In September 2024, a new president took the helm of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV). With this new chapter, we wanted to hear her thoughts on a congress we all know and value—as well as what her priorities will be and the key challenges she feels the EADV must tackle in the years ahead.
Introducing the EADV President, Branka Marinović
Branka Marinović’s (Professor of Dermatology and Venereology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Croatia) connection with the EADV goes back nearly three decades. In 1997, as an early-career dermatologist, she received a scholarship to attend the congress in Dublin: a formative experience that sparked a journey she could not have predicted at the time.
Prof. Branka Marinović
Her deeper involvement began at the 2010 Spring Symposium in Cavtat, Croatia, where she served as Secretary General. Inspired by the people she met and the sense of community she experienced, Branka became a dedicated member of the EADV, joining the Board in 2012, taking on various committee roles, and eventually returning as Secretary General in 2017. After a brief pause, she ran for the presidency and was elected, bringing with her a deep understanding of the organisation and a strong commitment to its future.
In this Q&A, Branka shares her vision as President, the biggest challenges facing dermatologists today, and the initiatives she believes will shape the future of the specialty. From maintaining the strength of medical dermatology and improving access to innovative treatments, to advocating for the workforce and expanding education, she reflects on both where the Academy is headed and how she hopes to be remembered.
Whether you are a long-time congress attendee or new to the EADV community, Branka’s insights offer a thoughtful look at what’s next for dermatology in Europe and beyond.
Leadership vision and priorities for the EADV
Q. What are your key priorities as EADV President?
It is quite common for each president to start with a major project or a key goal they want to achieve. I took a slightly different approach. There were already so many valuable initiatives started by my predecessors—some still ongoing or not yet completed. Rather than launching something entirely new, I felt it was important to continue and strengthen the efforts already in place.Â
My focus is on expanding our educational offerings, specifically the EADV School courses, which are very popular among our younger and early-career members. I would like to increase the number of these courses and further stabilize and build on what’s already working well. So, while I don’t have one clearly defined new initiative, I am confident that this steady and thoughtful approach will make a real impact.
Challenges in dermatology today
Q. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing dermatologists in Europe today?
1. Preserving the core of medical dermatology
One of the greatest challenges we face right now is preserving the strength of medical dermatology. There is an increasing temptation, particularly among younger dermatologists, to pursue cosmetic dermatology. Of course, it varies—those involved in research often remain focused on medical dermatology, while others are drawn to the cosmetic or aesthetic side, which can offer greater financial rewards in a shorter period. But it’s essential that we continue to cultivate a workforce of dermatologists who are committed to managing serious, complex skin conditions.
While preparing a recent lecture, I came across a series of interviews with senior dermatologists nearing the end of their careers. When asked about the most pressing issues in the field, nearly all of them gave the same response: we must maintain a healthy balance between medical and cosmetic dermatology.
2. Emerging therapies and global access challenges
We’re seeing a growing number of new drugs entering the field, which is great but also presents a challenge. It is not just a challenge for dermatologists, but also for healthcare systems around the world. Many of these new therapies come with a high price tag, and that may create disparities in access across nations. Some countries will be able to offer these treatments to patients, while others may not, which could lead to significant differences in care that is applicable to the countries outside the EU.
That is why advocacy is also a key priority for the EADV. We’re actively working in Brussels to raise the visibility of dermatology and push for more equitable access to innovative treatments across EU member states. Of course, we are aware that this applies primarily to countries within the European Union, but it is an important step toward reducing inequalities in care.
3. Addressing the workforce gap in dermatology
In some countries, we are seeing a significant shortage of dermatologists and dermatology nurses. This presents a major barrier to delivering timely, high-quality care. One of our advocacy goals is to make the specialty more visible and better integrated into broader healthcare systems—highlighting the crucial role dermatology plays in patient care and advocating for increased support and resources at all levels.
Q. How does the EADV plan to help preserve the core of medical dermatology?
The EADV plays a vital role in this. It continues to inspire and support early-career dermatologists, helping them deepen their knowledge and passion for medical dermatology.Â
The EADV is addressing this through a range of educational initiatives. One key focus is the introduction of more lectures and hands-on courses in corrective dermatology—approached from a medical dermatology perspective. The goal is to reinforce that the cosmetic field is a legitimate and important part of the medical dermatological practice.
Dermatologists are uniquely qualified to perform these procedures safely and responsibly. They have a deep understanding of the skin—its structure, physiology, and pathology—which is essential for delivering effective aesthetic treatments.
There is a growing concern that some cosmetic procedures are being performed by individuals who aren’t medically trained, leading to suboptimal outcomes or even harm. By equipping dermatologists with the latest knowledge and skills in this area, the EADV is helping to ensure that these treatments remain in the hands of those best qualified to deliver them.
Why should you attend the EADV congresses?
Q. What were your key highlights from EADV Congress 2024?
At last year’s annual congress, there were so many parallel sessions that it is hard to single out one highlight. Honestly, all areas of dermatology were well represented, so no matter your specific interests, there was something relevant to learn and keep your knowledge up to date. The meeting really did cover a broad spectrum—from cosmetic dermatology and clinical oncology to sexually transmitted infections—really everything that plays a role in our daily practice.
One aspect of the meeting I really appreciate—and which will continue for the 2025 congress—is the structured approach to session levels: basic, intermediate, and expert. This format ensures that dermatologists at all career stages, from those just starting out to seasoned professionals, can access content tailored to their level of experience.
Q. What can we expect from this year’s EADV congresses?
Next, we have the Spring Symposium, which will be held in Prague from May 22-24. This is a smaller event than the Annual Congress, and we expect to see more participants from younger career stages attending. The format is more focused, there will be interactive sessions, clinical cases, and opportunities for attendees to test their knowledge. Because it’s not as large or fast paced as the main congress, it offers a more relaxed environment where participants can engage more easily and attend more sessions without feeling overwhelmed.
The Annual Congress will be held in Paris this year, from September 17–20 and is set to be another major event. Once again, we’re aiming to cover the full spectrum of dermatology and venereology.Â
We are also focused on offering a variety of educational formats to suit different learning needs, for both members and non-members. Each year, we see increasing international participation, with individuals attending from the United States, Africa, Asia, Australia and beyond. In fact, at last year’s Annual Congress in Amsterdam; we had attendees from 130+ countries. So, Paris promises to be another exciting, truly global gathering for the dermatology and venereology community.
Q. Why should dermatologists register for EADV Congress 2025?
A comprehensive learning experience
The Annual Congress offers an excellent platform to explore the full spectrum of dermatology and venereology, with 12–13 parallel sessions covering diverse topics. If you miss anything on-site, you’ll have access to all session recordings on our online platform for up to three months after the event—perfect for catching up at your own pace.
Excellent networking opportunities
Beyond the educational sessions, the Annual Meeting is a fantastic place to connect with peers from around the world. In-person networking helps build lasting professional relationships—and often lifelong friendships. Many dermatologists, myself included, have met long-standing colleagues at congresses just like this one.
Strong support for early-career dermatologists
The EADV provides a range of scholarships to help younger professionals attend and actively participate in the congress. It’s a valuable opportunity to learn, grow, and become part of the international dermatology community.
Personal reflections and legacy
Q. What continues to drive you in your career?
I really enjoy my specialty. When I first started, I was considering other fields—but over time, I’ve come to see how unique and rewarding dermatology is, with so many different aspects to it.
I’m also fortunate to work in a great department here in Zagreb, surrounded by terrific colleagues. I genuinely enjoy my work—whether it’s treating patients or teaching students.
Q. How would you like your presidency to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered as someone who created more educational opportunities—especially for the next-generation of dermatologists—and who helped strengthen and stabilize the Academy. The EADV is already a well-established organization, but my goal is to build on that foundation and offer new possibilities for growth and development.
I do not believe a presidency always needs to be marked by something spectacular or groundbreaking. Sometimes, what’s most valuable is ensuring continuity, stability and progress. It is about seeing things through, strengthening what already works, and making sure the organization keeps moving forward in a meaningful way.
Disclosure: No funding was received in the publication of this short article.
Cite: A look inside the EADV: A conversation with President Branka Marinović. TouchDERMATOLOGY. 22 April, 2025
Editor: Gina Furnival, Senior Editorial Director
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