We asked Doctors why they are passionate about treating HS

Hope for HS is fortunate to collaborate with a number of dedicated HS specialists.  We asked them why they are passionate about treating HS.


I am passionate about HS because I am passionate about the patients and their caregivers. I am passionate about their love of life and resilience. I am thankful to be witness to these patients who are an example of what the human spirit can endure and overcome. If a small portion of my career can help in reducing their suffering and telling their story then I will be fulfilled. I have never met a community like this and it is an honor to serve our HS patients and their caregivers. Iltefat Hamzavi, MD

When I first started treating HS, I remember feeling helpless because there was so little to offer. It’s a horrible disease and I wanted to help figure out how we can help patients with HS. Steve Daveluy, MD

HS can be a very difficult condition to live with, but my HS patients inspire me with their resilience every day. There is so much need for more medical providers to do a better job recognizing and treating HS better, and I want to be part of a movement that provides better care for patients with HS. Chris Sayed, MD

I see patients every week who have progressed to severe stage due to not receiving effective treatment for years before I see them in clinic. I think lack of full understanding of the etiology of HS and diagnosis delays has led to poor outcomes. In addition, there are fewer options in terms of approved treatments compared to conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.  We not only need earlier diagnosis and referral for treatment but also desperately need better options for effective treatment. I am involved in several therapeutic trials with the goal of putting new treatments on the market. I also believe a global approach to HS management is needed requiring a multidisciplinary approach to HS with not only dermatology involvement, but also primary care, psychology/psychiatry, pain medicine, surgery, rheumatology, gastroenterology, and endocrinology involvement etc. as appropriate based on screening for risk factors. This requires educating different specialties about the condition and engaging them early in the care. In addition, there is a significant disparity with studies citing higher prevalence in black patients and in women. Black patients are also known to have more severe disease activity compared to non-black patients. I want to understand the factors that play a role in disease activity; my translational research focuses on understanding this disparity and the role of hormones in HS disease activity. I feel grateful to have the opportunity to take care of the patients with HS and work hard to provide individualized treatment plans which have the potential to lead to clinical improvement. I feel true joy when my patients get better, and it motivates me to provide the best care I can every single time. Tara Jaleel, MD