Happy November!
From the Editor
Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of DermWorld.
By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, November 1, 2021
When I write my column each month, I try to highlight the most interesting themes. I was struck this month by the diversity of the topics we covered, which is somewhat ironic, since several of the articles address diversity itself! I think this speaks to the many different facets of the diamond that is dermatology. I hope you are all aware of the AAD’s commitment to diversity and inclusion; we are delighted to share initiatives that many of our industry partners are or have undertaken in the same arena. In our June edition, we highlighted many of the seminal contributions dermatologists have made throughout the HIV epidemic; this month, Dr. Harold Brody helps us celebrate the 40th anniversary of GALDA, the Gay and Lesbian Dermatology Association, without which these might have never happened.
Our ever-popular “What’s hot” columns shine this month! If you read nothing else in DermWorld each month (and, of course, I recommend you read it ALL!), read these. Our Editorial Advisory Workgroup members consistently identify relevant topics both in and, quite often, beyond our specialty that should interest all of us. These same Workgroup members also bring forth important articles for our Clinical Applications “deep dive” and I am so appreciative of their insightful selections.
This month, we hope to convince you that “quality improvement” is not just another box to check off your list every year, but that you think of QI as a very doable, and hopefully enjoyable, part of your practice. We have coding updates, a fabulous article about Merkel cell carcinoma, and more.
November is traditionally a month of thanks, and I have more than enough gratitude to offer this year. Most of us have made it through yet another difficult year, with COVID still impacting our personal and professional lives. Some of our colleagues have not been so lucky, and I’m happy when we hear good news from those on the mend. We wish them an uneventful, and hopefully short, recovery. I offer my sincere thanks to the entire DermWorld team, all of whom give 110% each month to produce a high-quality — and great-looking! — magazine that we hope meets the needs of our members. I thank my many colleagues and friends in dermatology who are always there when I need them, whether sending me educational references at the 11th hour (thank you Dr. Markus Boos!), sharing tips on how to negotiate the VA system (thank you Drs. Bob Dellavalle and Carrie Rao!) or working with me here to ensure we provide the best care we can for our patients.
I would be seriously remiss if I didn’t offer a special shout out this month to Dr. Marta Van Beek, whose last column as AAD/A Secretary Treasurer is featured in this issue. On some level, I knew Marta was nearing the end of her term, but the reality sunk in as I read her humorous report. Marta has truly been a force of nature in the Academy over the past several decades, serving in many different capacities before making the six-year commitment to serve as our AST/ST. It would be impossible to chronicle all her accomplishments in this short column, but she has made a lasting impact in the dermatology advocacy and health policy realm, with her successful efforts to establish DataDerm™ being among the finest. I honestly do not where she finds the 36 hours every day to do all that she has done, but I know we are all better for it! Thank you, Marta; you are an inspiration!
Happy November, and happy Thanksgiving to all.
