Dr. Neil Shear is launching a new podcast, Shear Listening Pleasure (SLP). In this program, the former Head of Dermatology at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto and professor emeritus at the University of Toronto speaks with patients, physicians and researchers from the world of dermatology.
In the first episode, Dr. Shear speaks with Sonia Whyte-Croasdaile, founder of SJS Canada, about her patient journey with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, the importance of patient support, and the creation and mission of the organization. SJS Canada is a non-profit organization founded to spread awareness about the extremely rare but life-threatening medical condition.
SJS is a disorder of the skin and mucous membranes, often arising as a reaction to medications, according to the Mayo Clinic. Starting with flu-like symptoms, SJS progresses to a painful rash that spreads and blisters. Then the top layer of affected skin dies, sheds and begins to heal after several days.
“From the point of view of a clinician who has treated SJS—Stevens-Johnson Syndrome—and similar forms of disease over the years, it is probably not only the worst skin disease—and there are a lot of bad skin diseases—but it is probably one of the most horrible diseases anybody could have,” says Dr. Shear in the episode.
The Shear Listening Pleasure podcast is presented with the support of LEO Pharma Canada. The first episode is available right now on Spotify and will also be available on Apple iTunes, Google Podcasts, and wherever you may enjoy listening to informative audio content.