Nail Surgery Workshop at AAD 2025: My Experience in Orlando
Updated: Oct 12
By Dr Lim Tzyy Huei, Consultant Dermatologist at Pantai Hospital Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia
Looking back on the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting 2025 in Orlando, USA, one of the highlights for me was attending a hands-on nail surgery workshop.'
Learning from Experienced Faculty
Professor Bertrand Richert is a Belgian dermatologist internationally recognised for his expertise in nail disorders and nail surgery. It was a valuable opportunity to learn from him alongside the other faculty, including Dr Aaron Russell, a dermatologist and dermatopathologist at Washington University in St. Louis.
In small groups, we practised on fresh-frozen cadaveric hands under expert supervision. The faculty’s clear explanations and practical guidance made this an engaging experience, helping me better understand nail anatomy and refine surgical techniques.
What Did the Workshop Cover?
The workshop catered to participants ranging from beginners to experienced nail surgeons. Its practical training included:
Partial and complete nail plate removal, also known as nail avulsion.
Nail biopsy techniques, including punch, shave and longitudinal approaches.
The teaching also covered patient assessment, surgical planning, equipment and suture selection, patient safety and relevant anatomy.
Bringing Practical Insights Back to Batu Pahat
This experience helped strengthen my skills in the diagnosis and surgical management of nail conditions. I am grateful to the teaching faculty for sharing their expertise, and for the practical insights I could bring back to my dermatology practice at Pantai Hospital Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia.
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