Taige Cao1, Jin Ye Yeo2
1Dermatology Service, Department of General Medicine, Sengkang General Hospital; 2JSS Editorial Office, AME Publishing Company
Correspondence to: Jin Ye Yeo. JSS Editorial Office, AME Publishing Company. Email: jss@amegroups.com
This interview can be cited as: Cao T, Yeo JY. Meeting the Expert of JSS: Dr. Taige Cao. J Spine Surg. 2024. https://jss.amegroups.org/post/view/meeting-the-expert-of-jss-dr-taige-cao.
Expert introduction
Dr. Cao (Figure 1) is a dermatologist practicing at Sengkang General Hospital, specializing in eczema, psoriasis, itch, and minimally invasive aesthetic procedures. He received his medical degree from the National University of Singapore and completed his dermatology training at the National Skin Centre. Dr. Cao has excelled in his field, achieving Distinction in Postgraduate Diploma in Dermatology from Queen Mary, University of London and passing the Specialty Certificate Examination in Dermatology from the Royal College of Physicians (UK).
Dr. Cao's knowledge and expertise extend beyond Western medicine. He is a registered acupuncturist with the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner Board and is well-versed in the holistic approach to health and illness offered by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). He encourages his patients to take an active role in their health and healing by exploring health beliefs and practices, including diet and lifestyle.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Cao is also passionate about educating patients and fellow medical professionals about dermatology. He has presented numerous research papers on his work at international conferences, such as the World Congress of Dermatology in Milan, the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting in San Francisco, and the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Spring Symposium in Athens.
Figure 1 Dr. Taige Cao
Interview
JSS: What drove you into the field of dermatology?
Dr. Cao: During my medical training, I was fascinated by how the skin, the largest organ of the body, can be a window to a patient's overall health. Dermatology allows for a unique blend of visual diagnosis and procedural skills, which I found immensely rewarding.
JSS: Could you provide an overview of the current hot topics in dermatology, and how the field has evolved over the years?
Dr. Cao: The development of biologics and small-molecule drugs has revolutionized the treatment of chronic inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. These therapies offer more effective treatment options with fewer side effects than traditional systemic therapies.
JSS: What are some of your current research focuses? Could you elaborate on why you chose these research focuses, and share some of the ongoing projects you are currently involved in?
Dr. Cao: Chronic wounds are a significant healthcare challenge, often leading to prolonged healing times and substantial patient morbidity. Traditional treatments sometimes fall short in effectiveness, necessitating the exploration of new therapeutic approaches. An ongoing project in which I am involved investigates the efficacy of platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) in chronic wound management. This study aims to evaluate PRFM’s potential in promoting wound healing, reducing pain, and improving patient satisfaction.
JSS: In addition to specializing in dermatology, you also specialize in acupuncture. Could you share what motivated you to explore the field of acupuncture?
Dr. Cao: My interest in acupuncture and TCM was sparked by a desire to offer my patients a more holistic approach to healthcare. Combining Western Medicine with TCM can enhance treatment efficacy. For example, acupuncture has been shown to alleviate symptoms of chronic neck pain and back pain. Exploring the field of acupuncture has enriched my practice by enabling me to offer a more comprehensive and integrative approach to patient care.
JSS: How has acupuncture complemented your practice as a dermatologist?
Dr. Cao: In Dermatology, there is some evidence of acupuncture in reducing itch and alleviating urticaria. Acupuncture provides an alternative to pharmacological treatments, which is particularly beneficial for patients seeking additional non-drug therapies. I have a patient who finds her eczema not sufficiently controlled with biologics, but finds that acupuncture complemented well as an adjunctive therapy.
JSS: In addition to your clinical work, you are also passionate about educating your patients about dermatology. What are some topics of dermatology that you feel should be more widely educated to the public? Are there any topics that are commonly raised amongst your patients?
Dr. Cao: Key dermatology topics for public education include skin cancer awareness and prevention, skincare routines, and the impact of lifestyle on skin health. Common patient concerns involve managing eczema and psoriasis, sun protection, and acne treatment. These areas are crucial for promoting skin health and improving patient outcomes.
JSS: As a dermatologist, what is the most important advice you have for the general public?
Dr. Cao: When experiencing a skin condition, seek professional help early and do not delay. Early diagnosis and treatment by a dermatologist can prevent complications, reduce symptoms, and improve overall skin health. One should not wait for the condition to worsen before seeking expert advice.
JSS: As an author and collaborator, what are some goals you hope to achieve with JSS?
Dr. Cao: I hope to promote interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and healthcare professionals of various fields and specialties.