Guests arrive, check in, enjoy a light breakfast, and browse early exhibitor booths and posters.
Open floor for exhibitors, partner organizations, and research abstract poster displays.
Opening Remarks
8:30 AM
A welcome to World Vitiligo Day 2025 and introduction of the vision, goals, and key leaders helping shape this year’s international gathering.
Speakers
Keith Loo, Co-Founder, Skinopathy and President, 2025 World Vitiligo Day Innovation Summit
Yan Valle, Executive Director, Vitiligo Research Foundation
Dr. Jerry Tan (video), Dermatologist and Secretary, 2025 World Vitiligo Day Innovation Summit
More to come!
Mapping the Vitiligo Journey: Understanding the Maze of Support and Care
9:00 AM
Using the Vitiligo Patient Journey Map as our guide, this session explores the complex and fragmented path for vitiligo patients. From Google searches to clinical trials, from camouflage to depigmentation. The panel will unpack how we can simplify this maze, close systemic gaps, and build a more compassionate and coordinated care model.
Moderator
Yan Valle, Executive Director, Vitiligo Research Foundation
Speakers
Nanette Silverberg, Chief of Pediatric Dermatology, New York City Mount Sinai
Bill Arteca, Chief Executive Officer, BioSample Connect
Shahnawaz Towheed, Co-Founder, Vitiligo Voices Canada and Medical Student (McMaster University)
accelerating vitiligo care in canada
9:30 AM
Breakthroughs in innovation require more than science – they require purpose. Christine Lennon, General Manager at Incyte Biosciences Canada, discusses how the company’s commitment to vitiligo patients’ journeys and to advancing science and research can redefine what’s possible in healthcare.
Speaker
Christine Lennon, General Manager, Incyte Biosciences Canada
Calico | Short film about a girl with vitiligo steals the school’s talking goldfish
9:45 AM
Join us for a special screening of “Calico,” a powerful short film that follows a young girl navigating life with vitiligo as she searches for belonging and self-acceptance.
This moving story blends art and advocacy, shedding light on the emotional impact of vitiligo through a beautifully human lens.
Health Break
10:00 AM
Treating Vitiligo Today: What Are My Options?
10:30 AM
Vitiligo treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. This session brings together leading dermatologists to walk through the current treatment landscape, from topical therapies to light-based interventions, systemic options, and beyond. They’ll discuss how decisions are made, what’s emerging in the research, and how to match treatments to real-world patient needs.
Moderator: TBD
Speakers
Dr. Geeta Yadav, Dermatologist, Founder of FACET Dermatology
Dr. Albert Chan, Psychologist, Founder Paxwood Family Therapy
Startup Showcase
11:00 AM
A rapid-fire spotlight on global startups innovating in skin health, diagnostics, and patient support.
Moderator
Bibaswan Ghoshal, Senior Director Technology Adoption, Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization
Selected research abstracts will be presented by top applicants from around the world.
Moderator: TBD
Speakers:
Alejandro J. Vera, MSc, Human Subject Research Specialist, University of Rochester Medical Center
Identity Forming Experiences with Vitiligo through Age
Dr. Omer Elhussein, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Khartoum
Histological and Immunohistochemical Characterization of Lesional and Non-Lesional Skin in Non-Segmental Vitiligo
Gabriela Guerra, PhD in Education, Knowledge, and Social Inclusion, Federal University of Minas Gerais
Vitiligo as Diasporic Cartography: Art, Identity, and Mental Health in Afro-Brazilian Perspectives
Hessa Asmani, Vitiligo Voices Canada
A cross-sectional analysis of the quality and readability of online resources for vitiligo
The Skin Microbiome | What is it and how does it Affect Vitiligo?
1:30 PM
This roundtable brings together leaders in dermatology, biotech, and data science to explore the emerging role of the skin microbiome in vitiligo. How does our microbial environment influence depigmentation? What are the practical implications for screening, diagnostics, treatment, and daily skincare?
Moderator:
Dr. Manasi Parikh, Family Medicine Physician with a Focused Practice in Dermatology, Assistant Professor (Adjunct) Family Medicine – McMaster University
Speakers
Dr. Mireille Vega, Chief Executive Officer, VGAM Biome
Dr. Rakesh Joshi, Lead Data Scientist, Skinopathy
Orchid Jahanshahi, Founder, Advisor and Investor, ThinkrBelle, former Pharma and Digital Health Executive
1-on-1 Interview | From Computer Code to Compassionate Care
2:00 PM
In this exclusive fireside chat, plastic surgeon and medical innovator Dr. Collin Hong shares his vision for integrating AI into patient-centered care. From clinical trials to compassionate technology, learn how his multidisciplinary approach is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in vitiligo treatment and beyond.
Interviewer: Sigrun Watson, Chief Strategy Officer and Senior Advisor, ThinkrBelle
Guest: Dr. Collin Hong, Chief Medical Officer, Skinopathy
Health Break
2:30 PM
Vitiligo | The Age of Repigmentation Has Arrived
3:00 PM
Nanette Silverberg, Chief of Pediatric Dermatology, New York City Mount Sinai
Cover, Express, Empower: The Role of Cosmetics in Vitiligo
3:30 PM
Makeup is more than concealment. It’s expression, identity, and choice. This session explores the intersection of dermatology, cosmetics, and confidence, featuring medical experts, brand leaders, and influencers. Whether you wear it or don’t, discover how camouflage products play a role for people with vitiligo and enable them through their journey.
Moderator:Dr. Sangeetha Nadarajah, Board Certified Family Physician and Global Journalism Fellow in Health Impact at the University of Toronto
Speakers
Erika Page, Founder, Living Dappled and Vitiligo Influencer
Sara Frankel, Creative Director & Product Developer, Zanderm
Hessa Asmani, Vitiligo Voices Canada
Abstract Competition Winner
4:00 PM
Announcement of the abstract competition winner and final keynote.
Rewriting the Narrative for Vitiligo: Innovation, Advocacy, and the New Era of Vitiligo Awareness
4:10 PM
This power panel brings together thought leaders from medicine, business, and advocacy to discuss where vitiligo awareness is headed. What does true equity in care look like? How do we break the silence and elevate underrepresented voices? And how can we take these great ideas and make them real.
Moderator: Dr. Gillian Mandich, Happiness Expert, The Social TV Show on CTV
Speakers
Dana Gies, Executive Director, Canadian Skin Patient Alliance
Dr. Sam Hanna, Dermatologist specializing in Vitiligo
Dr. Juthika Thakur, Dermatologist & Co-Founder of the DermInsight Symposium
Announcement! The Next Host City for World Vitiligo Day!
4:55 PM
Closing Reception | Networking & Celebration!
5:00 PM
Roundtables
Dynamic discussions featuring doctors, technologists, industry leaders, and patients covering topics like AI in healthcare, mental health, and cosmetic solutions.
Demos
See innovation in action! Cutting-edge technology powered by Data & AI solutions that are shaping the future of vitiligo.
Lead-up Events
Exclusive pre-event webinars, networking sessions, and startup pitch previews to engage with experts, discover emerging trends, and prepare for the main showcase.
Livestreaming
Can’t attend in person? No problem! The entire event, including keynote speeches, roundtable discussions, and startup pitches, will be live-streamed