So, you want to be on the AAD board of directors?
From the President
Dr. Kaufmann served as Academy president from March 2022 to March 2023.
By Mark Kaufmann, MD, FAAD, July 1, 2022
I can certainly understand why (and relate). The AAD’s officers and Board members lead the world’s largest dermatologic society, representing more than 20,000 physicians specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of medical, surgical, and cosmetic skin, hair, and nail conditions. It’s an exciting and massive undertaking, and I can personally attest that serving on the Board of Directors has been one of the most rewarding and satisfyingly challenging experiences of my career.
You’ve likely read that the Academy is currently seeking nominations of qualified members to be considered for officers, directors, and Nominating Committee member representatives in the 2023 AAD election. Maybe it piqued your interest, but you’re not sure if you’re up for the task. Maybe you’re not sure where to start. While I can’t begin to cover all that Board service entails in this column, I can walk you through what you’ll need to know before applying.
When you serve on the Academy’s Board of Directors, you are agreeing to work on behalf of the entire membership. The ultimate role of an AAD Board member is to act in the best interest of the specialty as a whole and be faithful to the Academy’s vision, mission, and strategic goals.
Academy governance
Access information on the governance of the Academy and the official bodies that oversee management of the organization.
From a professional standpoint, Academy Board directors and officers have broad-based knowledge and experience in dermatology. They understand the organizational structure of the Academy, and the governance and management roles of the members and staff. Our Board members must also be able to understand fiscal dynamics effectively and work with and build consensus among diverse groups. On a personal level, our Board members must possess honesty and integrity. They must be accessible and responsive, put their own opinions aside for the greater good of dermatology, and have a strong work ethic. Sound like you so far? …Wait, there’s more…
Beyond personal and professional qualifications, serving on a professional board requires three over-arching obligations: care, loyalty, and responsibility. Regarding duty of care, our directors are prepared, and they participate. They exercise ordinary and reasonable care in the performance of their duties, do what a prudent person would do after reasonable inquiry in a similar position under similar circumstances, and they’re informed and protect confidential information.
In terms of loyalty, successful boards are faithful to the organization. They put aside personal agendas, manage conflicts of interest, act in good faith, and serve as an ambassador to the specialty. Finally, our Board members uphold their duty of obedience by acting consistently with the Academy’s mission, purposes, articles of incorporation, bylaws, policies and procedures, and external laws. Academy Board members accept and abide by the Board’s decisions, even if you voted against them, and members act only as a body of the whole.
As I said, serving on the Board is an enormous responsibility. Board members are tasked with focusing on the big picture. While Board members are the drivers of the organization, the Academy’s governance structure is the engine. The Board is the place to think outside the box, be creative, and discuss and offer differing perspectives.
For me, it has been an experience like none other — if you wish to apply, the time is now! Do you have what it takes to lead the Academy forward or know someone who does? I’m willing to bet that if you’re reading this, you not only have the interest but the ability — to which I say, go for it! View reference materials and submit nominations and letters of support at staging.aad.org/aadnominations.
Do you have what it takes to lead?
View reference materials and submit nominations and letters of support at staging.aad.org/aadnominations.
