Prof. Dr. Valle Yan

Prof. Dr. Yan Valle
Vitiligo Research Foundation (New York, USA)

AI in patient education: Insights from a multi-year vitiligo use case

Author: Yan Valle
VR Foundation & Vitiligo.ai

Patient education is a cornerstone of chronic dermatological care, yet significant gaps persist due to limited specialist availability, inconsistent information, and barriers to psychosocial support. This presentation explores insights from the multi-year implementation of Vitiligo.ai, an innovative artificial intelligence-driven digital companion designed to bridge these gaps. Launched publicly in September 2023 and recognized at last year’s PDI Dermatological Congress, Vitiligo.ai leverages advanced large language models (ChatGPT 4o and DeepSeek R1) enhanced by specialized dermatological knowledge and ethical guidelines to deliver personalized, multimodal (text, audio, video) patient support.
Through engagement with over 1,200 vitiligo patients achieving a 94% satisfaction rate, the project has provided valuable insights into effectively integrating AI into patient education and support workflows. This presentation will discuss key lessons learned, practical considerations for successful AI implementation, and future opportunities to expand AI-driven patient education in dermatology. Attendees will gain actionable knowledge on how to leverage AI technology to enhance patient outcomes, healthcare accessibility, and psychosocial wellbeing.

Scurt CV

Distinguished leader in vitiligo research and patient advocacy with extensive expertise in digital health technologies and artificial intelligence. Executive Director of the Vitiligo Research Foundation and pioneer of global health initiatives.

Academic Position
Invited Professor (2014-present)
Università degli Studi Guglielmo Marconi, Rome, Italy
• Specializing in multidisciplinary research and digital health applications

Executive Experience
Executive Director (2010-present)
Vitiligo Research Foundation, New York, USA
• Leading global initiatives including World Vitiligo Day and Vitiligo CloudBank

Areas of Expertise
• Digital Health Technologies
• Artificial Intelligence in Dermatology
• Global Health Initiatives
• Patient Advocacy and Research Management

Selected Publications
Yan Valle has authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed articles in dermatology and vitiligo research. Notable publications include:
– Mapping the Vitiligo Patient Journey – Frontiers in Rehabilitation Science, 2025
– World Vitiligo Day: Real-World Impact – Frontiers in Medicine, 2024
– Mental Health Burden Among Vitiligo Patients – JAMA Dermatology, 2023
– Exploring the Natural and Treatment History of Vitiligo – British Journal of Dermatology, 2023
– Emerging Drugs for Vitiligo Treatment – Expert Opinion on Emerging Drugs, 2020

Books and Monographs
– A No-Nonsense Guide To Vitiligo (2nd edition, 2024)
– Vitiligo: A Step-By-Step Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment And Prophylaxis (2017)
– Methods of Vitiligo Treatment (2016)
For a full list of publications, visit Google Scholar.