Exciting “Firsts” at the 2021 Hyperhidrosis Master Class
Our 2021 Hyperhidrosis (Hh) Master Class, Hyperhidrosis: Comprehensive Review and Updates for Best Practices and Optimized Outcomes hit Atlanta on September 18, 2021.
Invited by the Atlanta Association for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery (AADDS), the International Hyperhidrosis Society (IHhS) brought its one-of-a-kind, Hh-focused educational event directly to AADDS in-person as well as to virtual attendees (a first!) from all over the world, including Australia, Canada, India, Mexico, Portugal, and throughout the United States.
Due to the pandemic, this was the first time since 2019 that IHhS was able to hold its epic Hh Master Class, including its sought-after, hands-on instruction on the use of onabotulinumtoxinA to treat excessive sweating of focal areas (including underarms, hands, head and face, groin, and under the breasts). This year, iontophoresis training was also a huge success with clinicians and faculty members using different devices on themselves and openly discussing their sensations and experiences.
We are so pleased to announce that the Master Class drew 80+ in-person and virtual attendees, and dozens of healthcare providers signed up to receive coaching and practice in optimal techniques for using injectables and iontophoresis to treat Hh. These graduates of our Hyperhidrosis Master Class are listed in our global Clinician Finder database, and deservingly noted as "IHhS-Educated": Walid Dajer Fadel, MD (MEXICO), Courtney Renner Davis, PA-C (Georgia, USA), Darren Ezer, MD (CANADA), Christine Gerber, MD (South Carolina, USA), J. Ellen Koo, MD (Georgia, USA), Onyebuchi Neita, PA-C (Georgia, USA), Karl Ng, MBBS, DRCP, FRACP, PhD (AUSTRALIA), Amit Nigam, MBBS, FRACP (AUSTRALIA), Anna Pare, MD (Georgia, USA), Troy Rena, MD (California, USA), Catherine Warner, MD (Georgia, USA), and Sylvia Wright, MD (Georgia, USA). Use our Clinician Finder database to search for one of these dedicated providers, and make your appointment today.
All medical supplies and medicine for the Master Class were generously donated by local dermatology practices, which enabled nearly 20 patient volunteers to get treatment. One volunteer who received injections had this to say afterwards, “The clinicians were amazing and dedicated to helping everyone. Thank you IHhS for helping sufferers like myself.” Others remarked, “I have to thank my ‘lucky stars’ for the day I found out about IHhS!” and “The event was extremely well organized and everyone was incredibly welcoming and informative. The physicians who administered treatments to me were thoroughly professional, attentive to my needs, and put me very much at ease during the procedure.”
An all-star cast of Hh faculty delivered 16 lectures and moderated three Q&A sessions covering the latest advances in hyperhidrosis treatment, Hh genetics, telemedicine, patient perspectives, special considerations for Hh in pediatrics and geriatrics, emerging innovations, and efficient insurance and reimbursement processes. Eligible healthcare provider attendees earned seven category 1 CME credits for use towards their continuing education requirements.
And there was more!
1. Not just one BUT three different iontophoresis devices were available for attendees to try out and talk about. Feedback on this was extremely positive with one provider saying: “Loved the live iontophoresis demonstration. Very helpful to experience it firsthand,” and another commenting: “I will recommend iontophoresis early and often for patients who are candidates.” Thank you Hidrex USA, RA Fischer, and Dermadry!
2. New teams from miraDry, Inc and Qbrexza (Journey Medical Corporation) exhibited. Jill Wassil, a Vice President with miraDry reflects “The IHhS Master Class reinforced the potential positive impact that we can make, together with IHhS, in the hyperhidrosis community.” Brian Prout, Director of Marketing for Journey Medical Corporation, said "It was valuable to see the full continuum of care available for hyperhidrosis patients and hear provider's perspectives on the benefits and risks of different treatment options. The live patient treatments were also a unique opportunity to speak directly with hyperhidrosis patients, and I came away from the session with a much deeper understanding of the impact this condition has on their lives."
3. Brickell Biotech, Inc (which has a phase 3 topical anticholinergic for axillary hyperhidrosis in development) exhibited, provided lunch, and unveiled a video about their topical treatment candidate's mechanism of action. Gary Walker, a Chief Officer at Brickell Biotech says, “I was so pleased to be part of the IHhS Master Class. It was energizing to engage with an audience full of such wicked-smart healthcare professionals, and the faculty was a wealth of knowledge. It was a great day for hyperhidrosis knowledge-building, and I highly recommend attending the next one.”
4. And, for the first time, we were able to host a reception to wrap up the day and thank clinicians, staff, and patient volunteers, alike.
Dr. Zakiya Pressley Rice, President of AADDS and Chair of this year's Hh Master Class says, "I was thrilled that we made hyperhidrosis history last month. With the first-ever teaming of IHhS and AADDS, we highlighted the most up-to-date, evidence-based studies on medical and surgical treatments to our attendees. With new and newly-reinforced knowledge, providers who attended are now in a better position than ever to help patients suffering from Hh safely and effectively, utilizing the most advanced techniques."
The International Hyperhidrosis Society staff, Board, and entire global community are sincerely grateful to the members and leadership of the AADDS, innovators from Brickell Biotech, Inc, Candesant Biomedical, Journey Medical Corporation (makers of Qbrexza), and miraDry, Inc for supporting the IHhS to make this educational event possible. We couldn't have done this without you and the generous donations of our global patient community. Thank you!
Couldn’t join us in Atlanta? There are other upcoming healthcare provider educational events that are include hyperhidrosis lectures. Find out more and how to register here.