier

Dr. Andrew Ferrier

Headshot_Lovegrove

Dr. Fiona Lovegrove

Headshot_Muntanyu

Dr. Anastasiya Muntyanu

Irinia Oroz-SQ

Dr. Irina Oroz

Kim Papp-SQ

Dr. Kim Papp

785-7850040_blank-female-headshot-hd-png-download Firefly Upscaler 2x scale

Dr. Michele Ramien

Headshot_Ringuet-SQ

Dr. Julien Ringuet

Stephanie Turmel headshot Dec 2025

Dr. Stéphanie Turmel

Agenda

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Canadian Dermatology Today provides a forum for the clinical community to share real-world experience and the latest best practices in the treatment and management of dermatologic disease.

The journal is published thrice yearly in English and French and is circulated to over 1,100 hematology clinicians and researchers across Canada. It features peer-reviewed articles that present robust clinical perspectives and practical insights into disease management.

About Catalytic Health

Founded in 2009, Catalytic Health is one of Canada’s largest medical education agencies, the largest independent medical publisher in the country, and an industry leader in innovative events and services for the life sciences industry, reaching over 50,000 Canadian clinicians per year with its educational programs, services and platforms. 

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© 2026 All Rights Reserved.

Dr. Vimal H. Prajapati is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary, co-creator of The Dermatology Philosophy, as well as co-founder and co-director of the Skin Health & Wellness Centre, Dermphi Centre, Dermatology Learning Institute, Dermatology Research Institute, Dermphi Therapeutics, and D&P Commercial Group. Additionally, he has started several subspecialty initiatives, including multidisciplinary clinics for pediatric morphea, pediatric scleroderma, and pediatric psoriasis in Calgary, rapid access clinics for psoriasis and eczema in Calgary, as well as rural outreach clinics for psoriasis and eczema in Medicine Hat.

Dr. Alim R. Devani completed his dermatology residency at the University of Alberta, earning certification in both Canada and the United States. Dr. Devani has received 5 major awards; authored 1 textbook chapter; published 10 peer-reviewed manuscripts in print or electronic format; and presented at numerous scientific meetings regionally and nationally. He currently practices at the Skin Health and Wellness Centre and the Dermatology Research Institute. Dr. Devani also conducts clinical trials for both adults and children and is the co-creator of The Dermatology Philosophy, as well as the co-founder and co-director of the Dermatology Learning Institute, Dermatology Research Institute, and Dermphi Therapeutics. He is an expert in acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, skin cancer, and anti-aging.

Dr. Maxwell B. Sauder is currently an assistant professor in the division of dermatology at the University of Toronto. He is an onco-dermatologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre as well as the research director at Toronto Research Centre. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree at McMaster University, completed a residency in dermatology at The University of Ottawa and completed fellowship training in Cutaneous Oncology at Harvard Medical School.

Dr Mimi Tran is a dual board-certified Dermatologist in Canada and the USA. After graduating from medical school at the University of Calgary, she pursued a rigorous Dermatology residency at the University of British Columbia. She has trained in centres across Canada. With her extensive experience from practicing in Vancouver, Dr Tran decided to bring her exceptional skills and expertise back to her hometown of Winnipeg. Dr. Tran practices in both Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology.  She has a particular interest in Skin Cancer, Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis, as well as Cosmetic Dermatology.

Dr. Sonya Abdulla is a double board-certified dermatologist in Canada and the US. She completed additional Fellowship training in Dermatologic Laser Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine at the University of Toronto.

Dr. Abdulla has an active medical and cosmetic dermatology practice where she is involved in clinical research and teaching. Her clinical interests include acne, rosacea and psoriasis as well as minimally invasive aesthetic procedures including injectables, energy-based devices and laser surgery. Dr. Abdulla is a strong proponent of evidence-based skin care – her opinion and expertise serve as an invaluable resource for patients, peers and media.

Dr. Kim Blakely is a board-certified dermatologist with expertise in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. She completed her Honours BSc in Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences at McMaster University before earning her PhD and MD from the University of Toronto.

Through her medical and research training, Dr. Blakely has contributed to multiple research studies, authored numerous articles, and has been invited to present her research and provide her expertise at several national and international conferences. 

As the founder of Elevate Dermatology in the GTA, she is a trusted voice for her patients and across media outlets. Her approach to treatment is both individualized and grounded in science, incorporating the most up-to-date protocols and evidence-based skincare solutions.

She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, a member of the Canadian Dermatology Association, and serves on the executive committee for the dermatology section of the Ontario Medical Association.

Dr. George Christodoulou is a board-certified dermatologist by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the American Board of Dermatology. He obtained his MD and completed his 5-year dermatology residency at McGill University and then he went on to complete a Mini-MBA in Physician Business Leadership from the Schulich School of Business at York University. Dr. Christodoulou is fluent in English, French, and Greek. He practices general medical and surgical dermatology with an additional interest in cosmetic dermatology and clinical research. He primarily focuses on skin cancer screening and treatment, as well as inflammatory disorders, with a significant phototherapy practice.

Dr. Sophia Colantonio is a board-certified dermatologist in Canada and the United States. She is currently practicing at the Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus where she runs specialized clinics in patch testing for allergic contact dermatitis and biologics for complex medical dermatological conditions. In 2024, she founded Factor Dermatology (website: https://factordermatology.com/  and instagram: @factor_dermatology) to provide innovative and accessible dermatology care in the Ottawa community including mole mapping.

Dr. David Croitoru is a full-time Clinician Investigator at University Health Network and a cross-appointed Scientist at Women’s College Hospital, specializing in inflammatory dermatoses and wound care. He serves as the medical lead and principal investigator of the Pyoderma Gangrenosum wound clinic, which boasts the largest cohort of this rare disease in Canada with active phase III clinical trials. He is also the medical lead of the Hidradenitis Suppurativa procedure clinic at WCH, providing surgical interventions for this chronic, destructive, and underserved inflammatory condition. To enhance resident engagement in research, he co-chairs the CIHR-funded SKiN Canada’s Trainee Development Committee and the Canadian Dermatology Association’s basic science program (SPoT, Skin Pathophysiology Therapeutics).

Dr. Andrew Ferrier is a double board-certified dermatologist practicing in Edmonton and Fort McMurray, Alberta. Dr. Andrew Ferrier received his BA in Biology from Lake Forest College as an NCAA student-athlete and completed his PhD and post-doctoral fellowship in Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Ottawa where he published numerous manuscripts detailing the pathological mechanisms underlying neuromuscular disease. Following his PhD, he completed his medical degree at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine as an Indigenous learner where he received the prestigious Canadian Medical Hall of Fame award. Dr. Ferrier completed his dermatology residency at the University of Alberta. Dr. Ferrier is passionate about indigenous health, medical, surgical dermatology, and clinical trials. Dr. Andrew Ferrier holds the position of Director of Clinical Trials with Stratica Dermatology and is enthusiastic about new leading edge medical advancements that help his patients.

Dr. Fiona Lovegrove is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Lovegrove Dermatology in London, Ontario. She completed her MD/PhD in infectious disease research at the University of Toronto where she also completed her dermatology residency. She is actively involved in clinical trials as an investigator within the Probity Medical Research network and contributes to medical education as an associate professor at Western University. Her clinical focus is on medical dermatology and emerging therapies, with a special interest in psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and autoimmune bullous diseases.

Dr. Anastasiya Muntyanu is a Canadian and US board-certified dermatologist, currently practicing in Toronto. She completed her medical school at the University of Ottawa and graduated from the University of Toronto Dermatology Residency Program. She is completing her PhD focused on studying environmental triggers of autoimmune and inflammatory skin diseases including psoriasis, systemic sclerosis, atopic dermatitis. She has over 40 publications in high impact journals and has received numerous awards including from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research award, Canadian Dermatology Association, and American Dermato-Epidemiology Network.  During her residency she was the co-chair of the Canadian Dermatology Association’s Resident and Fellow Society and was a resident representative on numerous academic committees for which she received the Resident Leadership Award and the Resident Teaching Award from the Canadian Dermatology Association. Dr. Muntyanu’s clinical areas of interest include medical and surgical dermatology with a focus on psoriasis, eczema, systemic sclerosis and morphea, and skin cancer.

Dr. Irina Oroz is a dual board-certified Dermatologist, fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Dermatology, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology. She is an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Saskatchewan and practices complex medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology in Saskatoon. 

Dr. Oroz completed her medical degree at the University of Saskatchewan, prior to completing residency at the University of Saskatchewan and University of Alberta. 

She is the President of the Saskatchewan Dermatology Association, and  is active on various national and provincial committees including the CDA Sun Awareness Working Group, and is the co-chair of the national Science Physiology Therapeutics (SPoT) residency education program. Outside of clinic she is a passionate advocate for patient education.  

Dr. Kim Papp has a general dermatology practice and clinical research center in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. He is a Member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.

He has over 25 years of experience as a Principal Investigator across various indications including psoriasis – for which he is best known, atopic dermatitis, lichen sclerosis et atrophicus, urticaria, vitiligo, alopecia areata, psoriatic arthritis, and others.

Dr. Papp, with the support of Probity Medical Research, an organization for which he is Founder and President, has become one of the world’s leading experts in the treatment of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

Dr. Papp is a consultant or advisor for over 65 pharmaceutical and biotech companies.

His academic interest in the assessment of disease severity measures, the impact of bias and error on clinical assessment, clinical trial design, pharmacokinetics/ pharmacodynamics, and the development of meaningful clinical guidelines and treatment targets, is partially reflected in over 500 publications.

Dr. Ringuet is a board certified dermatologist who practices in Quebec City at the Centre de Recherche Dermatologique du Québec Métropolitain (CRDQ) and in Montreal at the McGill University Health Center (MUHC). He obtained a bachelor degree in biology before his medical training (MD) and his dermatology residency at Laval University in Quebec City. During his medical training, he also completed a master in experimental medicine (MSc.) in the field of skin bioengineering at the Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval (LOEX). After his post graduate studies and since 2020, Dr. Ringuet is practicing with his team at the Centre de Recherche Dermatologique du Québec Métropolitain (CRDQ) as a principal investigator and medical director. His team is dedicated in allowing Quebec’s patients to access top quality and innovative clinical research focused on inflammatory dermatological diseases. Dr. Ringuet research interests are mainly psoriasis and its variants, atopic dermatitis, vitiligo and alopecia areata. As of today, he led as a principal investigator more then 50 clinical trials of phase 2, 3 and 4 in those indications leading to varied peer reviewed publications, talks and lectures. He also practices in Montreal at the MUHC as an assistant clinical professor since 2025 contributing to the continuous medical education and training of medical students and dermatology residents. His commitment to his peers is also reflected in his role at the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) where he took on the role of Treasurer Elect and Treasurer of the Finance and Audit Committee in 2024-2025 and is also a member of the Education Committee from 2024 to present. In addition, he is involved as a reviewer for various journals including the Canadian Medical Association as well as the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery (JCMS) for which he stands as an associate editor. Based on his clinical work, commitment to patient care and advancement of the specialty, Dr. Ringuet received the recognition of Dermatologist of the Year 2024 by the Canadian Skin Patient Alliance (CSPA).

Stéphanie Turmel is a board-certified dermatologist who has been in practice since 2015. She earned her medical degree and completed her dermatology residency at Université Laval in Québec City, Canada.

She currently practices at Clinique Médicale Saint-Louis, where she provides comprehensive medical dermatology care, and is actively involved in clinical research at the Centre de Recherche Saint-Louis. She serves as a clinical investigator and participates in multiple clinical trials focused on inflammatory skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and chronic urticaria.

Dr. Turmel is an examiner for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, contributing to the national assessment of postgraduate dermatology training.

She serves on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) and is a member of its Governance and Nominating Committee, where she contributes to strategic planning and organizational modernization. In Québec, she is a Board member of the Association des médecins spécialistes dermatologues du Québec (AMSDQ) and also serves on its Continuing Professional Development Committee. She is a member of the Pedagogy Committee of the Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec (FMSQ), the provincial federation representing medical specialists in Québec, where she helps evaluate and guide educational initiatives based on best educational practices.

Dr. Turmel is deeply committed to clinical research, medical education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and knowledge translation.