Welcome to your spring edition of Aesthetic Medical Practitioner magazine. The last few months have been difficult for all Australians, and particularly for our Victorian colleagues who have been in lock-down again. 

 For our article The Covid-19 Experience on page 29, we spoke to a number of well-known practitioners across Australia to get their insight into the impact of COVID-19 on their practices. They have been refreshingly open about their experiences and this makes for fascinating reading, especially their insights on how to relate, rebuild and stay relevant during COVID-19. All of them note the importance of safety and being vigilant with regards to having a COVID protocol in place, and Dr Steven Liew’s advice to other practices: be kind to your staff, definitely resonated with me. This sentiment was echoed by Dr Davin Lim, who explains the importance of staff retention, and by Dr Sean Arendse, who emphasises that staff must be supported both emotionally and financially. Dr Michael Molton (CPCA) and Dr Naveen Somia (ASAPS) give an overview of some of the steps their respective organisations have taken on behalf of their members, and all the practitioners who were interviewed recognise the value of connecting with colleagues and being more understanding of others’ needs. 

In this issue, we also talk with UAE-based American board certified dermatologist Dr Hassan Galadari (page 54) about the specific demands of millennials and he shares his insights and advice on strategies to meet their needs. Millennials make up 32% of the world population, and by 2025 they will make up 75% of the work force, so it’s important to understand their unique characteristics and needs, especially with respect to their consultation and their experience of your practice. In this issue, we bring you an amazing cross-section of industry experts sharing their skills and advice over a range of subjects, all relevant to your practice. And, as always, we feature the latest technologies in the aesthetics field and showcase a variety of devices in the market. 

As travel is off the table for the foreseeable future, we also bring you an article on the 12 best virtual museum experiences (page 128) and, for when we are allowed in the air again, a feature on the latest new international museum openings that are a must-do on your bucket list (page 120). COVID-19 is a longer haul than any of us anticipated, and while the road ahead is uncertain, the one thing we do know is that it will end. How we all fare at that time is underpinned by the need to support each other, both individually and as an industry, and by our resilience and strength now. Be kind to each other. 

Michelle Kearney 

Read AMP #23 Online