• 1935 - Launching of the “Indian Journal of Venereal Diseases” by U B Narayan Rao
• 1945 - Establishment of the Bombay Association of Venereologists by UB Narayana Rao
• 1947 (Dec. 28) - Establishment of All-India Association of Dermatologists and Venereologists
• 1948 (Aug. 28) - Inauguration of Madras Branch of Indian Association of Dermatologists and Venereologists.
• 1948 - Establishment of Calcutta Branch of Indian Association of Dermatologists and Venereologists
• 1955 - 1st issue of Indian Journal of Dermatology and Venereology published.
• 1962 - Affiliation of Indian Association of Dermatologists and Venereologists (IADV) with Association of Physicians of India (API)
• 1963 - The conference of lADV becomes an annual fixture.
• 1973 - Amalgamation of Dermatological Society of India and Indian Association of Dermatologists and Venereologists(lADV) to form Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists(IADVL)
• 1975 - Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists severs its affiliation with API; it becomes independent
• 1976 - IADVL hosts the conference of International Society of Tropical Dermatology under the theme “PigmentaryDermatoses”
• 1994 - The IADVL hosted the VII International Congressof Dermatology in Delhi, from February 27 to March 2, 1994.

Vision

The vision of IADVL is to provide quality skin health for the community, continuing medical education to and advocacy on behalf of the members, speciality and patients.

Mission    

• Active advocacy for the welfare of its members and ensuring Continuing Medical Education, Research, for its members.
• Enhancing the quality of and enabling better delivery of patient care and patient education in the field of Dermatology including its subspecialties, Venereology & Leprology through medical and surgical modalities.
• Collaborate, Cooperate & Co-ordinate with Government, National and International organizations to enable the improvement in skin health of the community.

IADVL, one among the largest professional Association of qualified Dermatologists, Venerologists and Leprologists in the world, boasts of having its own logo, official colour for the association, along with Mission and Vision statement. IADVL also has a uniform conference nomenclature.

First IADVL Logo:

The importance of a logo was felt by the thought leaders of IADVL after the inception of the organization in 1973. The making of the IADVL logo was a team effort. Designs were invited from State Branches. Component of designs made by Dr. S B Mondal and Late Dr. Basudev Chawdhury were incorporated in the final design of the IADVL logo.

The significance of the content of the first IADVL Logo

The official logo is vertically oval in shape and symbolizes the composite nature of the discipline. The left inner circle contains a histological picture of epidermis and dermis signifying Dermatology. Cupid is believed to be the God of love (Kamadeva). The Cupid's bow at the bottom indicates Venereology. Rays of hope radiating from flower petals on the right imply the joy and ecstasy after coming out from the agony and humiliation of Leprosy. The Hippocratic symbol superimposed on a map of India indicates that the association of medical professionals will spread to every nook and corner of this country.

Photograph of the first IADVL logo taken from the banner at the first conference of IADVL held in Udaipur (1973). The Banner is still preserved at Department of Dermatology, Medical College, Udaipur.

The final logo adopted in 1974 evolved through the fine tuning of the original logo made in 1973.

In the year 2018 at the Combined Central Council Meeting and Closing Annual General Body Meeting of IADVL at DERMACON 2018, Cochin a proposal was moved by Dr Dinesh Kumar Devaraj to change the IADVL logo as the logo featured the Rod of Caduceus (Symbol of Commerce) which is used erroneously as the Symbol of Medicine. The correct symbol of Medicine and Healthcare being Rod of Asclepius. The IADVL logo was changed following the decision of the CCM & Closing AGBM held at DERMACON 2018, Cochin.

The IADVL EC of 2018 under the Presidentship of Dr. Ramesh Bhat invited applications from IADVL members to design the logo. A large number of applications were received and discussed within the EC. The EC felt a need to have a logo with modern design keeping in tune with the current times. Dr. Prashant Palwade, Joint Secretary 2018 designed the new IADVL Logo with inputs from Dr.Dinesh Kumar Devaraj, Joint Secretary 2018 and other 2018 EC members.

The significance of the content of the new IADVL Logo

The globe, which is split in two halves, represents the symbol Earth and IADVL, written in its centre, represents the association's ever-growing international presence in the field of dermatology, venereology and leprology. The outer ring is a representation of the skin as a protective organ of the human body, while the expanded form of IADVL parallel to this outer circle represents the association's responsibility for caring for the skin.

The new logo was unanimously approved by the general body during Combined Central Council Meeting and closing annual general body at meeting of IADVL at Dermacon International 2019, Bengaluru.

It is adopted in IADVL constitution that: “IADVL logo has to be prominently displayed in all official correspondence, leaflets, brochures, abstract books, souvenirs, on the stage and on the dais. It should also be displayed on any banner used for the purpose of the conference/CME and all IADVL activities.

The new IADVL logo adopted in 2019 at DERMACON INTERNATIONAL 2019, Bengaluru.

The significance of the content of the first IADVL Logo

Dr. Ramesh Bhat, President IADVL 2018, felt a need for IADVL to have its own representative colour which could be used officially and proposed the same to IADVL.

The peacock blue colour as the official IADVL colour was suggested by Dr. Narendra Kamath. The Peacock Blue colour being a mixture of green and blue, has the expansive nature of green representing life and renewal and the soothing, calm effect of blue representing serenity. The colour has the power to give us confidence and strength. It is adopted in the Constitution that the official colour of IADVL, the peacock blue shall be used in it the IADVL logo, Constitution book, IADVL News, JDVL, IDOJ and website principally and prominently.

The Official IADVL Colour-
Peacock Blue (Colour Code: KMA29)

The IADVL logo and IADVL colour convey deep meaning about IADVL values and communicates its vision, quality, and values.

IADVL Logo for 2022 with 50 years

In 2022, under President IADVL, Dr. Rashmi Sarkar, symbol 50 in gold was added to our logo for Golden Jubilee celebrations and was designed by Dr. Shashi Kumar BM, Convener of Golden Jubilee Core CME Committee.

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy (IJDVL)

The IJDVL was first published in 1935 as the Indian Journal of Venereal Diseases by Dr. U.B. Narayan Rao entirely as a personal effort. In1941 its name was changed to Indian Journal of Venereal Diseases and Dermatology to reflect the increasing importance of dermatology asa speciality. In 1955, the journal was handed over to the Indian Association of Dermatologists and Venereologists and it was renamed as the Indian Journal of Dermatology and Venereology. In 1973, the association was renamed as the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL) and the journal name was also changed to Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology (IJDVL). This is a bimonthly journal indexed in DOAJ, EMBASE/ Excerpta Medica, Indian Science Abstracts, IndMed, MEDLINE/Index Medicus, Scimago Journal Ranking, SCOPUS, Science Citation Index Expanded and has passed through the able hands of several editors. Their untiring efforts has lead the journal to pinnacles of academic glory reaching all of over 10200 members of this organization as well as almost 200 medical colleges in India with an impact factor of 2.229(2017).

Indian Dermatology Online Journal (IDOJ) :     www.idoj.in

Indian Dermatology Online Journal (IDOJ) was started in year 2010 as maiden open access online journal by IADVL and from January 2018, it is available as print journal. IDOJ is a Bimonthly journal (6 issues in a year) indexed in PubMed Central (PMC). It was introduced with main objective to showcase dermatology in India. This journal welcomes articles from across the globe but specially encourages articles on pure clinical dermatology in India. Keeping in mind the spirit of the journal and its raison d’etre of encouraging sharing of science of dermatology in India, this fledgling journal is steadily growing in its stature, contents and readership. The journal is registered with the following abstracting partners: Baidu Scholar, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), EBSCO Publishing's Electronic Databases, Ex Libris – Primo Central, Google Scholar, Hinari, Infotrieve, National Science Library, ProQuest, TdNet, Wanfang Data. The journal is indexed with DOAJ, PubMed Central. The manuscript submission is free of cost and complimentary print copies are sent to all the corresponding authors and about 500 medical colleges across India. The journal promotes research in clinical practice through education and dissemination of knowledge in the field of dermatology and its sub-specialties. The Journal encourages bringing together academicians and clinicians to be a part of this initiative by contributing, reviewing and thus promoting scientific works and science.

Indian Journal of Postgraduate Dermatology

The Indian Journal of Postgraduate Dermatology (IJPGD) is an open-access peer-reviewed journal committed to publishing high-quality articles in the field of Dermatology. The journal is owned by the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists & Leprologists (IADVL) and published by the Scientific Scholar.

In 1990, under the chairmanship of Dr. KSiddappa, the then President of IADVL the first ever Committee was formed to recognize and commemorate unique and commendable work by dermatologists. Dr R G Valia, Dr F Handa, Dr A Krishna and Dr L K Bhutani were the members of the committee. The following awards and orations are offered by the IADVL

Orations:

Dr. B.M. Ambady Oration, IADVL-Systopic Oration, IADVL Oration

These are awarded to any person who has done significant and commendable work in the field of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology thatmust have been published in any indexed journal of our specialty.

Awards and Medals

Prof. Dr. K.C. Kandhari Foundation Award

It is given every year at the National Conference of IADVL to a personality for his/her lifetime meritorious service or contribution to Dermatology, Venereology or Leprology thathas brought prestige to the specialty by teaching, research or patient care.

IADVL Life-time Achievement Award

It is given every year at the National Conference of IADVL to a personality for his/her lifetime meritorious service or contribution to Dermatology, Venereology or Leprology that has brought prestige to the specialty by teaching, research or patient care.

Prof. Dr. J.C. Shroff Memorial Award

This award is awarded to any Dermatologist, Venereologist or Leprologist who is above the age of 58 years and who will share his or her lifetime experience, which will be of benefit to our members.

Dr. Leslie Marquis Memento Award

This award is given toa guest speaker for the best scientific talk at the National Conference of the IADVL every year.

Dr. L. N. Sinha Award

The Award is given for academic excellence in Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology for a Dermatologist below 45 years of age. The selection of awardees is done on a zonal rotation basis from among the various applicants every year.

Prof. B. N. Banerjee Gold Medal

It is given to a member of the Association aged below 35 years for the best originalresearch paper, either presented in the award sessionduring the National Conference or published in theIJDVL during that year.

Dr. B. B. Gokhale Medal

It is given to a person below 35 years of age, who is a member of the IADVL, for the bestpaper presented in the award paper session during the National Conference.

Prof. F. Handa Prize

It is given to a person who is a member of the IADVL aged below 35 years for thebest paper presented during the award paper session during the National Conference.

Dr. Bishnupriya Debi Award

The award is given to the first author of the best paper published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology and Venereology every year.

Indubala Devi Award

It is given for thebest paper published on the subject of Industrial contact dermatitis (or, on contact dermatitis) in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology every year.

M. G. M. Medical College Prize

This prize is given toa member of IADVL below the age of 35 years for the best paper presented in the award papersession during the National Conference.

Prof. H.C. Mohanti Award

This award is given every year at the National Conference of IADVL to a person for the bestpaper on Leprosy presented during the conference

Prof. K. Siddappa Medal

This medal is given to a postgraduate who is a member of the IADVL,for the best paper, giving preference to original research paper, presented in the award papersession during the IADVL National Conference.

Prof. D. K. Gupta Medal

It is awarded to a female postgraduate who is a member of the IADVL, for the best paper, giving preference to originalresearch, presented in the award paper sessionduring the National Conference

Dr. Manu Patel Memorial Award

It is given to an IADVL member for the best poster presentation amongst the posters displayed at the National Conference

Best Branch Award

This award is given by the IADVL from 1989 onwards to one branch that is adjudged the best branch for that year.

Dr C. S. Bhavani Kumar Memorial Award

This award is given for the best paper presented on Dermatological surgery during the IADVL National Conference by a dermatologist younger than 45 years

Prof. Ratan Singh Award

This award is given to a Dermatologist for giving meritorious services to the speciality in Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology byteaching/research/patient care/dedicated service to the National Body of IADVL.

Dr. V.N. Sehgal Award

This award is open to all IADVL members and is given for accomplishing excellence in Dermatology

Dr. P. B.Haribhakti Travelling Fellowship

This Travelling Fellowship is started by IADVL in 2008 and is given for accomplishing excellence in Dermatology.

Dr. B. V. Satyanarayana Memorial Award for IADVL Thesis Evaluation

This is awarded for the best dissertation submitted for evaluation every year.

Prof. Ganpati Panja Memorial Award

This award is dedicated to excellence in Dermatology.

Prof. L. K. Bhutani Memorial Teaching and Research Award

This award is dedicated to excellence in Dermatology.

Prof. G. Senthamil Selvi Award

This is awarded to the best paper published in mycology.

Dr. P. B.Haribhakti Travelling Fellowship

This award is proposed to be given for the ‘Best Research Project’ to a person of any age (must be a Life Member of IADVL) or be shared by two persons of any age (must be Life Members of IADVL), if both of them have done the same research project in collaboration and equally deserve the award

July 1952 was yet another landmark when, for the first time, the association sent delegates, to the 10th International Congress of Dermatology in London.It was represented by Dr. R.V. Rajam, Dr. P.N.Rangiah, and Dr. G. Panja. Dr. U.B. Narayan Rao was the Indian secretary to the congress. Today, IADVL find its presence in several globally recognised societies. The member countries of South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) have formed an Association for the Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists and are known as South Asian Regional Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (SARAD).IADVL has become an active member of SARAD. Dr K K Raja babu and Dr S Sacchidanand,  both Past Presidents of IADVL have served as the Presidents of SARAD. Dr Jaydev Betkerur, Past Treasurer of IADVL has served as General Secretary of SARAD. Now, the scope of our activities will expand vigorously across the boundaries of India. IADVL is now a very important member of International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) with one of the biggest representations among all the dermatological associations / societies from across the globe. Chetan Oberoi & Dr Hemangi Jerajani both Past Presidents of IADVL,have been elected to the Board of Regional Directors of ILDS representing South Asia, Middle East and Africa (SAMEA) region. Dr Jayakar Thomas IADVL Past President of IADVL has served as the President of the International Society of Teledermatology. Dr Venkataram Mysore, a Past President of IADVL is the President -Elect for The Dermatologic & Aesthetic Surgery International League(DASIL). Dr Rashmi Sarkar, Past General Secretary of IADVL is the President-Elect of Asian Society of Pigment Cell Research.

State branches may be formed by a minimum of 15 eligible ordinary members residing or practicing in any state of the country resolving to form themselves into a branch of the Association. At present there are 24 branches of the Association viz. –

IADVL website (www.iadvl.com) was initially created before the 30th National Conference of IADVL held at Kochi, Kerala (2002) and was retained at the end of the conference. By the end of 2005, the website was more informative and interactive. The official new website www.iadvl.org was launched in August 2006. This is a dynamic and interactive site loaded with all the information about IADVL and its branches and all the forthcoming conferences, workshops both within and outside the country with information about all awards, prizes, scholarships etc.The association and its members also are engaged in several robust academic discussions online where practitioners come together to opine on difficult cases from a diagnostic as well as management perspective. ACAD group on Yahoo Groups is one such fine example. The online group is active platform for the members to share their knowledge, interesting case scenarios etc. The Joint Secretary of IADVL act as moderator for IADVL Acad Groups. Currently, Dr D Dinesh Kumar is the moderator of I ADVL Yahoo groups.

Online links of IADVL

http://www.iadvl.org/
https://www.facebook.com/IADVL.Dermatology/

https://www.instagram.com/iadvlmember/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWSIhV4D0reu6NLvIIydmPg

The organisation is ever committed to serving the public in the domains of dermatology. In lieu of this, IADVL observes several days of clinical significance including Leprosy day, Vitiligo day, WorldSkin Health Day to name a few.

IADVL has a wing dedicated to Community outreach programs which not only help in taking quality skin care to the rural remote areas but also promote awareness on skin hygiene, equipping the local medical personnel to manage the common skin conditions and to refer the complicated cases to higher referral centers.

IADVL is an official partner of National Leprosy Eradication Programme of the Government of India & collaborates with it to help the reduce transmission of Leprosy and work towards its eradication.

IADVL also has taken the onus to create several special task forces to tackle various menaces afflicting the Indian public such as, ITATSA (IADVL Taskforce Against Topical Steroid Abuse), ITART (IADVL Taskforce Against Recalcitrant Tinea)& ITAQ (IADVL Taskforce Against Quackery)

ITATSA (IADVL Taskforce Against Topical Steroid Abuse)

In India there is a rampant misuse and abuse of topical steroid creams by not only the rural populace but also the educated people in urban areas. This menace is due to the lax enforcement of regulations by the concerned authorities, flourishing quackery and ignorance on part of the general public. The misuse / abuse of topical steroid creams not only happens in the treatment of skin infections by  bacteria & fungus and also unfortunately happens to lighten one’s skin colour in an unscientific, hazardous manner. The irrational misuse/abuse of steroid creams in fungal infections has led to the dubious distinction of India harboring the superbug of fungus, resistant to most of the modalities of existing antifungal treatment.

Public education posters and pamphlets have been developed by IADVL in 12 languages and distributed to the target population, all over India through the dermatology clinics. IADVl conducts regular scientific sessions have been conducted to update not only the dermatologists but also other specialists about the correct management strategies of this infection. Educative programs have been conducted for the family physicians across the country to sensitize them towards the right method of treating this infection and about strict avoidance of misuse of steroid containing creams.

Several lectures have been delivered by IADVL members all over the globe. There is widespread advocacy by the IADVL regarding the misuse/abuse of such creams.

The International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) has issued a support and solidarity letter to IADVL highlighting the abuse of irrational steroid containing creams which shows the seriousness of the situation.

Dr Shyam Verma is the Chairman and DrKiran Nabar is the Convener of ITATSA.

ITAQ (IADVL Taskforce Against Quackery)

The advances in dermatology have revolutionized not only the treatment of skin diseases, but also brought forth better options for many cosmetic & beauty related problems. This has leaded increased importance and demand for dermatology specialties. However, many underqualified but also unqualified persons (Quacks)pose themselves as dermatologists, cosmetic/aesthetic dermatologists and exploit the public for commercial objectives.

Any doctor who practices and prescribes medicines about which he is not qualified in and not registered the council constituted by law is a mere pretender to the knowledge in that system and is a quack. A Supreme Court ruling in 1996 defines anyone practising modern medicine without training in the discipline, even if they are trained in alternative systems of medicine as quacks. The Indian Medical Council Act of 1956 regulates practice of allopathic medicine. Section 15 (2)(b) requires that only those who are registered on state medical register alone can practice Allopathic medicine and secondly the prohibition is directed against every person who is not registered on any state medical register and all such person are precluded from practising allopathic medicine.

The common patient is not misled by the Quacks but also, they end up with medical complications. Of late there is mushrooming of these quacks throughout India not only in cities but also in districts and  taluk areas where the ignorance is more and awareness of authentic qualifications is less. IADVL as a part of social responsibility, has taken up the issue of quackery, which is causing undesired adverse effects and medical complications. IADVL has constituted a specific committee, IADVL Taskforce Against Quackery (ITAQ) to deal with Quackery and to take necessary steps with various statutory authorities against quacks who are claiming themselves as Skin Specialists/Cosmetologists/Aestheticians. Dr Putta Srinivas is the chairman and Dr Rajesh Buddhadev is the Convener of ITAQ.

Keywords: Dermatology, IADVL, Skin, hygiene, Leprosy, Steroid abuse, schedule-H, Quackery

Member welfare activities

These activities were started in the year 2019 as a part of Presidential programme.

IADVL Group personal Accident (GPA) insurance Scheme

Policy has started from 1st April 2019 as a presidential initiative for all life members of IADVL. Policy provider is National Insurance Company Limited. IADVL paid the premium for it as a member welfare measure. IADVL life members are insured under this scheme.

Professional indemnity insurance for  members

It is a desire of many dermatologists to have a ‘Professional indemnity Insurance policy” covering both clinical practice and dermato-surgical procedures at a reasonable cost for many years.  The EC of IADVL 2019 worked on this issue and had discussion with many insurance providers to arrive at a tailor made  Policy for IADVL members, finally chose National Insurance Company Limited who offered the best policy. The annual premium is as low as Rs 885 for a coverage of 25 lakhs with an option for cover up to 1 crore.  This policy is offered to all IADVL members, who need to enrol directly with the insurance company to get certified policy under this scheme.

For further reading:

Letter to the Drugs Controller General of India, May 2016

Letter to the Drugs Controller General of India, April 2016

Letter to the DTAB Member, March 2016

Letter to the Drugs Controller General of India, August 2016

The BMG

Indian Journal of Dermatology