The BSMD Trainee Award has provided me with invaluable experience in medical dermatology conditions from expert centres. I focused my programme on bullous diseases, an area in which I have developed an interest.

I used the funding from the Trainee Award to attend specialist clinics in immunobullous disease and oral dermatology, supervised by Dr Emma Benton and Professor Jane Setterfield at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals, London. I had the opportunity to observe and develop a better understanding of the management of complex cases, including mucous membrane pemphigoid and pemphigus vulgaris. I attended the immunodermatology laboratory at St Thomas’ Hospital, supervised by Dr John Mee, where I learned about the process, implementation and interpretation of immunofluorescence and ELISA techniques.

I attended an adult Epidermolysis Bullosa clinic at the Rare Diseases Centre at St Thomas’ Hospital, supervised by Professor Jemima Mellerio. I learned a huge amount about ongoing care for patients with extremely fragile skin, including dressing management. I really enjoyed seeing how this highly specialist centre had been purposely set up for patients with rare diseases, in a welcoming environment that encouraged interaction between patients.

I attended a further clinic for complex medical dermatology and immunobullous diseases at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, supervised by Dr Karen Harman. This clinic provided exposure to a range of conditions including complex HS, and provided the opportunity to see how other centres in the country are run.

The BSMD funding also enabled me the to attend the 2024 EADV congress, which included interesting educational sessions and updates in bullous disorders.

I am very grateful for the opportunity this award has provided me, in particular the inspiration to continue my learning in advanced medical dermatology by completing a new medical dermatology fellowship in Bristol.