Meet the Councilor | Valeria Aoki, MD PhD

This issue’s ‘Meet the Councilor’ features Valeria Aoki, MD PhD, who is on the IEC Board of Directors. Dr. Aoki is an associate professor and director of the Immunodermatology Laboratory, Department of Dermatology, and vice president of the International Relations Office at the University of São Paulo School of Medicine in São Paulo, Brazil.

 

What is your proudest accomplishment in the atopic dermatitis (AD) space to date?

My career has always been focused on immunodermatology. It has been one of my passions, and I have been working in this scientific field for many years. AD is an intriguing, complex disease, and exploring the many aspects of inflammation and its heterogeneous response in different populations is very challenging. Here at the University of São Paulo, we’ve built a solid group of AD experts that focus on translational research and education.  

What do you value most about being involved with the IEC?

To be appointed as an IEC councilor is a great honor. The IEC gathers top medical specialists who are dedicated to deciphering the AD enigma. Therefore, it is a golden opportunity to learn from experts and to share our experiences and perspectives with colleagues from all parts of the globe. Moreover, the IEC promotes scientific projects with international cooperation, which is vital to understanding this complex disease. As a South American representative in the IEC, I would like to enhance the participation of colleagues from our region in IEC surveys, discussions, and future projects, and also to improve access to medical education regarding AD. 

What do you think will garner the most attention over the coming year in the AD field?

I believe that target-oriented treatments such as immunobiologics, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, and other molecules that control inflammation, plus topical approaches for recovery of the altered skin microbiome in AD, are revolutionary. Such medications may modify the atopic march and reduce systemic comorbidities, therefore enhancing the quality of life and general health of many patients and families. I think the IEC is essential to enhance and participate in projects for new molecule development and also to make the scientific community aware of the outcomes of such research. 

What do you see as the biggest need among AD patients?

There is a need to focus on educational programs available to patients and caregivers, which can strengthen the bonds between patients and physicians. I also think that improving access to new treatment modalities is crucial, especially in low-income countries. In poor areas of the globe, many patients lack access to even basic treatments for AD.

Finally, we need to enhance the scientific and clinical skills of the next generation of healthcare professionals. The IEC offers opportunities to train with experts in the AD field in high specialized centers, through either clinical or research fellowships, which is a huge opportunity for early-career professionals.