Dr. Asokan N

Dr. Asokan N is Professor of Dermatology and Associate Dean for Clinical Academics and Research at MES Medical College, Perinthalmanna. With over 33 years of postgraduate teaching experience and continuous involvement in undergraduate medical education since 1989, he is widely recognised for his academic leadership, clinical expertise, and significant contributions to dermatology, medical education, and clinical research.

Dr. Asokan previously served as Head of the Department of Dermatology at Government Medical College, Thrissur, from 2016 onwards. He later held key administrative leadership positions as Principal of Government Medical College, Kozhikode, and Government Medical College, Thrissur between 2023 and 2025, demonstrating his commitment to advancing medical education and healthcare administration.

His academic interests span clinical dermatology, psoriasis, community dermatology, geriatric dermatology, medical education, research methodology, and research capacity-building. Since 2008, he has been actively involved in community-based dermatology research and interventions, particularly through the Thalikulam Health Project and a collaborative project on eczema among elderly persons in the Puthurkkara division of Thrissur Corporation. Conducted in partnership with two NGOs in Thrissur district, these initiatives focused on improving skin health among older adults, with findings published in several reputed medical journals.

A strong advocate of evidence-based practice and continuous professional development, Dr. Asokan has completed several advanced academic programmes from premier institutions. These include PH207X: Health in Numbers – Quantitative Methods in Clinical & Public Health Research offered by Harvard University through EdX (2013), the Health Research Fundamentals course conducted by ICMR–NIE (2015), and the Advanced Course in Medical Education offered by the NMC Nodal Centre at Government Medical College, Kottayam (2022).

Dr. Asokan has an outstanding academic record, with 97 research publications and four book chapters to his credit. He has guided numerous postgraduate research projects and served as both Member and Chairperson of the Institutional Research Committee at Government Medical College, Thrissur. He is an approved PhD Guide under the Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS) and serves as a methodology and content reviewer for university thesis protocols. He has also been a member of the Postgraduate Board of Studies of KUHS.

An active contributor to academic publishing, Dr. Asokan serves as a reviewer for six PubMed-indexed dermatology journals, including journals of the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL). He previously worked as a Language and Content Editor for the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology (IJDVL) and currently serves as its Section Editor. In addition, he is a member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Skin and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (IADVL Kerala), further reflecting his leadership in dermatological research and academic publishing.

Within the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL), Dr. Asokan has held several major leadership roles, including State Treasurer, State President, and Senior National Vice President, reflecting his strong professional commitment to the dermatology community. Since joining MES Medical College in 2025, he has been leading institutional research efforts as Associate Dean of Clinical Academics and Research, heading the MES Centre of Medical Research, and contributing significantly to research capacity-building and academic development within the institution.