Canadian Pediatric Dermatology Primer
Sheraton Cavalier Saskatoon Hotel
September 13, 2025
Conference Background
Outside of Saskatoon and Regina where these dermatologists are urban-based, Saskatchewan’s population is highly ruralized, and many are in remote, rural and northern Indigenous communities. These patients frequently face numerous barriers to care including long travel distances, lack of primary care and specialist access, among other challenges. Many patients with common skin conditions (e.g. atopic dermatitis, hemangiomas, acne) are diagnosed and managed by front-line healthcare practitioners. Due to long waitlists for dermatology assessment (e.g. 1-2 years), learning high-yield topics from pediatric experts is crucial for primary care providers and pediatric residents.
The Canadian Pediatric Dermatology Primer will give healthcare workers in Saskatchewan and across the country access to pediatric dermatology teachings right in their backyard. We look forward to your presence at this informative and engaging event. Together, we can improve the dermatological care provided to our pediatric patients.
Why Attend?
- Gain insights from top Canadian dermatologists specializing in pediatric dermatology.
- Enhance your ability to manage a wide range of pediatric skin conditions.
- Network with fellow primary care practitioners and dermatology experts.
Who Should Attend
- Dermatologists
- General practitioners
- Family physicians
- Pediatricians
- Nurse practitioners
- Physician assistants
- Pharmacists
- Medical trainees
Committee Members
Co-Host: Rachel Asiniwasis, MD, MSHS, FRCPC, Regina, SK
Co-Host: Brittany Waller, MD, FRCPC, DABD, Regina, SK
Jerome Coulombe, MD, FRCPC, DABD, Montréal, QC
Irene Lara-Corrales, MD, M.SC, Toronto, ON
Rebecca Levy, MD, FRCPC, Toronto, ON
Alexandra Pennal, MD, FRCPC, Toronto, ON
Elena Pope, MD, M.SC, FRCPC, Toronto, ON
Michele Ramien, MD, FRCPC, Calgary, AB
Wingfield Rehmus, MD, MPH, Vancouver, BC
Cathryn Sibbald, MD, M.SC, FRCPC, Toronto, ON
Kirsten Walker, MD, FRCPC, Saskatoon
Miriam Weinstein, MD, FRCPC, Toronto, ON
Canadian Pediatric Dermatology Primer
Sheraton Cavalier Saskatoon Hotel
PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
Saturday, September 13, 2025
8:00am – 9:30am
REGISTRATION & BREAKFAST
Welcome and Introduction
(including land acknowledgement)
Session 1
Indigenous skin health
Dr. Rachel Asiniwasis
Learning Objectives
By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:
1. Raise awareness on barriers to care and burdens of the most prevalent skin conditions identified in Canadian Indigenous children and youth based on clinical experience and published literature.
2. Explore potential solutions to closing gaps in pediatric Indigenous skin health disparities.
Infantile hemangiomas (and other vascular birthmarks)
Dr. Rebecca Levy
Learning Objectives
By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:
1. Diagnose infantile hemangiomas accurately and confidently
2. Understand the complications of hemangiomas, and their relationship to location and morphology
3. Effectively triage those patients requiring medication vs observation
Congenital nevi and birthmarks
Dr. Elena Pope
Learning Objectives
By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:
1. Recognize various types of birthmarks
2. Understand the potential medical complications and risks associated with congenital nevi
3. Recognize which birthmarks require further intervention, management and referral to specialists
Questions and Answers
10:10am – 10:40am
10:40am – 11:45am
Session 2
10:40am – 10:56am
Atopic dermatitis basic primer
Dr. Alexandra Pennal
10:56am – 11:12am
Atopic dermatitis: complex issues
Dr. Wingfield Rehmus
Learning Objectives
By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:
1. Identify and treat infections complicating atopic dermatitis
2. Navigate the complex landscape of systemic therapy
3. Recognize signs of syndromes that can present with atopic dermatitis
11:12am – 11:28am
Alopecia in Children
Dr. Cathryn Sibbald
Learning Objectives
By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:
1. Identify clues to diagnosis of common causes of alopecia in children
2. Recognize some common comorbidities to screen for
3. Outline some current and promising treatment options
11:28am – 11:45am
Questions and Answers
11:45am – 12:45pm
12:45pm – 1:45pm
Session 3
12:45pm – 1:01pm
Rash Decisions! An approach to common acute rashes
Dr. Miriam Weinstein
Learning Objectives
By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:
1. Recognize signs and symptoms of concerning rashes
2. Initiate first-line management for common, acute rashes when indicated
1:01pm – 1:17pm
Mollusca and warts : can we win the war?
Dr. Jerome Coulombe
Learning Objectives
By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:
1. Recognize warts, Mollusca and their variants
2. Initiate a treatment safe and adapted to the child
3. Know when to refer in dermatology
1:17pm – 1:33pm
Pediatric Skin Procedure Pearls
Dr. Michele Ramien
Learning Objectives
At the end of this presentation, the attendee will have an approach to:
1. Selecting the appropriate procedure for common pediatric skin diseases
2. Preparing for and performing skin scrapings, cryotherapy, cantharidin, and skin biopsies
3. Post-procedure counselling and planning followup
1:33pm – 1:45pm
Questions and Answers
1:45pm – 2:15pm
COFFEE BREAK & EXHIBITS
2:15pm – 2:55pm
Session 4
2:15pm – 2:31pm
Acne Vulgaris: Mastering the Essentials
Dr. Brittany Waller
Learning Objectives
By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:
1. Explore the pathogenesis and clinical features of acne vulgaris
2. Discuss effective treatment strategies to empower your practice and improve patient outcomes
3. Review tips and tricks for preventing and managing acne scarring
2:31pm – 2:47pm
Pediatric Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Dr. Irene Lara-Corrales
Learning Objectives
By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:
1. Review current knowledge on pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa.
2. Discuss comorbidities associated with pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa.
3. Present current management of pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa.
2:47pm – 2:55pm
Questions and Answers
2:55pm – 3:00pm
Conclusion and Closing Comments
SPEAKERS
Dr. Rachel Asiniwasis
Dr. Rachel Netahe Asiniwasis is a board certified Dermatologist…
Dr. Alexandra Pennal
Dr. Alexandra Pennal is an Assistant Professor at the University of …
Dr. Jerome Coulombe
Dr Jerome Coulombe graduated medical school from Université…
Dr. Elena Pope
Dr. Elena Pope is a Professor in the Department of Paediatrics at…
Dr. Irene Lara-Corrales
Dr. Irene Lara-Corrales is a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of …
Dr. Michele Ramien
Dr. Michele Ramien is a first generation Canadian whose immigrant…
Dr. Cathryn Sibbald
Cathryn Sibbald is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto and a full-time…
Dr. Brittany Waller
Dr. Brittany Waller is a board-certified dermatologist in both Canada …
Dr. Miriam Weinstein
Dr. Weinstein received her FRCPC in both Paediatrics and…
September 13, 2025
Sheraton Cavalier
612 Spadina Crescent East, Saskatoon
Offering a vibrant atmosphere, the Sheraton Cavalier Saskatoon offers the perfect downtown location while looking towards the stunning South Saskatchewan River.
A limited number of hotel rooms have been reserved for the group at a special discounted rate. Registered attendees should book early, before August 11, 2025, as we anticipate the rooms will sell out.
Traditional/Standard Queen Room: $165
Hotel rooms rates are subject to availability and applicable federal and provincial taxes, and local fees (currently 5% GST, 6% PST and 3% DMP fee).
Registration
| REGULAR – to August 11, 2025 |
LATE – August 12 to September 13 |
|
| Primary Care Practitioner | $150.00 | $200.00 |
| Residents and Trainees | $100.00 | $125.00 |
| Industry Sponsor* | $350.00 | $450.00 |
*Registration is available for confirmed industry sponsors only
| REGULAR to August 11, 2025 |
|
| Primary Care Practitioner | $150.00 |
| Residents and Trainees | $100.00 |
| Industry Sponsor | $TBC |
| LATE August 12 to September 13 |
|
| Primary Care Practitioner | $200.00 |
| Residents and Trainees | $125.00 |
| Industry Sponsor | $TBC |
Cancellations and Refunds Policy
All registration fees will be refunded less a $50.00 + applicable taxes for refund requests received on or prior to August 11, 2025. No refunds will be available for cancellations received on or after August 12, 2025. All requests must be received in writing. No telephone cancellations will be accepted. Submit cancellation letters to the Conference Secretariat at [email protected].
If you have any questions, please contact the Conference Secretariat by email at [email protected] or by phone at +1 604 738-8600.
Sponsors
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor and would like the opportunity to showcase your latest dermatological innovations to local primary care practitioners, please contact us for more information: [email protected]
Contact Us
For more information, please contact the Conference Secretariat:
Dr. Rachel Asiniwasis
Dr. Rachel Netahe Asiniwasis is a board certified Dermatologist currently practicing in her original hometown of Regina, Saskatchewan since graduating Dermatology residency at the University of Toronto in 2014. She currently operates her own practice within Regina, seeing a wide base of patients in southern Saskatchewan. Since 2015, she and her small team have expanded to service several remote and northern First Nations communities around Saskatchewan in a grassroots initiative. She does this through a mixture of in-person and teledermatology clinics.
Her father is a residential school survivor of nine years, and one of her most recent passions is learning more about health care challenges in remote and First Nations populations and developing proactive approaches to these challenges through a Truth and Reconciliation framework (www.trc.ca).
Dr. Asiniwasis recently graduate in a Master’s degree in clinical and translational research, and with this background hopes to continue to advocate for underserviced populations in Canadian Dermatology. She is the founder of Origins Dermatology Centre based in Regina, Saskatchewan.
Rachel’s area of interest includes medical dermatology, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, skin infections, skin cancer, remote outreach practice to underserviced areas, medical education, translational research, and Indigenous dermatology.
Rachel has been identified as Canada’s first Indigenous Dermatologist by many of her peers and colleagues.
Dr. Jerome Coulombe
Dr. Irene Lara-Corrales
Dr. Irene Lara-Corrales is a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Toronto and a staff physician in Pediatric Dermatology at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada.
She completed her medical training and pediatric residency at the University of Costa Rica, in San Jose, Costa Rica and her pediatric dermatology training at the Hospital for Sick Children. She obtained a Master in Science degree from the University of Toronto.
She is involved in numerous clinical and research endeavours, as well as in teaching commitments. He co-directs the Genodermatoses, Epidermolysis Bullosa, Vascular Tumors and Café-au-Lait Screening clinics at SickKids. She is currently the Pediatric Dermatology Research Lead at SickKids. Her research interests include genodermatoses, inflammatory diseases and vascular anomalies.
Dr. Rebecca Levy
Dr. Levy’s clinical interests include managing skin concerns in children with cancer, pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa and laser therapy for vascular birthmarks. Current research endeavours include exploring the management of skin toxicities to targeted anti-cancer therapies, characterizing cutaneous late effects in children who have undergone bone marrow transplantation, studying novel treatments for pediatric inflammatory disorders such as psoriasis, and creating local, regional and national networks to improve the care and transition of adolescents with hidradenitis suppurativa.
Dr Levy is active in education at all levels, and is passionate about community capacity building through education initiatives. She is co-Director of the biennial SickKids Pediatric Dermatology Update conference, and is the fellowship director for the clinical pediatric dermatology fellowship program at SickKids.
Dr. Alexandra Pennal
Dr. Alexandra Pennal is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto and a Staff Physician in the Division of Dermatology, Department of Paediatrics at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, Canada. With a diverse range of clinical and academic interests, she specializes in atopic dermatitis and co-directs the Eczema Management and Advocacy Program at SickKids. Dr. Pennal is dedicated to advancing medical education, enhancing healthcare quality and safety, and improving access to paediatric dermatology care across Ontario. In addition to her role at SickKids, she also operates a community paediatric dermatology clinic at the Scarborough Health Network, Centenary Site.
Dr. Elena Pope
Dr. Elena Pope is a Professor in the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Toronto and Division Head of Pediatric Dermatology at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto. Her clinical interests are in medically complex and rare pediatric dermatology diseases. Dr. Pope has instituted innovative approaches to the care of these patients by establishing/running interdisciplinary clinics in Epidermolysis Bullosa, Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, Vascular Tumors, Morphea and Genodermatoses, some of them unique to Canada and abroad. Her research interests are aligned to her clinical interests and focus on advancing the field of Paediatric Dermatology by expanding the therapeutic repertoire of common and orphan diseases, developing new outcome measures and participation and international leadership in collaborative research. Dr. Pope is committed to education in all its aspects and has been the recipient of local and international teaching and mentorship awards.
Dr. Pope has held executive leadership positions in PeDRA (Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance), is the current Committee Chair for Strategic Development of Society for Pediatric Dermatology (SPD) and Executive Board member of the International Society for Pediatric Dermatology (ISPD).
Dr. Michele Ramien
Dr. Michele Ramien is a first generation Canadian whose immigrant parents’ experiences and examples of grit inspired to work for equity and excellence. She completed undergraduate (2000) and postgraduate (2003) training then medical school (2008) at McGill University, dermatology residency in Toronto and Ottawa (2013), and a pediatric dermatology fellowship at CHU Ste-Justine (2014).
In the years since, she has leveraged the exposures and knowledge she gained from diverse Canadian and international preceptors to foster trainees in her academic roles as an Assistant then Associate Professor at the Universities of Ottawa then Calgary. She is inspired by the ‘aha’ moments of her trainees and finds joy in continuing to learn with them.
Dr. Ramien has research interests in eczema, genodermatoses, and severe skin reactions and a strong publication history. She enjoys the challenge of creating a ‘good talk’ that translates complex science into digestible tidbits, and is frequently invited to speak at home and abroad.
Leadership roles have also been a large part of Dr. Ramien’s career trajectory where she has endeavoured to live into the values of excellence and equity.
She currently lives in Calgary with her husband, 3 sons, and 3 dogs and escapes to forest bathe and ski in the nearby Rocky Mountains as often as she can.
Dr. Wingfield Rehmus
Dr. Wingfield Rehmus is a Clinical Associate Professor at University of British Columbia, currently serving as the head of the division of pediatric dermatology at BC Children’s Hospital where she has been in practice since 2009. Dr. Rehmus is originally from the United States, where she completed all of her training and a Master’s degree in public health with a focus on international health. After finishing her dermatology training at Stanford University, she remained on faculty doing clinical research for 5 years. Prior to moving to Canada, she lived in the Republic of Palau, a small Pacific Island nation, where she practiced dermatology and led strategic planning for the Bureau of Public Health for 2 years.
Dr. Rehmus has focused her work on expanding access to dermatology care for under-resourced and remote areas through education, outreach, and telehealth. She leads a bi-annual 6 session case-based pediatric dermatology course modeled on ECHO, has created a pediatric dermatology primer, which is available in print and on-line through UBC Pressbooks, and is an active participant in RICHER, the social pediatrics program in downtown Vancouver.
Dr. Cathryn Sibbald
Dr. Cathryn Sibbald is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto and a full-time staff physician in the Division of Dermatology at the Hospital for Sick Children. She also works at several community sites including St Joes and Bloorkids. She completed her dermatology residency training at the University of Toronto followed by fellowship training in Pediatric Dermatology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She has interests in autoimmune and inflammatory skin conditions and impacts on quality of life, and co-lead alopecia, morphea and Hidradenitis specialty clinics at SickKids.
Dr. Brittany Waller
Dr. Brittany Waller is a board-certified dermatologist in both Canada and the United States, currently practicing in Regina, Saskatchewan. Dr. Waller is an Assistant Professor and Program Director for the University of Saskatchewan’s dermatology residency program, currently in its inaugural year. Dr. Waller is also active at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons level, serving as a member of the Specialty Committee in Dermatology and is a past Royal College examiner. In addition to outpatient practice and academic responsibilities, Dr. Waller provides inpatient dermatology consultation services for Southern Saskatchewan.
Growing up in the prairies, Dr. Waller obtained both a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology with Great Distinction and a Medical Degree at the University of Saskatchewan. She completed her 5-year dermatology residency and a subspecialty fellowship in Laser Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine through the University of Toronto Dermatology Program.
Dr. Waller has experience in clinical trials and has given many presentations at scientific conferences both locally and abroad. She has also won awards in medical education and quality improvement. Dr. Waller’s numerous publications have been features in peer-reviewed journals including JAMA Dermatology/Archives of Dermatology, Dermatologic Surgery, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Canadian Medical Association Journal, Pediatric Dermatology, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery.
Dr. Miriam Weinstein
Dr. Weinstein received her FRCPC in both Paediatrics and Dermatology from the University of Toronto. She is an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto and a staff physician at Sick Kids Hospital.
Dr. Weinstein’s clinical interests include atopic dermatitis and laser therapy. She has developed and runs the dermatology laser program at Sick Kids and co-developed the Eczema Management and Advocacy Program for patients and families.
She is involved in educational administration and currently chairs the Continuing Professional Development Awards Committee for the Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto and the Visiting Professorship sub-committee of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section of Dermatology.
She is a Section Editor for Pediatric Dermatology Journal.
She has a passion for teaching and lectures extensively from the local to international level.