Four Questions with Dr. Yoshiyuki Mochida

Our Spotlight section features a medical professional whose work regularly impacts the lives of pemphigus and pemphigoid patients. Get to know a new physician, researcher, or other medical professional who knows these diseases best. This issue, we’re featuring Dr. Yoshiyuki Mochida.

Dr. Mochida is a Clinical Professor and Principal Investigator at the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine.

How did you become interested in pemphigus and pemphigoid (P/P)?

As a dentist-scientist, I am interested in researching rare dental/craniofacial diseases. I also direct and teach oral biology, oral immunology, and dental genetics courses using examples of several rare diseases affecting the oral cavity. In 2015, my dental school was approached by the IPPF to integrate patient education woven into the dental school curriculum. At that time, I was initiating a patient seminar series where patients with rare dental diseases were our speakers. As I needed to know which rare disease organization was interested in educating our dental students about rare diseases that included dental issues, I contacted the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and started collaborating with them. Ms. Mary Dunkle (Vice President of Educational Initiatives) generously helped me with identifying NORD’s member organizations that were interested in dental education. NORD also introduced me to the IPPF, and our mutual need was met. That’s how I started working with and getting more involved with the IPPF.

What is one thing you’d want all patients to know early on in their journey with P/P?

It is important to work closely with your healthcare team, including dentists, to manage your symptoms and prevent complications. It is good to know dentists who have had special training and are consequently more knowledgeable about P/P conditions such as oral surgeons, oral medicine dentists, and oral pathologists.

What can patients do to better advocate for themselves?

Communicating clearly with your healthcare team is the first step to better advocate for yourself. Keeping a record and track of your first symptoms will help you communicate effectively with your healthcare team and ensure you will receive appropriate care.

What is one fun fact about yourself?

I love taking walks with my golden retriever, Lulu.