State society resources

The Advisory Board’s (AB) mission is to protect, promote, and preserve the interests of dermatologists by providing a forum for Academy members to present policy proposals for consideration by the Academy’s Board of Directors.

• Advisory Board Portal

Leadership Development – Onsite Retreat: Retreats are generally held with approximately 8-12 leaders from a state society (usually their BOD members). Typically, two members of the State Society Relationships Committee and one to two AAD staff members attend in order to provide assistance with strategic planning and to share examples and ideas from other societies. The agenda varies based on the needs of the individual society, but often includes bylaws and organizational structure review, advocacy planning, membership communication and engagement strategies, and strategic planning.

State Society Planning and Strategy – Onsite Meeting: This can be held with the State Society Administrator and/or members of the State Society Executive Committee. The State Society Relationship Manager will meet in person to assist with administrative oversight, society assessment and organizational advancement, board development, and general planning. 

Academy Update Program: Speakers are available to provide your society with an update regarding the Academy’s current projects and initiatives on behalf of physicians, patients, and the specialty of dermatology. This initiative is intended to enhance communication between the Academy and state societies and provide an avenue for dermatology societies to offer input into the Academy’s programs and services. Submit a request for an AAD Update.

To take advantage of these programs, contact Lisa Albany, Director, State Policy.

Member Engagement: Be part of the inspiring effort among dermatologists dedicated to helping patients, communities, and the specialty. 

• Volunteer opportunities: Learn about the Academy's volunteer programs.

• Academy councils, committees, and task forces: Your willingness to get involved is important to the strategic direction of the AAD. The mission and activities of a committee provide leadership and direction on a variety of AAD initiatives. Each year the appointment application is available mid-April through June 30. Leadership approves appointments in November/December.

These toolkits provide information for state societies to get involved in AAD community engagement programs.

Community outreach toolkits:

• Shade Structure Program

• Skin Cancer Check Program

• Good Skin Knowledge Program

• Media guidance and training 

Evaluating Practice Models: As traditional practice models may give way to new, innovative practice models, the Academy offers resources and guidance to ensure that you are prepared to choose a path that's right for you.

Directions in Residency: Dermatology World Directions in Residency is published quarterly by the American Academy of Dermatology Association. The publication includes features that will help you make the most of your residency experience and prepare you for the next stages of your career.

Career launch: A comprehensive list of Academy resources for young physicians. 

The Academy's Practice Resource Center offers practical, dermatologist-specific resources that help simplify administrative burdens and ease stress.

• Coding resources

• MIPS reporting guide

• Prior authorization assistance

• Clinical guidelines

• Evaluating practice models

• Compliance resources

• AAD's DataDerm 

• Webinars

• Drug pricing and availability

Grant opportunities
The AADA’s State Advocacy Grant Program provides financial assistance to state dermatology societies for the advancement of their health policy initiatives, including state lobbying expenses. Grants are allocated on an annual basis. Completed applications are reviewed by the AADA State Policy Committee and are approved by the AADA Council on Government Affairs and Health Policy (GAHP Council). 

Scholarship opportunities 
Resident Scholarship to Legislative Conference: The American Academy of Dermatology Association’s (AADA) Legislative Conference offers a unique opportunity for residents to learn how federal legislation will impact the future of dermatology and sit down with members of Congress to discuss the most pressing health policy issues facing the specialty.

Award opportunities
Model State Award: To further establish strength and ongoing capacity throughout state dermatology societies nationwide, the Model State Award recognizes elements that ensure that state dermatology societies are operating to their fullest and are best positioned for growth, ongoing success, and ability to impact the specialty.

Excellence Award: To recognize and share key best practices with state dermatology societies nationwide, the Excellence Awards recognize specific efforts that directly support the strategic objectives of the Academy. Categories include:

• Excellence in Advocacy

• Excellence in Community Impact

• Excellence in Programs/Events

• Excellence in Innovation

• Excellence in Member Engagement

• Excellence in Resident Engagement

• Excellence in Strategic Alliances/Coalition Participation

• Annual Meeting

  • Networking Reception: This reception takes place on Friday night during the Academy's Annual Meeting. The reception is open to society staff and leadership, including incoming officers and immediate past presidents. The 2019 Networking Reception was Friday, March 1, 2019.

  • State Executives Conference: A daylong conference designed especially for society executives and administrators. The program covers a variety of topics including membership engagement, communication tips and strategies, and policy updates. The conference also provides valuable networking opportunities between participants and Academy staff. The conference is held the Thursday before the start of the Annual Meeting. Watch for updates on the 2019 conference.

  • State Officers Luncheon: State Society Officers will be invited to attend a networking luncheon at the Annual Meeting. Watch your email for the 2019 date.

• Leadership Institute

  • Leadership Forum: Designed for early-career dermatologists in private practice and academics, the forum is an interactive and enriching weekend to advance leadership and communication skills while networking with colleagues and Academy leaders.

  • Academic Dermatology Leadership Program: The ADLP is a comprehensive year-long program that includes the Leadership Forum plus two additional face-to-face training sessions, as well as a mentor relationship. 

  • Advanced Leadership Forum: Designed for mid-career level dermatologists, the forum is an interactive and enriching weekend to advance leadership and communication skills while networking with colleagues and Academy leaders.

• AAD Mentorship Program

  • Become a mentor

  • Find a mentor

• Leadership Summit: A program each year that is scheduled before the start of the Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. and designed exclusively for state society officers. Information is sent in the early spring. Interactive sessions are facilitated on the following topics: 

  • Membership recruitment, retention, and engagement

  • Finance and revenue

  • Leadership development - grooming board members and board development

  • Planning/organizing a meeting

  • Advisory Board representation to the AAD Board of Directors

• Innovation Academy

• Advocacy priorities

• Compounded medications

• Drug access & affordability

• Physician payment

• Skin cancer & tanning

• Scope of practice

• Pending state legislation

• Advocacy Action Center

• Impacting State Policy - Position Statements

• State Advocacy Grants

• SkinPAC