DWI&I Holiday Greeting 2024
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD
Dec. 18, 2024
Vol. 6, No. 50
How are you now that 2024 is about to conclude? I’m sure there are many emotions, from relief to anxiety, and from hope to despair. I concluded my holiday greetings in 2023 stating, “The new year is a time for resolutions. For me, this year will be a time for prayer instead. I am not naïve in expecting miracles overnight. I hope that rancor can be replaced by civil discourse and respect for others. Only then can we work toward a more peaceful world.”
We are all aware of sources of worldwide strife. Prayers are still in order, and so are thanks. Regarding the presidency, I can say unequivocally that I am delighted with the performance of our leader — Seemal Desai. His platform of “Unity” for general dermatologists, pediatric dermatologists, dermatologic surgeons, and dermatopathologists serves our specialty well. His dedication and ability to address the socioeconomic stresses facing us have been handled with skill, aplomb, and grace, whether at our meetings or on Capitol Hill.
I was honored to deliver the Everett C. Fox, MD memorial lecture this past summer at the Innovation Academy in Seattle. The talk was titled “Permanencies Amidst Innovation,” noting that we heed Heraclitus’s dictum, “The only constant is change,” by remembering Maimonides’s prayer for the physician to strengthen us in body and instill a perfect spirit.
Every year, I count my blessings that I am a dermatologist. The work is fascinating, scientifically stimulating, and, most importantly, therapeutically rewarding for our patients. How fortunate are we to be in the throes of changes that have expanded the lifespan for patients with advanced melanoma, allowed patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis to feel “normal,” and have patients with alopecia totalis look at their recovered mane in the mirror?
A quarter-century ago, we collectively held our breath anticipating the Y2K cyber-Armageddon. The fears were unfounded — we survived. It is understandable to be anxious about what awaits us in 2025. We can take solace in knowing that resilience, humility, dedication, purpose, and love can make the world a better place for us, our families, our patients, our country, and the world.
On behalf of the editors and staff of DWI&I, I wish you and your loved ones a healthy, safe, and peaceful 2025 and beyond.
Sincerely,
Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD
All content found on Dermatology World Insights and Inquiries, including: text, images, video, audio, or other formats, were created for informational purposes only. The content represents the opinions of the authors and should not be interpreted as the official AAD position on any topic addressed. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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