Meet the Councilor | Angela Maria Londoño Garcia, MD MSC  

Dr. Londoño Garcia is a dermatologist, master in epidemiology and autoimmunity, and coordinator of the dermatology postgraduate program at Universidad CES in Medellin, Colombia. She is scientific coordinator of Clinic of Psoriasis and Immune-mediated Diseases (CLIPSO) and a councilor in both the IEC and International Psoriasis Council.

She presented “Immunobiologics and AD: Management of Infections and Immunization” as part of the IEC’s symposium Infections and Immunization in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis on May 7 in Lima, Peru.

With 20 years of experience in the management of immune-mediated skin diseases, she has published on the topic in national and international journals.

How does your personal or professional vision/mission align with the new IEC vision/mission?

Since I started my professional career, my vocation has been directed to the care of patients with immune-mediated diseases. I understand and share the importance of proper management and care of patients with atopic dermatitis, the need for early care for the prevention of complications and the relevance of research in new therapies for the management of atopic dermatitis, the discussion on what should be the therapeutic goals to be achieved in our patients, and that perhaps in the not too distant future we can talk about modifying the course of the disease. 

What is your proudest accomplishment in the atopic dermatitis (AD) space?

The creation of a program for the integral management of the disease, where the patient is accompanied by dermatologists, allergist, internal medicine, nutritionist, respiratory therapy, and psychology, allowing a global approach to the disease and offering the patient the best care with warmth and knowledge.

What do you value most about being involved with the IEC?

What I value most is working with great leaders in the field from whom I hope to learn and collaborate in improving the management of atopic dermatitis. 

What do you think will garner the most attention over the coming year in the AD field?

The development of new therapeutic targets such as the OX-40/OX40L pathway, importance of fibroblasts as cells associated with immunological memory, early disease management, and better characterization of phenotypes. 

What do you see as the biggest need among AD patients?

Shared decision making is very important when treating AD patients. With an ever-increasing number of treatment options, amplifying the patient’s needs and concerns in selecting therapeutics will take on increasing importance.

What's the most recent good thing you watched, listened to, or visited?

I am a lover of history and visited Tikal in Guatemala, one of the most beautiful archaeological sites I have visited. Its greatest charm is to be in the middle of the jungle with a degree of impeccable conservation. Plus, you feel a comforting energy.