Messages
Greetings from the President
Promoting Further Advances in the Dermatology Field
Manabu Fujimoto, President,
The Japanese Dermatological Association
At the Board of Directors meeting held during the 123rd Annual Meeting of the JDA in Kyoto, I was appointed as the President of the JDA. I am deeply aware of the significant responsibilities that come with this role. First and foremost, I would like to express my profound respect and gratitude to our immediate past President, Dr. Masayuki Amagai, for his outstanding leadership over the past three terms (six years) under the slogan "Strengthening the Field and Enhancing Presence." Building on the strong foundation laid by Dr. Amagai, I am committed to further advancing our association.
Thanks to the tremendous efforts and various activities of our members, the JDA has continued to grow steadily and has established a significant presence both domestically and internationally. However, the social and medical environments we operate in have become increasingly challenging, presenting new issues for our association. To ensure the continued development of the JDA and dermatology in Japan, it is crucial to actively formulate and implement medium- to long-term plans. The field of dermatology encompasses the Japanese Society for Investigative Dermatology, Japan Organization of Clinical Dermatologists, the JDA and various specialized societies. By working organically and collaboratively with these societies, we aim to further strengthen dermatology in Japan.
Nurturing the Next Generation
One of our top priorities is to cultivate high-quality personnel for the next generation and to provide comprehensive educational programs for the continued learning of our members. While our academic conferences are essential, the JDA eSchool, an online comprehensive learning platform established in 2021, has been highly praised by our members. Currently composed of eLecture and ePathology, we plan to expand its content to include interactive learning modules and lectures by renowned international scientists.
Promoting International Exchange
The international exchange initiatives promoted by our association were significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that the pandemic has subsided, it is crucial to adopt a renewed "open country" approach. For Japan, which can easily become insular, it is important for our younger members to develop an international perspective early on. Experiences such as studying abroad are invaluable, and we will continue to support them as an association. However, it is equally important to create environments where international exchange becomes a natural part of events like our annual meetings, even for those who remain in Japan. To foster mutual international exchange, we will also increase opportunities to present Japanese dermatology to the world.
Going Green and Going Digital
Environmental responsibility is also one of our duties. Our association needs to actively consider initiatives aimed at environmental protection. As part of this effort, we will promote paperless operations, gradually digitizing many tasks previously conducted on paper to reduce our environmental impact. Additionally, by efficiently combining online meetings and conferences, which began during the pandemic, we can reduce CO2 emissions from travel. This is a time when not only our medical advancements but also our contributions as members of society are being scrutinized
In Conclusion
The activities of the JDA exist for its members and for society. Our mission is to contribute to people's health and well-being through the advancement of dermatology. Achieving this mission requires your cooperation and support. Solving the numerous issues we face is not easy, but by working together with the board of directors, delegates, and members, we can determine the best path forward for the field of dermatology. As President, I am committed to fulfilling my responsibilities with all my strength. I sincerely ask for your continued support and guidance.
Sincerely,
June 2024
