May 28, 2018

Dermatology: Specialty Clinic Update - Hair Loss Clinic

Division of Dermatology
Image of Dr. Renee Beach
By

Dr. Renée Beach

Every dermatologist and hair loss patient can attest to the fact that hair loss can significantly impact one’s confidence, well-being, and overall quality of life.  The Hair Loss Clinic at Women’s College Hospital (WCH) was established in order to address some of the unmet need in this aspect of dermatologic care.  Goals of the WCH Hair Loss Clinic are three-fold: to provide referred patients with an in-depth consultative assessment of their condition; to provide referring dermatologists with diagnostic confirmation and evidence-based management suggestions; to teach the future generation of dermatologists the fundamentals of diagnostics and management of various conditions. 

Outside of our clinic setting, I was pleased to be invited to speak at the Toronto Dermatology Society (TDS) quarterly meeting to share knowledge with fellow dermatologists.  My talk included some key updates in treatment of androgenetic alopecia and lichen planopilaris.  I also included some local data on patient tolerance of oral minoxidil therapy over the last 15 months.  This intersection of medical knowledge, dermatologists and patients will continue at the upcoming city-wide Hair Loss Patient Rounds.  The objective is to provide a circle of quality assessment and management across settings of sub-specialty tertiary care in the hospital, dermatologists in the community, and our residents in training.

The clinic continues to welcome referrals from dermatologists actively seeking an in-depth assessment of their patient’s alopecia condition.