Balloons, New Orleans jazz, and flaming Baked Alaska set the tone for the 2002 Women's Dermatologic Society's Annual Luncheon Meeting. Over 500 members and guests met in the New Orleans Hilton Riverside Grand Ballroom for what was later described as a "fast-paced and innovative" meeting. Several changes were made in the luncheon in an attempt to increase member interaction and allow people to become better acquainted with each other. First, seating was assigned on a random basis with each attendee drawing a table number from a hat. A few "reunion" tables were offered for those who wanted to sit with old friends.

In a more dramatic departure from WDS tradition, the speaker was replaced by a facilitator, Carole Robin , Ph. D., a professional organizational consultant and senior partner of the Avista Consulting Group. Lisa Garner, MD, Chair of the Annual Luncheon Committee explained the thought behind the change: "We (Drs. Susan Weinkle and Garner) wanted to target the WDS goals of networking and mentoring and felt that if we could provide a situation that would allow members to meet and interact with each other, we would be working toward those goals."

Attendees were paired with others at the table and were asked to describe something that contributed to their personal and/or professional development. Each person then shared this information with the rest of the table. Members of the WDS Executive Committee, Board of Directors and others served as volunteer table facilitators. A lively (and in some cases, loud!) and meaningful discussion resulted at most tables.

An informal survey of participants after the luncheon elicited overwhelmingly positive comments. Many responders felt the exercise allowed them to meet people they might not have otherwise. One person commented that the random seating "made the meeting inclusive, not exclusive." When asked what could have made the session better, the most frequent response was "more time." One self-professed introvert admitted she felt the exercise was intrusive and uncomfortable. Some people missed the usual luncheon speaker. Overall, however, most polled enjoyed the experience.

Dr. Robin felt the exercise was a "big success". She commented: "I (also) commend the WDS leadership in trying something new and different at the Annual Luncheon. This choice reflects a desire to grow and advance the WDS in innovative and creative ways, and it reflects a value that is fundamental to any thriving and vital organization."

The annual business meeting was conducted during the luncheon. Seventy-two new members were welcomed, bringing to active WDS membership to 854. Several Bylaws changes were approved . The 2002 Mentorship Award Winners were announced; 21 mentorships were funded this year. The recipients of the 2002 International Travel Awards and 2001 WDS Career Development Grant Program Awards we re recognized, and the 2002 slate of candidates for WDS Officers and Board of Directors was presented for membership approval.

The highlight of the business meeting was presentation of the annual WDS awards. Nia Terezakis, M.D. was honored with the 2002 Rose Hirshler Award. This annual award recognizes a physician who has made significant contributions to medicine and dermatology, and who has enhanced the role of women in dermatology. Dr. Terezakis, who has a lengthy list of accomplishments in dermatology, received the award in her hometown, where she is in private practice.

A new WDS award recognizing an individual who has contributed to the success of women in dermatology at the global level was presented for the first time. Japan's Kazue Ohara, M.D., Ph.D. was awarded the International Pioneer Award for Distinguished Women in Dermatology. Dr. Ohara's many accomplishments as a dermatologist and mentor were cited.

Two discretionary awards were presented to WDS members of note. June K. Robinson, MD was awarded the Wilma Bergfeld, MD Visionary and Leadership Award. This award is given at the discretion of the Awards Committee and Board of Directors to an individual felt to have been a trailblazer for women in dermatology. Dr. Robinson was honored for her academic achievements, as well as for her leadership in the WDS and other organizations in dermatology.

Special recognition went to Sandra I. Read, MD, an active member of the WDS and editor of the newsletter. Dr. Susan Weinkle presented Dr. Read the WDS President's Award in recognition of her efforts on behalf of the Society.

Members were asked at the end of the Luncheon what the WDS should consider in planning future luncheons. Most who responded supported continuing the interactive format. Some recommended that more directed discussion topics, such as business topics, time management, etc. be offered. Another member requested time to hear more about activities of the WDS. One comment seemed to sum up the overall feeling of the luncheon and suggested that the "experiment" was a success: "This was a great idea. Do it again-make us meet each other!"