The 14th European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress, held in London in October 2005, examined in detail how the burden on European communities of diminished quality of life due to skin diseases and also sexually transmitted diseases could be significantly reduced. Discussed also were rapid major advances in diagnostic and treatment techniques in these fields over recent years, which can now deal with the problems in ways not possible even two decades ago.
In a bid to counter the poor funding and lack of focus in dermatological training, the EADV “Fostering Dermatology” programme is now devoted to steadily developing a uniform standard of dermatological training at all levels across Europe. However, a new level of serious commitment to funding for both research and medical training in dermatology is now needed from all European governments. This would increase the contribution to the workforce and improve the quality of life of the vast number of individuals with skin disease.
