We at Diagnostiskt Centrum Hud are very proud of our collective expertise and actively support research and development in our business.
Since our inception, we have integrated research and development into our operations. We want to set a good example among private healthcare providers and healthcare choice clinics and show that research and development can also be conducted outside university hospitals. With the ongoing relocation of dermatology from hospitals to specialist clinics closer to citizens, it is also natural that this is where research is conducted. We have run a number of projects over the years, but by far the largest is our ongoing VINNOVA-funded initiative in Artificial Intelligence, AI. See more below.
Our first in-house research projects were conducted in spring 2013. It consisted of interviews and surveys of our patients who had sought treatment for suspected skin tumors about their concerns, sun habits and skin tone ideals. Questions were also asked about whether they had delayed seeking care or not, and it emerged that some of the older men in particular had delayed seeking care because they thought that skin changes were too trivial to seek medical attention for. The studies on sun habits and skin tone ideals have shown that the majority of young people in Sweden with naturally pale skin strive for a clear "tan". The results have been highlighted in the annual report of the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority's UV Council.
In later projects, also in collaboration with the Karolinska Institutet, we have examined our ability to efficiently find malignant melanoma among all those who come to us with such suspicions. We were able to demonstrate short lead times and the results were published in a scientific article.
In total, eight medical students have successfully completed their semester-long theses with us. The oncologist and co-founder Magnus Bäcklund, together with Professor Yvonne Brandberg, is responsible for the studies and the students.
Petra Verga Kan is one of the clinic's directors, medical director and a member of the company's board. She alternated her internship at Karolinska University Hospital in Solna with research and became a licensed physician and obtained her PhD in 2004.
She became a specialist in dermatology at Karolinska University Hospital in Solna in 2009. At Karolinska she specialized in skin tumors and has undergone side training at the Clinic for Reconstructive Plastic Surgery at Karolinska University Hospital. Here is a selection of her research:
Dermatology Specialist
Previously served at the dermatology clinic at Karolinska University Hospital and as a consultant at the dermatology clinic at Södersjukhuset. Active as a general dermatologist and PhD in acne and antibiotic resistance in antibiotic-treated acne patients.
Cristina is a member of the Global Alliance to Improve Outcomes in Acne, an international group of dermatologists and researchers. The Global Alliance publishes knowledge reviews and new treatment recommendations for acne. Here is a selection of her research articles:
Dermatology Specialist
Derm Summit is an annual scientific symposium organized by Diagnostiskt Centrum Hud. The meeting is aimed at those working in dermatology as well as aspiring dermatologists. For the sixth year in a row, we present a solid program that includes various elements in the field of dermatology. We look forward to welcoming nearly 150 participants this year!
We are very keen to pass on our knowledge and education in dermatology. We annually award two scholarships of SEK 25,000 each to young, promising dermatologists to enable further research and training at their clinics.