Dr Ashraf Badawi is a highly respected and influential dermatologist, who has actively participated in more than 100 international dermatology conferences, has been directly involved in the training of thousands of dermatologists from around the world, has several international publications in the fields of cosmetic dermatology and laser applications in dermatology, and is a member of a number of international associations.

IMCAS Academy spoke to Dr Badawi to learn more about his dedication to cosmetic dermatology and particularly laser applications.

Which three words define dermatology for you?

Interface - Beauty – Lots of science

You obtained a PhD in Laser Applications in Dermatology 10 years ago and have been highly active in this field ever since. What first attracted you to laser applications in dermatology and why does it continue to hold your interest?

Ten years ago, Laser was a new branch of medicine with a lot of fascinating things to be achieved with this technology. It continues to be attractive due to the dynamic nature of the laser applications and the development of the technology.

Over the past 10 years, you have been directly involved in the training of more than 2500 dermatologists in laser applications, as well as speaking at international congresses such as IMCAS. How important is it for physicians to combine different forms of training and keep their understanding up-to-date through attending congresses?

It is extremely important to keep being updated as with this dynamic field. We hear about new technologies every couple of months, some of these new technologies are based on solid scientific background and some of them are based on pure marketing and will vanish in a couple of years. It is very important to hear from colleagues about their point of view about the different technologies in the market. Attending conferences like IMCAS always gives physicians the chance to interact with other colleagues and share experiences and it is not about listening to lectures only.

You are a coordinator of IMCAS Alert, IMCAS Academy’s new service that allows physicians to receive expert advice on complications, cases or procedures. Why is IMCAS Alert such a vital service?

I am happy and honored to be part of this excellent initiative. Colleagues are able to present their cases or complications in the Alert service and get an answer or advice from experts in the field; I think this is a priceless service. It means a lot for many colleagues. Even the experts learn from the comments of each other. This is one of IMCAS’ most significant contributions to the scientific community in this field.

What do you predict for the future when it comes to ongoing career training for physicians?

I think there will be more room for webinars and remote presentations.

What do you consider to be your biggest career achievement so far?

Being elected as the Vice President of the European Society for Lasers and Energy Based Devices (ESLD), and of the European Society for Cosmetic and Aesthetic Dermatology (ESCAD) was a great achievement and I hope to be able to serve the scientific community and the societies’ members during the coming few years.

If you had to choose just one procedure to perform for the rest of your career, what would it be and why?

Laser assisted rejuvenation. It makes people look and feel better via a very natural pathway through regaining the structure and function of the skin from a few years earlier.

What question do patients ask you most often and how do you reply?

How long will the effect of the laser last? I respond by saying that as long as aging is a dynamic process, rejuvenation also should be dynamic. The effect of the laser may stay for years, however there are other changes happening in the skin so examining the skin every year and doing something to rejuvenate the skin is advisable.

Tell us about a cause that is important to you.

Prevention is better than cure. This proverb is very much applicable in my daily life. Patients for example are very much aware that they can start to do rejuvenation procedures earlier before they even have signs of aging. Milder, less expensive procedures, which are associated with no down time, could be restoring the structure and function of the skin and can significantly delay the signs of skin aging.

If you were able to have an extra hour in the day, what would you do with it?

Spend it with my kids.