Our History

Officially founded in 1935, the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) has been promoting skin health around the world for over 80 years. Its forerunner began in 1889 as the first of many World Congresses of Dermatology. Today, the ILDS represents dermatology at the highest level with over 180 Member Societies from more than 80 countries, we represent over 200,000 dermatologists. ILDS works closely with partners around the world including the World Health Organization (WHO), with whom we are in official relations, in order to improve skin health for all people around the world.
To attain the best possible skin health for all people around the world.
To increase awareness, cooperation and communication within the global dermatology community to promote high quality education, clinical care, research and innovation that will improve skin health globally.
Collaboration – to work collaboratively and in partnership with all our stakeholders
Impact – to maximise our impact by measuring and evaluating progress towards our strategic objectives
Communication – to use a range of methods to raise awareness and communicate effectively
Evidence – to ensure that our work reflects the best knowledge, practices and evidence
Stewardship – to identify priorities and commit resources based on realistic assessments of our capabilities
The ILDS is an independent, global charity. Our international Board of Directors is supported by a UK based Secretariat. As a registered charity we operate under English Law, regulated by the UK Charity Commission and governed by our Articles of Association.
Dr. Lars French
President
Germany
Dr. Hassan Galadari
Secretary-General
UAE
Dr. Brigitte Dréno
Treasurer
France
Dr. Harvey Lui
Past President
Canada
Dr. Claire Fuller
IFD Chair
UK
Dr. Lars French
President
Germany
Dr. Hassan Galadari
Secretary-General
UAE
Dr. Brigitte Dréno
Treasurer
France
Dr. Harvey Lui
Past President
Canada
Dr. Claire Fuller
IFD Chair
UK
Dr. María Ivonne Arellano Mendoza
Mexico
Dr. Ramesh Bhat
India
Dr. Luca Borradori
Switzerland
Dr. Roy Chan
Singapore
Dr. Jin Ho Chung
South Korea
Dr. Ncoza Dlova
South Africa
Dr. Kenji Kabashima
Japan
Dr. Margarita Larralde
Argentina
Dr. Henry W. Lim
USA
Dr. Omar Lupi
Brazil
Dr. Venkataram Mysore
India
Dr. Giovanni Pellacani
Italy
Dr. Martin Röcken
Germany
Dr. Stephen Shumack
Australia
Dr. Daniel Siegel
USA
The ILDS Board has 11 Committees and Working Groups who oversee and monitor the work of the ILDS. The ILDS President and Secretary-General are ex-officio members of all ILDS Committees.
* co-opted committee member
* co-opted committee member
Meet the ILDS Secretariat