What is the difference between the AAD and the AADA?
Asked and Answered
February 1, 2026
The AAD is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, meaning it operates primarily for educational, scientific, and charitable purposes. This includes offering opportunities in professional development, continuing medical education, and patient and public education. The AAD also hosts networking events like Innovation Academy and the AAD Annual Meeting. Because of its charitable and educational status, the AAD cannot engage in political lobbying activities.
The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) is a 501c6 organization that serves as the AAD’s advocacy arm. Its mission centers on representing dermatologists in legislative, regulatory, and payer issues at both federal and state levels. Through its political action committee, SkinPAC, the AADA advocates for policies that support dermatologists and patient care, such as Medicare payment reform. It also organizes the annual Legislative Conference, connecting dermatologists with lawmakers to discuss issues affecting the specialty.
While closely linked and often working together, they are distinct entities due to IRS requirements separating charitable and advocacy activities
AADA advocacy
Learn more about the Academy’s advocacy efforts.
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