About EDF
Founded 1997 · Non-profit professional organisation
About EDF
Improving skin health across Europe
The European Dermatology Forum is dedicated to improving the care of patients with skin disease across Europe by promoting the highest standards of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, while advancing equitable access to high-quality dermatological care.
At a glance
Founded
1997
Established as a non-profit professional organisation.
Founders
7
Academic dermatologists, all heads of university departments.
Members
~200
Established key opinion leaders in dermato-venereology across Europe.
Countries
> 30
A truly pan-European network of expertise.
A specialty in transition
Over the past 30 years, dermatology has evolved from a specialty reliant on largely empirical treatments to one driven by rational therapies based on a deeper understanding of disease pathogenesis. At the same time, the boundaries between organ-specific specialties have become increasingly blurred, with growing overlap between dermatology and oncology, immunology and allergology, plastic surgery, oral medicine, and, increasingly, rheumatology and other disciplines involved in the management of chronic inflammatory diseases.
Changes in European medical regulatory and healthcare delivery systems, increasing budgetary constraints, and the growing influence of external stakeholders such as the media and the internet present both opportunities and challenges for the profession. In response to these developments, and driven by the imperative to deliver better patient care, dermatology must anticipate future scenarios for the specialty and implement strategies that maximize value and cost-effectiveness for healthcare systems across Europe.
Seven departments, one mission
1997
1997 — Recognising the need to address these challenges, seven leading academic dermatologists — all heads of university departments — founded the European Dermatology Forum (EDF) as a non-profit professional organisation dedicated to improving dermatological care for patients across Europe. At its inception, the EDF published a document outlining its mission, which continues to serve as the foundation for its activities today.
OUR MISSION
Six pillars, one forum
The EDF aims to achieve its vision by bringing together leading dermatologists, allied healthcare professionals, and affiliated organisations.
01
Leadership
Promote the highest possible standards of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases, while advancing equitable access to high-quality dermatological care across Europe.
02
Research
Support research and the scientific basis of clinical practice by improving understanding of the skin and the burden of dermato-venereological diseases.
03
Education
Advance and harmonize dermatology education by strengthening the quality of undergraduate and postgraduate training across Europe.
04
Representation
Promote excellence, equality, diversity and inclusivity across all aspects of dermatological care, research, and education.
05
Advocacy
Increase awareness and knowledge of skin diseases for the benefit of patients, while providing independent advice to industry, academia, governments, patient organisations, and society.
05
Partnerships
Strengthen communication and collaboration within the European and international dermatological communities such as UEMS and other European societies.
GET TO KNOW THE EDF
One forum for European dermatology
Learn more about EDF, our membership, and the projects that bring our mission to life.
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