Yashica Khalawan

University of the Free State, South Africa

Abstract Title:

From research to reality: Establishing a dermatologic surgery department in response to high skin cancer burden

Biography:

Dr. Yashica Khalawan is a dermatologist in private practice in KwaZulu-Natal and an academic affiliate of the Department of Dermatology at the University of the Free State. She is a Fellow of the College of Dermatologists of South Africa (FC Derm SA), and also has a Master of Medicine (MMed) in Dermatology, an Advanced Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine (FPD), and a Diploma in Dermatology from the University of Plymouth, with expertise spanning medical, aesthetic, and surgical dermatology. Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Khalawan focuses on enhancing her academic voice in dermatology contributing to peer-review literature and academic review. She is also involved in clinical trials reflecting her commitment to evidence-based practice and advancing the dermatologic research landscape in South Africa. Her academic interests extend to medical education and the role of digital platforms in dermatology, areas in which she is developing scholarly contributions. A committed medvocate, Dr. Khalawan recognises that the landscape of clinical dermatology is evolving rapidly. She engages actively at the intersection of clinical practice, public health advocacy, and patient education, using her platform to bridge the gap between specialist knowledge and community-level understanding. Her work is anchored in the belief that meaningful change in patient outcomes requires not only clinical excellence, but systemic advocacy, inclusive research, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

Research Interests:

Background: A Master of Medicine (MMed) study at our institution revealed a high prevalence of non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC), underscoring the urgent need for specialized dermatologic surgical services.

Objective: To describe the development of a Dermatologic Surgery Department in direct response to local skin cancer epidemiology, highlighting service expansion, training initiatives, and impact on residency education.

Methods: Following the MMed findings, a dedicated dermatologic surgery unit was initiated. This included renovation of the surgical skills training room, upgrading of surgical equipment, and the introduction of structured resident training in cutaneous oncology and procedural dermatology. Alongside skin cancer surgery and reconstruction, the department expanded offerings to include comprehensive keloid and scar management services, addressing another significant clinical burden in our population.

Results:
● Expanded capacity for surgical management of NMSC and other skin cancers.
● Introduction of dedicated keloid and scar management, improving patient outcomes in complex cases.
● Strengthened dermatology residency training with hands-on surgical experience and a balanced curriculum across medical, procedural, and surgical dermatology.
● Establishment of a regional referral hub for dermatologic surgery.

Conclusion: The demonstrated high prevalence of skin cancer catalysed the establishment of a Dermatologic Surgery Department. With infrastructure upgrades, expanded services including scar and keloid management, and advanced surgical training, this initiative has enhanced both patient care and residency education. It serves as a model of how local research can drive service development and capacity building in dermatology.