Armed Forces Medical College

“The Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology at Armed Forces Medical College and Command Hospital (Southern Command), Pune, stands as one of the nation's premier centres of excellence in clinical care, education, research and innovation. Rooted in a rich legacy of service to the Armed Forces and the nation, the department has evolved into a multidisciplinary hub delivering comprehensive care in dermatology, sexually transmitted infections, leprosy, immunology and HIV medicine. Serving military personnel, veterans, dependents and civilians, the department remains committed to the highest standards of patient-centred, evidence-based and ethically driven healthcare..”

Since the inception of postgraduate training in 1965, the department has nurtured generations of dermatologists who have gone on to become leaders, academicians, researchers and specialists. The MD Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy programme continues to uphold a tradition of academic rigor, clinical excellence and professional integrity. Through competency-based medical education, simulation-assisted learning, structured mentorship and exposure to cutting-edge technologies, trainees are prepared to address the evolving challenges of modern dermatology and military medicine.

The department is at the forefront of translational and clinical research, fostering a culture of scientific inquiry and innovation. Faculty and residents actively engage in collaborative research spanning immunodermatology, autoimmune diseases, pigmentary disorders, infectious dermatoses, leprosy, HIV medicine, dermatoepidemiology, genomics, proteomics and precision medicine. Increasing emphasis is being placed on multicentric studies, real-world evidence generation, biomarker discovery, digital health and outcome-based research to advance patient care and contribute to global scientific knowledge.

Recognising the transformative impact of technology in healthcare, the department is embracing Artificial Intelligence, machine learning and digital dermatology to enhance diagnostics, disease monitoring, clinical decision-making and medical education. Initiatives involving AI-assisted image analysis, teledermatology, electronic clinical registries, predictive analytics and data-driven research are being integrated into routine practice and academic activities. The department envisions becoming a leader in responsible and ethical adoption of AI for improving patient outcomes and healthcare delivery within military and civilian settings.

The department houses advanced facilities in dermatosurgery, lasers, photomedicine and aesthetic dermatology, providing comprehensive procedural training and patient care. Services include vitiligo surgery, hair restoration, scar management, platelet-rich plasma therapies, advanced laser procedures, phototherapy and other state-of-the-art interventions. Continuous investment in modern infrastructure ensures that patients and trainees benefit from contemporary therapeutic modalities aligned with international standards.

As it moves into the future, the department remains guided by the core values of service, excellence, innovation, compassion and leadership. By integrating clinical expertise, research excellence, technological advancement and military ethos, the Department of Dermatology at AFMC continues its mission of shaping future leaders in dermatology while delivering excellent care to those it serves.

The Department of Dermatology, AFMC & CH(SC) provides inpatient and out-patient treatment to Dermatological disorders, Sexually transmitted infections, Leprosy and Immune-surveillance (HIV/AIDS) cases of Pune garrison and referred cases of Southern Command. It is responsible for training of Post graduates (MD/DDVL), Undergraduates (MBBS) and Paramedical staff (Nursing cadets, STAs & NAs). The formal establishment of the Post graduate teaching, Dept of Dermatology and Venereology of Armed Forces Medical College and Command Hospital (Southern Command), Pune was in the year 1965 with Diploma in Dermatology and Venereology in Ward no 3 of Command Hospital (Southern Command), Pune. It was later shifted to one of the oldest garrison accommodation of 1826 vintage in the Pune Camp. Currently, Dermatology department is housed in the first floor in Block 1 of the new Command Hospital building. The civil OPD run by AFMC functions in the first floor of the civil OPD complex. The Department of Dermatology at AFMC was established in 2010, in the newly constructed building having requisite facilities behind the New Lecture Hall complex next to Dhanvantari auditorium. At CH(SC), in addition to an 85 bedded Skin, STD & Leprosy Centre, the department also manages an Immunodeficiency Centre (IDC) within the existing resources since 1992, including inpatient care, documentation and surveillance of HIV/AIDS persons registered at this Immunodeficiency centre.

Brig AS Sohi was instrumental in introducing a comprehensive MD programme incorporating Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, as no other university was offering a MD degree encompassing the three subjects. Over the years, more than a hundred Dermatologists have done their post-graduation from AFMC, which has been consistently ranked amongst the top Medical Colleges of the country. Over the years, the department has made remarkable progress under the guidance of various luminaries and stalwarts.

The present Department of Dermatology is doing pioneering work in the field of research activities. It has a fully functional Dermatosurgery unit where procedures like Vitiligo surgery, Flap surgery, Acne scar revision surgery, Platelet rich plasma/fibrin therapy and Hair transplantation is being regularly carried out. The department is also equipped with latest Pigment removing lasers, Fractional CO2 laser, Diode laser for hair reduction, Excimer laser, Low level light therapy unit and a Phototherapy unit.