Midterm check-in: How I’ve been helping support dermatologists so they can help their patients
From the President
By Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD, October 1, 2025
Taking care of dermatologists so that they can take care of their patients...and their practices
Dear members,
Last month, I officially moved into the second half of my term as your president. During that time, I have been tremendously busy fighting, both domestically and abroad, for dermatologists to ensure they have enough support to help their patients. I would like to use my column this month to provide a brief rundown of the places I’ve been.
In late March, in my first official international trip as president, I attended an international exchange program in China titled, “Trip to Best Practices: JAAD Editor-in-Chief and AAD President’s AAD Workshop.” This program was designed to establish an academic exchange platform for dermatologists, fostering collaborations in clinical diagnosis, treatment, and scientific research between China and the international community. I visited dermatology clinics and hospitals in four cities in China including Beijing, Nanjing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou, and I delivered seven lectures. Each workshop was followed by a very elaborate luncheon or dinner — which unfortunately resulted in a 10-pound weight gain!
In April, I gave two lectures at the Brazilian Congress of Dermatologic Surgery. The purpose of my visit was to provide education for Brazilian dermatologists, foster collaborations, create good will, and share ideas. While this was not an AAD-sponsored activity, the Brazilians were anxious to discuss the AAD meeting and opportunities for membership. I was particularly interested to learn that Brazilian dermatologists face similar challenges to us at home with non-physician clinicians and scope of practice.
In May, I flew to Valencia, Spain, to attend the meeting of the Academia Española de Dermatología y Venereología (Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venerology) to promote collaboration, strengthen goodwill, exchange ideas, and advance educational opportunities with Spanish dermatologists, including Yolanda Gilaberte, MD, IFAAD, president of the AEDV. It was great to build relationships with our Spanish colleagues, and while there I accepted an award on behalf of the AAD recognizing the Academy for its support of the AEDV.
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In June, I ventured north to the Canadian Dermatology Association Annual Conference, where I met with their president, Gabriele Weichert, MD, FAAD. I delivered lectures titled, “International Perspectives” and “Scarring Alopecia.” I was surprised to learn that there are only 800 dermatologists across the Provinces and that Canadian dermatologists face similar challenges to us at home with meeting the demands of patients with a shortage of dermatologists in certain areas. I left with a sense of accomplishment that our relationship with our Canadian colleagues was stronger than it was before I arrived.
While international relationship building is important, I still made sure to advocate for dermatologists here in the United States. In June, I attended the AMA House of Delegates Annual Meeting, and in July I attended the National Medical Association’s Convention & Scientific Assembly. It is crucial that we fight to ensure dermatology not only has a place in the house of medicine, but a valued and respected one.
Of course, I would be remiss to not discuss the many great Academy-sponsored events I attended here in the U.S., including the Industry Summit in April, the Leadership Forum in May, the Innovation Academy in July, Camp Discovery in August, and the Legislative Conference in September. Our Academy truly does have a multitude of chances for members to get involved and help shape the future of our Academy, and I encourage everyone to attend as many events as they can.
These past six months have been the opportunity of a lifetime, and I thank you all for trusting me with this role. I expect the next six to be just as productive and meaningful!
Until next time, all my best,
Susan
