History
Sheila Torres, as the American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD) representative to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), saw an opportunity to create a group of board-certified dermatologists united by the desire to disseminate veterinary dermatology knowledge in underserved areas around the world.
At the ACVD business meeting in Galveston (2011), Dr. Torres presented the idea and called for volunteers. Shortly after, interested members were identified and the group was conceptually formed. Initially composed only of ACVD members, the group expanded internationally when Dr. Chiara Noli from Italy expressed interest. In 2012, at the WCVD7 meeting, the group was officially formed and named. Members from Asia and Latin America joined soon after. In 2014, the GVDEG became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization.
Our Mission
The GVDEG is an independent international group of veterinary dermatologists committed to improving the knowledge and practice of veterinary dermatology in underserved areas around the world. Our objective is to enable veterinarians to recognize, diagnose, and manage the most common dermatological diseases in their areas.
We aim to accomplish this through free education: lectures, practical demonstrations, interactive discussions, and web-based educational sessions. Our long-term goal is to identify, educate, empower, and support local veterinarians with a keen interest in dermatology and the willingness to lead local ongoing educational efforts.
Affiliations
The GVDEG works closely with WSAVA, which has a long history of established networks with veterinary associations worldwide. The GVDEG is also an affiliate member of the World Association of Veterinary Dermatology (WAVD). Sharing a common mission of improving veterinary dermatology globally, we provide WAVD with personnel and tools to advance this aim in developing countries, while WAVD provides necessary funding support.