We are thrilled to announce Professor Hideoki OGAWA, Emeritus Professor and CEO of Juntendo University in Japan, as the recipient of the 2025 ILDS Medal for Achievement in Global Dermatology.

This prestigious accolade, the highest the ILDS can bestow, celebrates Professor OGAWA’s significant contribution to dermatology education and his leadership in fostering international collaboration, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. The ILDS Medal of Achievement in Global Dermatology, awarded biennially, recognises individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field of dermatology on a global scale.

Professor OGAWA’s distinguished career is defined by initiatives that have significantly advanced dermatological education and practice. Among his many achievements, Professor OGAWA was instrumental in establishing the International Diploma Course in Dermatology and Dermatosurgery (IDCDD) at the Institute of Dermatology in Bangkok, Thailand. Launched in 1984, the IDCDD has provided training to more than 1,000 dermatologists from Asia, Pacific Oceania, and Africa, equipping them with vital skills to enhance dermatological care in their regions.

In addition to his contribution to education, Professor OGAWA has been a driving force in the strengthening of professional ties between dermatologists in Asia. In 2010, he organised the inaugural Japan-China Joint Meeting of Dermatology at Juntendo University, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration between the two nations. Since then, he has continued to promote shared learning and research, advancing dermatological science and improving practices in both China and Japan.

Professor OGAWA will be presented with his award at the ILDS World Skin Summit, to be held in Cape Town, South Africa, from 24-25 October 2025.