The inaugural session of the newly formed WDS Academic Interest Group (AIG) was held on March 3, 2006 during the AAD Annual Meeting in San Francisco. An overwhelming response to this initiative was manifested by having more than fifty academic dermatologists from around the country participating in the session.

An introductory statement by Ilona Frieden, MD, was followed by a collage of speakers representing different branches and stages of women in academic dermatology. Three remarkable academic dermatologists, Frances Storrs, MD, Barbara Gilchrest, MD, and Lynne Cornelius, MD, PhD, each spoke from their heart about their personal challenges, rewards, and disappointing experiences in the field. They also provided the audience with “pearls of wisdom” on how to sustain an academic dermatology career.

Following the speakers’ presentation, the participants were divided into smaller discussion groups to collaborate on several relevant topics about how to develop and sustain an academic career. The key topics identified by the steering committee included: the importance of mentorship – how to establish it and sustain it; the need to develop a niche; when to say yes and when to say no; survival skills in academic dermatology; and the importance of participating in faculty development programs.

The enthusiasm and acknowledgment of the need to discuss these various topics was evident throughout the discussion groups. The goal of the AIG is to further identify the key elements enabling women to enroll and remain in academic dermatology, and to provide them with the necessary instruments to achieve their goals. The AIG is currently working on incorporating the results from the discussion group sessions into a national academic survey.

An important element of the AIG initiative is to scientifically support the newly established “Resident and Young Dermatologist Research Grant Program” which has been supported by OrthoNeutrogena.