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A February reflection on love — Love of dermatology, community, and family
From the President
Dr. Desai served as Academy president from March 2024 to March 2025.
By Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD, February 1, 2025
As we enter February, the month traditionally devoted to love, I find it an especially meaningful time to reflect on the things that bind us together — our passion for dermatology, our commitment to our dermatologic community, and the love and support of our families. These three pillars not only define who we are but also fuel our mission to continue advancing our specialty and improving the lives of our patients.
Love of dermatology: Our shared passion
Every day as dermatologists, we are privileged to witness the profound impact of our work. Whether it’s diagnosing a life-threatening condition, providing relief for chronic skin disorders, or enhancing a patient’s confidence through aesthetic treatments, the love for dermatology is a constant driving force. It is the curiosity about the skin’s complexity, the joy in helping others, and the excitement of continued learning that unite us all. As members of the Academy, we share a deep commitment to advancing dermatology, advocating for the best interests of our patients, and continually pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve in the field.
This month, as we celebrate love, I invite you to reflect on why you chose dermatology. What was it about this field that captured your heart? And how can we, as a community, continue to foster that passion in the next generation of dermatologists?
Love of community: Strength in unity
Our love for dermatology is mirrored by our love for the vibrant community we’ve built within the AAD. The AAD has long served as a cornerstone of support, collaboration, and innovation in our field. In the midst of an ever-changing health care landscape, our shared values — patient-centered care, advocacy, education, and professional development — remain steadfast. It is in this community that we find the resources, encouragement, and partnerships necessary to continue growing as clinicians, educators, and researchers.
February serves as a reminder of the importance of community — of standing together, supporting one another, and lifting each other up. Whether it’s through the AAD’s myriad educational programs, advocacy initiatives, or networking opportunities, there is no shortage of ways to engage with and contribute to this community. Let’s continue to strengthen the bonds we share, recognizing that each of us plays a vital role in shaping the future of dermatology.
Love of family: A foundation of support
While our professional lives are deeply fulfilling, we no doubt recognize the importance of family — the personal support systems that allow us to pursue our passions with balance and resilience. Whether it’s our spouses, children, parents, or close friends, the love and encouragement we receive from our families are crucial to our success and well-being. They remind us of the importance of connection, not just as physicians but as human beings.
This February, let’s not only express our love to those who share our personal lives but also consider how we can show appreciation for our families within the dermatologic community. For many of us, family extends beyond our homes to include colleagues, mentors, and trainees who have become integral parts of our professional and personal journeys.
As we continue to celebrate love this month, I encourage each of you to think about the people who have shaped your career and your life. Whether in the clinic, the classroom, or at home, our families — both biological and professional — are essential to who we are and how we thrive.
Looking ahead
As we navigate the challenges and triumphs of the year ahead, let us embrace the spirit of love that unites us in our work and in our lives. Let us continue to support one another, champion our shared passion for dermatology, and be mindful of the foundational love that sustains our careers and families.
As I enter the final months of my presidency, I extend my deepest gratitude for all that you do, and I look forward to another year of collaboration, growth, and service to our patients and community.
The Presidential Spotlight each month is an opportunity for me to highlight
someone who continues to do incredible work for our specialty or even someone who has impacted me on my leadership journey personally.
It is therefore my pleasure this month to honor my daughter Anya S. Desai and my son Armaan S. Desai, as our AAD Presidential Spotlight.
Throughout my journey in dermatology leadership, and in particular leading up to my election and term as president of the AAD, my daughter and son have been a constant source of support, inspiration, humor, and love. With the support of my amazing wife Nimisha, Anya and Armaan have, at this point in their young lives, attended close to a combined 50 dermatology meetings around the world and have been a part my journey every step of the way. Many of you have gotten to know them, having seen them at meetings and events since they were infants. In fact, we oftentimes even joke that they were “born” into the AAD, with their initials A.A.D.!
Most importantly, I want to thank them and let them know how much I appreciate them for having supported my constant travel, evening conference calls, missed sports practices, and juggling of so many personal and professional obligations. As you all know, the theme of my presidency this year has been “Unity of Specialty.” Not only does “unity” mean we as dermatologists remain united in our quest for the best for our specialty and patients, but that “unity” also extends to family and the importance of family love and support. Having my family “united” in their unwavering support of me and all of the sacrifices they have made truly epitomizes this sentiment. I can wholeheartedly say that I could not have fully dedicated myself to the AAD or to this dream of mine of serving as your president without their constant support and backing. Anya and Armaan have been blessed to have gotten to know so many of you along the way, and this early exposure to our amazing dermatology specialty may even lead to some future dermatologists in the Desai family someday!
To Anya and Armaan: I love you both and am so proud to be your dad! Thank you for being the best children your parents could ever have asked for! It is therefore my honor to recognize you both with this month’s AAD Presidential Spotlight with special distinction for your constant love and support.
The American Academy of Dermatology is a non-profit professional organization and does not endorse companies or products. Advertising helps support our mission.
