Helping Canadian Dermatologists better manage Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Canadian Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation (CHSF)

Helping Canadian Dermatologists Better Manage Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Share the latest HS management techniques
Create HS research opportunities and education for Canadian Dermatologists and mentorship for residents
Establish cross-specialty dialogue to improve HS patient outcomes
Collaborate with international HS foundations to optimize research, education and patient care

Note: Deadline for application as of September 24, 2024

The Canadian Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation (CHSF) is offering travel grants for Canadian dermatology residents to attend the HS Academy from December 6-8, 2024, in Irving, Texas. Four grants are available, providing up to $1,250 in reimbursement.

The application deadline is October 23, 2024.

Upcoming Events

The CDA’s premier annual event will take place June 24–27, 2026 in Calgary, Alberta at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre. This national meeting brings together dermatology leaders, clinicians, researchers, residents, and industry partners from across the country for four days of cutting-edge education, scientific exchange, and meaningful networking.

Attendees can look forward to a comprehensive scientific program, engaging plenary sessions, research presentations, and opportunities to connect with colleagues from coast to coast. The host hotel will be the Hyatt Regency Calgary, conveniently located adjacent to the Convention Centre.

Travel Grants Available

To support resident participation and research in hidradenitis suppurativa, two travel grants of $2,500 each are available. These grants are intended to help offset the costs associated with attending and presenting at the conference.

Eligibility details and full criteria are available below.

We encourage eligible residents to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to share their work and engage with the national dermatology community.

EVENTS

SHSA will take place November 6–8, 2026 at the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass in Tucson, Arizona. Surrounded by the beautiful Sonoran Desert, the meeting will bring together leaders, clinicians, researchers, and partners for meaningful discussion, knowledge exchange, and collaboration. Attendees can expect a dynamic scientific program along with valuable networking opportunities in a relaxed and inspiring setting.

Additional details will be shared soon. We encourage you to join the contact list to ensure you receive the most up-to-date information.

The CHSF is also pleased to offer a travel grant for trainees enrolled in a Canadian medical program who have submitted and will be presenting at the SHSA conference. Awards will be provided to those with abstracts accepted for presentation. Full eligibility criteria and application details are outlined in the terms of reference below.

HS Academy 2026

Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel – Phoenix, Arizona

December 4–6, 2026

The HS Academy is an educational program for dermatology residents presented by the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation. The application period will open in late summer.

These grants are designed to encourage resident engagement and research in this important and evolving area of dermatology. A total of four grants are available, each providing reimbursement of up to $1,250 with submitted receipts.

The CHSF is also pleased to offer a travel grant for Canadian dermatology resident. Full eligibility criteria and application details are outlined in the terms of reference below.

Higher Standards for Hidradenitis Suppurativa Deroofing Program

We couldn’t be prouder of the growing success of the Canadian Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation’s Higher Standards for Hidradenitis Suppurativa Deroofing Program, a national hands-on training initiative designed to equip dermatologists with the skills and confidence to perform deroofing in their own practices.

In 2024, the program launched with a weekend workshop led by Dr. Chris Keeling and Dr. Lauren Lam, welcoming dermatologists and nurses from across Canada, including Prince George, Kelowna, Kamloops, Red Deer, London, Toronto, and Scarborough.

Building on that momentum, in 2025, Dr. Jessica Asgarpour and Dr. Chris Keeling led the second surgical workshop in Toronto, where eight dermatologists participated in hands-on training.

Our goal is to reduce the burden on patients, especially those in rural areas, who often travel long distances for care. By training more providers across the country, we aim to improve access and outcomes for people living with HS.

We look forward to continuing this important work and hope to deliver this program annually. The next session is scheduled for February 27, 2026, in Moncton, NB. Attendance is by invitation.

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Supporters and Partners

Thank you to our 2026 industry partners!

Do you want to see your company’s logo here? Reach out to us about sponsorship opportunities for 2026 at CHSF@buksa.com

Members

Executive Committee:

Helene Veillette – President (Quebec), Lauren Lam – Vice-President (Alberta), Chris Keeling (Alberta) – Secretary/Treasurer, Susan Poelman – Past President (Alberta)

Board Members:

Pat Coutts (Ontario), Ralph George (Ontario), Danielle Marcoux (Quebec), Simon Wong (British Columbia), Helene Veillette (Quebec), Rochelle Tonkin (Alberta), Raed Alhusayen (Ontario), Marni Wiseman (Manitoba), Jessica Asgarpour (Ontario), Lima Hermenio (Ontario), Cathryn Sibbald (Ontario)

Should you have any general health concerns or specific dermatological issues, we highly recommend that you first consult with your General Practitioner (GP) and obtain a referral to a dermatologist as needed. However, if you are specifically interested in participating in the INCYTE Clinical Research Study, please feel free to contact me directly for more information and guidance on this particular opportunity.

THE PAIN IS TO THE CORE, TO THE POINT WHERE IT IS DEBILITATING. AS A RESULT, I LEARNT TO LANCE MY LESIONS.
WE REALLY NEED MORE DISEASE AWARENESS AND SUPPORT.

Joshua
A PERSON LIVING WITH HS, SHARED