Invitation Letter
We are delighted to extend an invitation to Primary Care Practitioners to the Skin Basics Conference, a program tailored specifically for primary care practitioners seeking to enhance their expertise in dermatology. Our expert dermatologist speakers will delve into the fundamentals of dermatology, offering insights into the latest advancements and emerging treatments relevant to primary care practitioners. Join us for a day of immersive learning, collaboration, and skill development as we navigate the intricacies of dermatological care together. Your participation promises to elevate your dermatological proficiency and positively impact the quality of care you deliver to your patients.
Sincerely,
Your Co-Chairs
Dr. Patrick Fleming, BSc(Nutrition), MSc(Community Health), MD, FRCPC
Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto
Dermatologist & Investigator, York Dermatology & Research Centre
Consultant Dermatologist, University Health Network
Dr. Kyle O. Lee, BMLSc, BMBS, MPH, CCFP
Academic Family Physician, Sumac Creek Health Centre, St. Michael’s Hospital
Assistant Professor, Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of Toronto
Who Should Attend
- General practitioners
- Family physicians
- Pediatricians
- Nurse practitioners
- Physician assistants
- Pharmacists
- Medical trainees
September 27, 2025
Toronto Marriott Markham Markham, ON
Toronto Marriott Markham sits in the center of downtown Markham and is within walking distance of trendy restaurants, technology hubs and multicultural, family-friendly events. A small number of rooms at a discounted group rate are available for Friday, September 26 and Saturday, September 27. Book your room, as we anticipate selling out early.
Program
Saturday, September 27, 2025
Continuing Professional Development: this conference is an unaccredited activity.
De
| 8:30am–4:30pm | Registration |
| 9:30am–9:35am | Welcome and Introduction Dr. Patrick Fleming / Dr. Kyle Lee |
| 9:35am–10:05am |
Common Approach to Hair Loss Learning Objectives:
|
| 10:10am–10:40am |
A New Skin Revolution in the Topical Management of Common Chronic Inflammatory Dermatoses: A Focus on Atopic Dermatitis, Plaque Psoriasis, and Seborrheic Dermatitis
|
| 10:45am–11:15am |
Plaque Psoriasis in Primary Care: What To Know in 2025 Learning Objectives:
|
| 11:20am–12:05pm |
Screening tips leading to diagnosis and referral in psoriasis, Hidradenitis Suppurativa & Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Sponsored by Novartis Canada |
| 12:05pm–1:00pm |
Lunch Break |
| 1:00pm–1:45pm |
Practical Approaches to the Management of Acne & Onychomycosis in Primary Care Learning Objectives:
|
| 1:50pm–2:20pm |
Primary Care & Photoprotection Learning Objectives:
|
| 2:20pm–2:45pm |
Coffee Break |
| 2:45pm–3:15pm |
Turning Over a New Leaf: Advanced AD Management for Changing Seasons 2. Identify how itch is perpetuated by the itch-scratch cycle and consequent degradation of the skin barrier and microbiome
|
| 3:20pm–3:50pm |
Shades of Care: Practical Approaches to Hyperpigmentation in Diverse Skin Tones Sponsored by L’Oreal Dermatological Beauty |
| 3:55pm-4:25pm |
Modern Isotretinoin: The Lidose Difference And Why It Matters Learning Objectives:
|
| 4:25pm-4:30pm | Closing Comments Dr. Patrick Fleming / Dr. Kyle Lee |
2025 Presenters
Renita Ahluwalia, MD, FRCPC
Primary Care & Photoprotection
1:50 – 2:20pm
Dr Renita Ahluwalia is board-certified dermatologist with interests in cosmetic and medical dermatology. In 2019, she co-founded the Canadian Dermatology Centre, which now has a staff of over fifty professionals well versed in medical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, plastic surgery, hair transplantation, aesthetic medicine and clinical trial research. She continues to practice in the academic center with an appointment at the University Health Network. She is a lecturer at the University of Toronto.
She completed her undergraduate studies in her hometown of Winnipeg, earning both a BA and BSc from the University of Manitoba in four years. She then studied medicine at the University of Toronto, where she went on to complete residency training in dermatology in 2013, serving as Chief Resident during her final year. She has presented at national and international meetings and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the prestigious Canadian Dermatology Associations Young Investigator Honour and the AMNI Insider Doctor’s Choice Award. She is a member of several national steering committees and the Canadian Dermatology Associations Sun Awareness committee. With over a decade of experience as a dermatologist and as a former national public speaking champion, she uses her skill set to be a health care advocate and a source of knowledge to the public on a variety of dermatologic issues.
Renée A. Beach, MD, FRCPC, FAAD
A New Skin Revolution in the Topical Management of Common Chronic Inflammatory Dermatoses: A Focus on Atopic Dermatitis, Plaque Psoriasis, and Seborrheic Dermatitis
10:10 – 10:40am
Dr. Renée A. Beach is a dermatologist practicing here in Toronto for more than 10 years. She earned her medical doctor (MD) degree from McMaster University, followed by Dermatology residency at the University of Ottawa (FRCPC).
As an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Toronto, Dr. Beach also provides dermatology commentary to the media and the general public as the on-air dermatologist for CTVs The Social, and other print outlets (CBC, Globe & Mail, ELLE magazine).
She opened her private office, DermAtelier on Avenue, in 2020, where she sees patients for medical dermatology, cosmetic care and clinical trials and strives for excellence for patients of all skin types.
On social media, she is active primarily on Instagram.
Tiffany Chen, MD, FRCPC, DABD
Common Approach to Hair Loss
9:35am – 10:05am
Tiffany Chen is a board-certified dermatologist in Canada and the United States. She received her Honours B.Arts Sc. and MD from McMaster University, and completed her dermatology residency at the University of Toronto. Dr. Chen is a lecturer at the University of Toronto and an associate dermatologist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. She has busy medical dermatology practices in Oakville and Burlington, Ontario.
David Croitoru, MD, FRCPC
Screening tips leading to diagnosis and referral in psoriasis, Hidradenitis Suppurativa & Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria
11:20am – 12:05pm
Dr. David Croitoru is an Assistant Professor and Clinician Investigator at the University Health Network (UHN) and cross-appointed to Women’s College Hospital and Baycrest Hospital. He is the medical lead and Principal Investigator of the Pyoderma Gangrenosum and Hidradenitis Suppurativa Surgery Clinics at Women’s College Hospital, where he conducts randomized control trials and translational molecular research. He is the co-chair of CIHR-funded SKiN Canada’s trainee development committee and co-chair of SPoT (Skin Pathophysiology Therapeutics).
Patrick Fleming, MD, FRCPC
Turning Over a New Leaf: Advanced AD Management for Changing Seasons
2:45pm – 3:15pm
Dr. Patrick Fleming is a dermatologist with focus on inflammatory skin disease including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, & prurigo nodularis. He is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto. He completed residency at the University of Toronto where he was Chief Dermatology Resident and concurrently completed the Global Clinical Scholars program in Clinical Trials at Harvard Medical School. He also holds a Master’s degree in Community Health, a Graduate Certificate in Medical Education, and was the Gold Medalist in medical school. He is an Associate Editor the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. Dr. Fleming’s research background includes systematic reviews and he is an investigator for dermatology clinical trials.
Sameh (Sam) Hanna, MD, FAAD, DABD
Plaque Psoriasis in Primary Care: What To Know in 2025
10:45am – 11:15am
Dr. Hanna grew up in Toronto but completed his medical and dermatology specialty training in the US. He practiced there for almost a decade before returning home to Toronto to establish his Dermatology practice. Dr. Hanna has been practicing medical, aesthetic and investigational dermatology for over 20 years. He has been the principal investigator in over 40 clinical trials in many aspects of inflammatory skin disease.
He is the Medical Director of Dermatology on Bloor, a large single-specialty dermatology practice in downtown Toronto. He is the adjunct clinical faculty in the Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto where he serves as co-lead for Undergraduate Medical Education.
Dr. Hanna is past-president of the Toronto Dermatological Society, serves on the OMA section of Dermatology Board and has been secretary of the Canadian Dermatology Association and chaired many committees there.
Adam Kovacs-Litman, MD, FRCPC
Screening tips leading to diagnosis and referral in psoriasis, Hidradenitis Suppurativa & Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria
11:20am – 12:05pm
Dr. Adam Kovacs-Litman is a Rheumatologist in Toronto and Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. He completed his medical degree at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at Western University and his Internal Medicine and Rheumatology residencies at the University of Toronto where he was chief Rheumatology resident. He is currently completing a Master of Science in Community Health with the Health Practitioner Teacher Education designation at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health with planned graduation for the fall of 2025. Dr. Kovacs-Litman is a Lecturer at the University of Toronto. He is a Rheumatologist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Mackenzie Health, and York Dermatology Clinic & Research Centre where he works alongside excellent Medical Dermatologists and Family Physicians
Kyle Lee, BMLSc, BMBS, MPH, CCFP
Session Moderator
Academic Family Physician, Sumac Creek Health Centre, St. Michael’s Hospital
Assistant Professor, Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of Toronto
Adam Natsheh, BSc(Pharm), MD, FRCPC (Derm)
Practical Approaches to the Management of Acne & Onychomycosis in Primary Care
1:00 – 1:45pm
Adam Natsheh is a board-certified dermatologist and a member of the division of Dermatology with the University of Toronto. He practices at Women’s College Hospital and at a group dermatology practice in North York. He regularly gives presentations to health care professionals helping to simplify dermatology therapeutics and giving attendees the necessary tools to be successful with their patient interactions.
Simraaj Powar, MB, BCh, BAO, LRCSI, LRCPI, CCFP, PgDip(Derm)
Modern Isotretinoin: The Lidose Difference And Why It Matters
3:55-4:25pm
Dr. Simraaj Powar earned her Medical Degree and Bachelor of Obstetrics from the prestigious Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, followed by Family Medicine residency training at the University of Western Ontario. Her residency included specialized rotations in Dermatology, General Surgery/Plastics, Minor Procedures, and General Practice Dermatology. She was recognized with the Schulich Learner Peer Award for her dedication to both patient care and medical education—a passion she continues through local CME and international presentations on skin-based and family medicine topics .
She completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Practical Dermatology from Cardiff University. Dr. Powar holds both the Ontario Medical Association’s Focused Practice Billing Designation and the CPSO’s Change in Scope certification, which formally recognizes her as a General Practitioner with a Focused Practice in Skin Disorders.
Dr. Powar’s passion for skin disorders is guided by the philosophy that “the skin is the window to the body,” often offering insight into internal health and playing a vital role in a person’s self-image. She has a strong interest in visual clinical diagnosis and has authored several publications in the Canadian Journal of Diagnosis, reinforcing her commitment to advancing primary care dermatology through education and clinical excellence.
Maxwell Sauder, MD, FRCPC, FAAD
A New Skin Revolution in the Topical Management of Common Chronic Inflammatory Dermatoses: A Focus on Atopic Dermatitis, Plaque Psoriasis, and Seborrheic Dermatitis
10:10-10:45am
Dr. Maxwell Sauder is a board-certified dermatologist with additional fellowship training. He earned his Doctor of Medicine at McMaster University and completed a residency in dermatology at The University of Ottawa. He completed fellowship training in Cutaneous Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. He is a former instructor in dermatology at Dana-Farber and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Dr. Sauder is currently an assistant professor and the onco-dermatology fellowship director at the University of Toronto. He is an onco-dermatologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. He also practices at Toronto Dermatology Centre where he is the research director and the director of the Pigmented Lesion Clinic.
Registration
All fees are in Canadian dollars and subject to taxes of 13% HST. Registration includes lunch.
| REGULAR – to Sept 21 |
LATE – Sept 21 – 27 |
|
| Primary Care Practitioner | $85.00 | $125.00 |
| Industry Sponsor* | $250.00 | $350.00 |
*Sponsoring companies may purchase up to 2 additional registrations for representatives.
Cancellations and Refunds Policy
All registration fees will be refunded less a $20.00 + applicable taxes for refund requests received on or prior to August 26, 2025. No refunds will be available for cancellations received on or after August 27, 2025. All requests must be received in writing. No telephone cancellations will be accepted. Submit cancellation letters to the Conference Secretariat at the email noted above.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact the Conference Secretariat by email at [email protected] or by phone at (604) 738-8600.
Sponsors
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If you are interested in becoming a 2025 sponsor and would like the opportunity to showcase your latest dermatological innovations to local primary care providers via a sponsored program session, please contact us for more information: [email protected]
We are grateful to the following organizations for their support of Skin Basics for Primary Care.
2025 DIAMOND SPONSORS
2025 GOLD SPONSORS
2025 SILVER SPONSORS
