WDS Academic Dermatologists Interest Group Luncheon

For the first time ever, the WDS Academic Dermatologist Committee hosted a very successful luncheon in conjunction with the Society of Investigative Dermatology on May 7, 2009 in Montreal, Canada. Well-attended by 70 people, the event was co-hosted by Drs. Clara Curiel-Lewandrowski, Suephy Chen, and Amy Paller. Entitled, "Pearls from the Jewel Box of Academia" the program featured five speakers, including Lisa Beck, MD, Suephy Chen, MD, MS, Angela Christiano, PhD, Kathleen Green, PhD, and Amy Paller, MD.

Dr. Curiel-Lewandrowski served as event facilitator and asked each speaker to share her life experiences in the dermatology field, how they ended up where they are today, and what obstacles they had encountered as a woman in the field of science and medicine. Specific advice on how to develop an academic niche, and the relevance of establishing successful mentorship(s) were some of the many topics addressed by the featured speakers.

The panelists conveyed important lessons by sharing their personal experiences and insights to benefit the next generation of women in academic dermatology--including the need for an early understanding about the challenges that come with such a lifestyle choice, and at the same time how fun, satisfying, and enriching a career in academic dermatology can be.

Current SID president, Dr. Richard Clark and his wife, Dr. Marcia Tonnesen (WDS member since 2003), also participated in the event. Dr. Clark has extended an invitation to the WDS to host the luncheon again at their 2010 SID Annual Meeting in Atlanta, GA.

Thanks to the WDS Academic Dermatologists Committee, the committee co-chairs, Drs. Kathy Schwarzenberger and Kelly Cordoro, and co-hosts of the luncheon for their meticulous planning.

Pre-event information available here