Shawna Flanagan, MD, FAAD
As a Blue Visionary Donor, Dr. Flanagan shows that philanthropy can begin at home
Donor Spotlight
By Dean Monti, Managing Editor, Special Publications, August 1, 2024
In this column, DermWorld highlights individual members who have gone above and beyond with their Academy contributions.
Ever the one to keep herself active and vital, Dr. Flanagan has recently turned to volunteerism and philanthropy. “The past five years I have been transitioning into an ‘empty nest’ as both my son and daughter went away to college. I discovered I enjoyed the volunteer work I have done with the AAD and volunteered my services for the practice management committee as well as working with the AAD on philanthropy.”
Dr. Flanagan is a member of the AAD’s Philanthropic Relations Committee. It fits in nicely with her world view, priorities, and schedule.
Saying ‘thank you’ to dermatology
“I’ve always believed in philanthropy and giving back. Over the years I didn't have as much time and would give financially. As I have been out of residency now for almost 30 years, I find volunteering helps combat some of the burnout I was beginning to experience.”
In addition to being a board-certified dermatologist and accomplished Mohs surgeon, Dr. Flanagan has volunteered at the University of Miami Department of Dermatology Surgery Clinic, as well as the AAD. She has served on the boards of both the Florida Society of Dermatologic Surgery (where she also served as president) and the Florida Academy of Dermatology. For Dr. Flanagan, pursuing volunteer opportunities and philanthropy was about paying it forward — figuratively and literally. “I enjoy these new endeavors and what better way to say thank you to dermatology for allowing me to have a fabulous career throughout my life than to give back to the AAD?”
Blue Visionaries
In recent years, Dr. Flanagan became an AAD Blue Visionary level donor. Blue Visionary level donors are at the $5000+ level and provide the financial foundation for the Academy’s flagship programs (like Camp Discovery). Members contributing at this level are recognized as “Blue Visionary” for their forethought and commitment to the future of philanthropic efforts. Seeing the impact of giving inspired her to do more. “I wanted my colleagues in dermatology to know that if they became AAD Blue Visionary level donors, they could see what programs their donations would help fund, including Camp Discovery which has grown so much over the past 30 years.”
A “Visionary” event
Giving as a way of living
Dr. Flanagan has seen her contributions — and other major donations — working for the Academy. She cited Camp Discovery as a prime example. “This past year at the President’s Gala in San Diego, she was moved by a speaker who had been a camper at AAD’s Camp Discovery. “She had alopecia universalis as a child. She has now gone through nursing school and is an RN and works for Camp Discovery, which she credits for all her success in life. It was a very touching story. Stories like these make you want to contribute in any way you can.” Learn more about giving to the AAD and the Blue Visionary level of donation.
Are you interested in holding an event in your area?
Contact chernandez@aad.org to learn more about how you can get involved.
