meeting agenda
Welcome, Learning Objectives & Land Acknowledgement
Dr. Rachel Asiniwasis & Dr. Blair Stonechild
2:00pm EDT
Up to Speed: Hot Topics in Canadian Indigenous Skin Health
Dr. Rachel Asiniwasis
2:05pm EDT
The Impact of Poorly Controlled Atopic Dermatitis
Dr. Wingfield Rehmus
2:15pm EDT
NIHB and Provisions of Derm Care to Indigenous Patients
Dr. Megan MacGillivray
2:25pm EDT
CMA Apology to Indigenous Patients and the Way Forward
Dr. Nickoo Merati
2:35pm EDT
Integrating Culturally Competent Frameworks Into Indigenous Skin Health Initiatives with a Focus on AD - Sponsored by CeraVe
Dr. Rachel Asiniwasis
2:55pm EDT
Dermatology Clinics Serving Inuit Peoples of Nunavut and the Legacy of Dr. Robert Jackson
Dr. Reetesh Bose
3:05pm EDT
Atopic Dermatitis and the Role of Staphylococcus Aureus: An Update From a Dermatologist-Immunologist
Dr. Carolyn Jack
3:15pm EDT
Dermatologists Frequently Encounter Harmful Cutaneous Adverse Reactions By Products Purchased on the Internet
Dr. Carsten Sauer Mikkelsen
3:25pm EDT
Discovering the Red Bear Student Centre
Vinesh Rao
4:10pm EDT
Engaging Nursing in Therapeutic Patient Education for AD
Lauren Fraess
4:15pm EDT
Exploring Chronic Skin Conditions in Rural Indigenous Communities: Lived Experiences and Future Directions
Jonah Perlmutter, Polycronis Akouris, Sierra Fremont
4:25pm EDT
Landscape of AI/AN Dermatology in the States
Katie Wilson
4:35pm EDT
Next Steps: A New Journey in 2025
Dr. Rachel Asiniwasis
5:00pm EDT

conference faculty

Dr. Rachel Nehate Asiniwasis
Dr. Rachel Netahe Asiniwasis is a board-certified Dermatologist currently operating her own practice in her hometown of Regina, Sask., and 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 through a mixture of in-person and teledermatology clinics.
Dr. Asiniwasis is of Plains Cree and Saulteaux background on her father’s side, and her mother is an English immigrant. Her last name, “Asiniwasis”, translates into “Stone child” in oral Cree, and it has been passed down to her that her middle name, “Netahe”, means “my heart”. 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.
Dr. Asiniwasis also has 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, Sskatchewan.

Dr. A. Blair Stonechild
Dr. Alexander Blair Stonechild is Professor of Indigenous Studies at the First Nations University of Canada in Regina, Saskatchewan. He is a member of the Muscowpetung First Nation, attended Qu’Appelle Indian Residential School and Campion Collegiate, obtained his Bachelor’s degree from McGill, and Master’s and Doctorate degrees from the University of Regina.
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In 1976, Dr. Stonechild became the first faculty member at First Nations University; he has been Dean of Academics and Executive Director of Development. Major publications include Loyal Till Death: Indians and the North-West Rebellion (1997); The New Buffalo: Aboriginal Post-secondary Policy in Canada (2006); Buffy Sainte-Marie: It’s My Way (2012); The Knowledge Seeker: Embracing Indigenous Spirituality (2016) and Loss of Indigenous Eden and the Fall of Spirituality (2020).

Dr. Wingfield Rehmus
Dr. Wingfield Rehmus is a Clinical Associate Professor at University fo 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 i 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 five 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 two 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 six 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. Megan MacGillivray
Dr. MacGillivray is a double board-certified Dermatologist with accreditation in both Canada and the United States.
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Dr. MacGillivray completed her dermatology training at the University of Alberta where she served as co-chief resident. During her training she completed specialized rotations in Tropical Medicine (Toronto), Hair and Nail diseases (Miami), Skin of Colour (Dallas), and Melanoma Multidisciplinary Management (Edmonton). Before relocating to Barrier, ON she practiced at the Western Canadian Dermatology Institute, which had a strong focus on the treatment of skin cancer.
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She relocated to Barrie, ON in 2021 and founded the FullCircleDerm Virtual Acne Clinic. She says "acne is an excellent condition to treat virtually. It is most often located on the face, which can be easily seen on camera." Many of her patients come from communities that don't have many dermatologists. A virtual clinic allows them to still receive care. "Many people don't realized that acne is a medical condition. And, if treatment is delayed, permanent scarring can result."
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She also runs the Skin Cancer Biopsy Clinic at the Royal Victoria Regional Hospital and has a special focused Indigenous Health clinic. Dr. MacGillivray says, "The Indigenous Health-focused clinic increases access to care for communities that often face barriers."
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When she's not helping patients, you'll find her on the local hiking trails with her poodle, Kylo. And yes, she confesses, she's a bit of a foodie and enjoys meeting friends at Barrie's quaint restaurants and cafes.

Dr. Nickoo Merati
Nickoo is a dermatology resident at McGill University, focusing on eczema amongst Indigenous peoples in Canada. She is committed to enhancing Indigenous engagement in medical and dermatologic research. With a background in qualitative and quantitative Indigenous health research, she completed a master's degree highlighting Indigenous youth voices with the James Bay Cree in Quebec, and is currently collaborating with southern Saskatchewan First Nations communities to help improve rural eczema care. A dedicated ally, she is passionate about advancing the health and well-being of Indigenous communities nationwide.

Dr. Carsten Sauer Mikkelsen
Dr. Carsten Sauer Mikkelsen is a board-certified dermatologist in Denmark and Norway since 1999. He has a passion for global dermatology with an interest in minority groups and a special interest in the Inuit culture and arctic dermatology. He has worked in multiple places in Greenland (Nuuk, Qaqortoq, Narsaq, Narsarsuaq, Maniitsoq, Qaanaaq and Ilulissat) and Norway (Kirkenes, Vadsjøen, Bodø, Vesterålen, Mosjøen, Ålesund, Stavanger, and Egernsund). He did his PhD research, epidemiological study in Guinea-Bissau (1999-2001) in West-Africa about Rotavirus in cihldren under five years of age. The study was financially supported by WHO and the Danish State Serum Institute. He has worked in private practice in Brønderslev, Denmark since 2009. He is a Senior Research Fellow at the Research Center, Department of Dermato-venereology in Aalborg University Hospital, Denmark. He has published 135 articles registrered on Research Gate and works with digital solutions within dermatology in Norway and Denmark. He is a member of the International Society of Dermatology and makes presentations abroad. In his spare time, he travels a lot—to 86 different countries to date.

Dr. Reetesh Bose
Dr. Reetesh Bose is a Canadian board certified dermatologist. He is an active faculty member with the division of Dermatology, University of Ottawa and the Ottawa Hospital.
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He practices medical dermatology and has interests in skin of colour dermatology, vitiligo and medical education. He is the director of the Skin of Colour dermatology clinic at the Ottawa Hospital.

Vinesh Rao
Vinesh Rao is a 4th-year undergraduate student studying Psychology at the University of Saskatchewan. Having worked at the university's Gordon Oakes Red Bear Centre, Vinesh has developed a passion for understanding Indigenous cultures and ways of life. He is deeply committed to improving Indigenous wellbeing, making trips to communities such as the Lac La Ronge Indian Band to assist residents with transportation access. Aspiring to pursue a career in medicine, Vinesh is excited to share his experiences and looks forward to continuing his efforts to make a positive impact on the lives of those around him.

Dr. Carolyn Jack
Dr. Carolyn Jack (MDCM, PhD, FRCPC) is an Assistant Professor, Dermatology, at McGill University, and a Junior Scientist at the Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program of the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre. In 2018, Dr. Jack founded the McGill University Hospital Network Center of Excellence for Atopic Dermatitis, the first tertiary care centre in Canada dedicated to adult atopic dermatitis. She is the co-founder of EczemaQ, an award-winning mobile health application, and the registered non-profit Patient Advisory Committee known as Eczéma Québec. As an FRQS Clinical Research Scholar, her research goal is to identify disease-modifying interventions in chronic atopic dermatitis.

Lauren Fraess
Lauren Fraess is a fourth year medical student with the University of Saskatchewan's College of Medicine, Regina campus. Prior to pursuing medicine, Lauren received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN '19) at the University of Saskatchewan and worked as a Registered Nurse in both rural and urban settings within Saskatchewan. With experience in both medicine and nursing, and a keen interest and passion for dermatology, Lauren looks forward to speaking about engaging nurses in therapeutic patient education for atopic dermatitis.
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Jonah Perlmutter
Jonah Perlmutter is a medical student in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from the University of Winnipeg. His previous research has focused on autoimmune and inflammatory skin disease, hair loss disorders, and traditional Indigenous medicine. He has also worked with Elders and Knowledge Keepers of the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation to synthesize and distribute natural medicines to northern communities. As a medical student, he has continued his research in inflammatory skin conditions and Indigenous health to help identify and address barriers to skin care in Northern communities. He is also developing a "Rural Skin Guide" for primary care providers in rural communities.
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Polycronis Akouris
Polycronis Paul Akouris is a medical student in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto. He holds an Hnours Bachelor of Medical Science in Biochemistry of Infection and Immunity and a Master of Science in Microbiology and Immunology from Western University. His previous research focused on biochemistry and microbiology, particularly on the role of microbes in human health and the therapeutic potential of probiotics. Paul was awarded the NSERC Canada Graduate Scholarship - Master's (CGS-M) for his work on the novel metabolic functions of a commensal microorganism and its potential probiotic applications. As a medical student, he has developed a strong interest in Vascular Surgery, with ongoing research projects ranging from investigating wound care practices in Indigenous populations to creating a machine learning tool for intraoperative guidance during Fenestrated Endovascular Aortic Repair (FEVAR).
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Sierra Fremont
Sierra Fremont graduated from Western University in 2024 with a Bachelor's Degree in Medical Sciences, specializing in Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences with Honours. Her primary interest in medicine lies in addressing the needs of marginalized communities. Currently, she is engaged in research examining the barriers faced by members of the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation in accessing healthcare. Sierra is particularly focused on exploring the role of Indigenous traditional medicines, drawing insights from elders and medicine people to promote the integration of traditional practices into mainstream healthcare. Additionally, she is currently collaborating with the palliative care team at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, investigating the use of supportive care technologies in end-of-life care.

Katie Wilson
Katie Wilson (she/her) is a Luiseño/Payómkawichum third-year medical student at the University of Minnesota and recently completed a Post-Sophomore Fellowship in Pathology at the Department of Laboratory medicine and Pathology at University of Minnesota. She received her BS in Chemistry with a concentration in Biochemistry from University of California, Irvine and a MS in AApplied Life Sciences from Keck Graduate Institute in Claremont, CA. She serves as vice chair of the AMA Committee for American Indian Affairs, advocating for equitable care for AI/AN populations with her most recent resolution focused on Tribally-Directed Precision Medicine Research. She was recently selected as a Udall Foundation Native American Graduate Fellow in Tribal Policy. An aspiring dermatologist and dermatopathologist, her current research focuses on disparities in the diagnosis and management of cutaneous malignancies in AI/AN people. She is also a member of the International Coalition for Culturally Sensitive Death Investigations, advocating for jusitce and equitable care in the death investigations of Native people.