Dr. Marissa Joseph

Dermatologist, Toronto, ON

Speaking in 2 sessions on Friday, November 13

Dr. Marissa Joseph is an Associate Professor and the Inaugural AbbVie Chair in Ethnodermatology at the University of Toronto. She is Medical Director of the Ricky Kanee Schachter Dermatology Centre at Women’s College Hospital, and a Staff Physician in Dermatology at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), where she cares for children with complex skin disease and leads a pediatric laser program. She is double board-certified in Pediatrics and Dermatology and completed medical school at Dalhousie University, both pediatric and dermatology training at the University of Toronto, and an MSc in Community Health at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health.

Her practice spans general adult, pediatric, and surgical dermatology. Clinically and academically, she focuses on inflammatory skin disorders (including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and hidradenitis suppurativa), genodermatoses, and equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in dermatologic care. Dr. Joseph serves as the EDI Lead for the Division of Dermatology at the University of Toronto, chairs the Canadian Skin of Colour & Diversity Research Scholarship, and co-chairs SkIN Canada’s Skin of Color Research Working Group. She has authored book chapters and numerous peer-reviewed articles and is recognized internationally for her expertise. Her vision for the field is straightforward: equitable, high-quality dermatologic care for everyone.

Speaking at Dermatology Update — Fall 2026

2 sessions

Friday, November 1311:50 – 12:2030 minOpen Pres.Speaker

Skin Science Showdown 2.0: Back to the Barrier

Chair

Dr. John Kraft

Speakers

Irina Oroz

Dr. Marissa Joseph

Think you know your skin science? It’s time for another round. This interactive session brings a fresh lineup of dermatology experts together with the audience for a fast-paced challenge of skin science knowledge. Through themed categories and live polling, experts and attendees will go head-to-head on topics including skin barrier function, inflammation, eczema and OTC skin care solutions, with a renewed focus on colloidal oatmeal and the science behind its multi-faceted skin health benefits.

Following each challenge, faculty will reveal the answer, unpack the science and translate key concepts into practical considerations for everyday patient care.

Come ready to play, learn and put your skin science knowledge to the test. Will the experts come out on top, or will the audience claim the win?

Learning objectives

Explore the science behind colloidal oatmeal and its multi-faceted role in maintaining and supporting skin health.
Recognize the importance of skin barrier support when considering OTC skin care approaches for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin.
Apply practical, science-based insights to OTC skin care recommendations and everyday patient conversations.

See it in the program

Friday, November 1315:25 – 15:5530 minOpen Pres.ChairSpeaker

Once Upon a Flare: A Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis Story

Chairs

Dr. Natalie Cunningham

Dr. Marissa Joseph

Dr. Vimal Prajapati

Speakers

Dr. Natalie Cunningham

Dr. Marissa Joseph

Dr. Vimal Prajapati

Atopic dermatitis remains complex to manage, particularly in pediatric patients, where age-related differences in skin physiology and barrier function can influence treatment selection, drug exposure, and clinical outcomes. Undertreatment continues to be an issue in this population. As the topical treatment landscape continues to evolve, it is important to reflect on lessons learned from past treatment approaches while considering how newer therapies can be meaningfully integrated into clinical practice.
Join us for an open presentation where our expert speakers, Dr. Natalie Cunningham, Dr. Marissa Joseph, and Dr. Vimal Prajapati, will take a past, present, and future approach to the topical management of pediatric atopic dermatitis.
The session will reflect on lessons learned from historical topical treatment approaches, including the use of topical corticosteroids and considerations related to formulation and tolerability. Building on this foundation, they will review developmental differences in pediatric skin physiology and how pharmacokinetic data inform purposeful posology and the integration of advanced targeted topical therapies.
Finally, the session will look ahead to ongoing unmet needs and emerging clinical trial evidence in younger pediatric populations, offering practical perspectives on how an expanding topical treatment toolbox may further support individualized management of pediatric atopic dermatitis.

Learning objectives

Reflect on the past – lessons learned in topical management of atopic dermatitis for our pediatric patients/caregivers.
Recognize the present – understand purposeful posology for the pediatric patient and clinical integration of advanced targeted topical non-corticosteroid options.
Regard the future – explore unmet needs and latest clinical trial evidence in topical management of pediatric atopic dermatitis.

Atopic Dermatitis & Eczema

See it in the program