The Academy has something for everyone
From the President
Dr. Thiers served as Academy president from March 2020 to March 2021.
By Bruce Thiers, MD, January 1, 2021
Welcome, 2021! January always brings the inevitable questions about New Year’s resolutions and change, so what’s in store for you this year? Are you considering retirement? Perhaps you’re just embarking on your career as a newly minted dermatologist. No matter where you are in your career path, the Academy has resources to help with the transition.
Physicians getting ready to retire
After years of service to patients, some of you may be considering closing up shop. There’s a lot to consider when closing a practice, but the AADA’s Practice Management Center has all the information you need. Looking to sell your practice? The Academy can help you calculate its fair value. Not sure what to do with your medical records or how to assist other physicians who work for you? The Academy has tips you can use.
Also, check out the Academy’s newly revised Valuing, Selling, or Closing a Dermatology Practice Manual for tips on how to evaluate your practice’s worth, key strategies for a successful sale, and advice on meeting requirements for record retention, staff or patient notification, legal, and accounting issues.
Young Physician Focus
The DermWorld Young Physician Focus publication provides early-career dermatologists the most relevant news, information, and resources they need to establish a thriving career. Look for it each month in DermWorld Weekly.
Finally, if you plan to retire you may be eligible for Life Membership. Academy Life Members are no longer required to pay dues but retain the benefits of their membership category. Per the AAD Bylaws, the Life Membership category is open to all retired Academy members who have been a member for at least 30 years, or members who are permanently disabled and retired from practice. The application can be found online on your account page on the menu to the left.
Physicians just getting started
Maybe retirement isn’t even on the horizon and you just need help getting started. Again, the Academy has dozens of resources that can assist. The Leadership Institute allows you to connect with your peers and potential mentors through the Academy’s various mentor/mentee and leadership programs. Need some advice on what practice model is right for you? The Academy offers the ins and outs of various practice settings such as solo, multi-specialty, military, and more. Want to keep current on your clinical skills? Find out how you can get access to the Academy’s Question of the Week, Case Challenge, JAAD, and clinical guidelines. Check out all the resources you need to launch a successful career.
One of the things I love most about our specialty is that we come from various walks of life. No two dermatologists are the same — we focus on different subspecialties, we work in different practice models, and we sometimes walk different career paths. That being said, the Academy has something to offer every member. No matter where you are in your career, the Academy is with you every step of the way.
