Flimflammers.
From the Editor
Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of DermWorld.
By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, March 1, 2025
My new favorite word for 2025. As much as I would love to take credit for this perfect word, I must thank our esteemed DermWorld Editorial Advisor Dr. Bryan Carroll for bringing it front and center this month in his What’s Hot column about predatory journals. We started the discussion on this topic last year in our feature on predatory conferences and journals. This month, we delve more deeply into the topic of fraudulent research and the paper mills that support it. Distinguishing between authentic and fraudulent works can be challenging. It is something our journal editors and reviewers face when reviewing manuscripts, as well as something readers need to be aware of when reading the literature. Fortunately, there are red flags to watch for and tools you can use to ensure your sources of medical knowledge are authentic. Dermatology is lucky enough to have high-quality, high impact factor journals to learn from. Avoid the flimflammers!
Is there a perfect time to start a family? There are many factors involved in the decision of when — and if — to have children and the choices are deeply personal, with both internal and external forces contributing. The timing for physicians is particularly complex, as our extended years of training overlap with those during which many would choose to start a family. Assistant Editor Emily Margosian shares the family stories of several of our colleagues, who offer insightful advice for anyone considering the same path. Being a doctor is tough; being a doctor and parent is tougher, with challenges many of us might not appreciate. I encourage everyone to read this meaningful article; even if you are not yourself planning a family at this time, you may be in a position to support others who are. I was incredibly fortunate to have colleagues who fully supported me when I had a child 24 years ago, and I cannot emphasize enough how much it meant to me.
Not infrequently, I see comments on social media from dermatologists asking “What is the AAD doing about [insert your favorite hot topic]” or “Why isn’t the AAD doing something about [insert your favorite hot topic]?” Usually, by the time I read it, someone has already replied with the appropriate response, because almost always, the AAD/A has taken action when the issue at hand is in their purview. This month, we show how the Academy works together with our state societies to address critical advocacy issues, such as scope of practice laws, prior authorization, treatment coverage, and payment issues. I am always happy to respond to help our members understand what the Academy is doing, but I often want to turn the question around and ask what THEY are doing to help. After all, who is the Academy anyway? It is us, working together with our amazing, dedicated staff, to further our goals on behalf of our specialty and our patients. I encourage everyone to be part of the solution and to take part in our organization.
March is always a bittersweet month, as we say thank you to our leaders who have served our organization so well during this past year. Dr. Desai, your enthusiasm and esprit de corps are unparalleled and your focus on unity was a wonderfully positive message. Thanks, too, to Dr. Yag-Howard and the outgoing Board members. I would like to offer a special shoutout to our outgoing Secretary Treasurer, Dr. Dan Bennett, who served for six years with grace and integrity. The bar is set high for our incoming officers; we look forward to great things in the upcoming year!
