WDS President's Message September 2002 | News & Information of the Women's Dermatologic Society

The women of the Women's Dermatologic Society continue to be impressive and giving. Whether in academia, private practice, industry or the military, our members must be congratulated on their endeavors. In addition to being capable dermatologists, our members are superb and energetic mentors on a day-to-day basis. Once you have networked into the WDS by participating in meetings, committees, task forces, networking receptions, Fireside Chats, Practice Enhancement Receptions, and/or Retreats, you will feel a part of the family of women and men that foster "achieving the greatest personal and professional" success for women in dermatology.

Whether it is our innate differences in the left and right brain functioning in women compared to men or our socialization as we grow up, women tend to be empathetic, nurturing, and love to be connected with others. Networking with women of different backgrounds is one of the most gratifying and satisfying experiences of being a WDS member. As a private practitioner, I would never have had the opportunity to meet women in academia, industry, military, and other organizations without the Society. WDS interactions allow us to communicate and cross barriers to expand our own world. International barriers are crossed when we are able to meet our colleagues from around the world. How fortunate we are!

On June 30th we held the First International Women's Dermatology Retreat: Examining Dermatology Around the World from a Woman's Perspective. Drs. Jean Bolognia and Boni Elewski spearheaded this Retreat. The team included Drs. Anne Burdick, Marcia Ramos-e-Silva, Sandra Read, and Antonella Tosti. This wonderful event as well as the reception prior to the Retreat was sponsored by Ortho-Neutrogena. Comparisons of the practice styles in dermatology were shared from all around the world. This included information from Europe, South America, Australia, Philippines, Egypt, Brazil, Iceland, Mexico and the United States. A wonderful discussion on the worldwide differences in work schedules for women dermatologists was a key topic along with a survey on issues of balancing work and family. We found that there were definite differences and expectations of women physicians from the various countries.

The mid-year meeting in New York City gave us an opportunity to socialize and network at different venues. Dr. Neil Sadick was very gracious to allow us to hold a WDS Practice Enhancement Reception at his Manhattan office where we met new members and other dermatologists. Not only did we have the chance to socialize, but also we were able to learn about different office practices and new laser technology.

Our WDS Committees and Task Forces were busy at work in the WDS Center. We were able to meet new people as they wandered in. In fact, we signed up our 900th new member, Dr. Nancy Todes-Taylor as she came to visit. Many enjoyed the Networking Reception with renewal of old friendships and meeting new dermatologists. At the Reception, we enjoyed Dr. Hilary Baldwin's twins, Emma and Isabella (not quite a year), our future members. Dr. Karen Burke and her husband, Peter Goulandris, invited the WDS Leadership to their home for a lovely evening dinner party.

A few of the members were assisted in the WDS Center by experts on financial planning and presentation skills. We extracted tips to improve our office efficiency and financial flow. To improve our presentations at the various meetings, WDS members attended a Fireside Chat and were able to talk informally to an expert who gave tips on "How to Give a Talk", "How to Present Slides" and other topics. Former New York City Mayor Rudolf Giuliani, who was the speaker at the Plenary Session of the American Academy of Dermatology, seemed to have learned these skills very well. It was a special time to improve skills for a few of our members.

We are having a Membership Drive. The WDS member that recommends the greatest number of dermatologists who join will receive a prize at the WDS Annual Luncheon in San Francisco. "Reach out and touch" another dermatologist. We welcome both women and men dermatologists. Encourage them to join the WDS. Remember that Residents pay no membership dues. For all applicants, they can easily use our new website, www.womensderm.org to register. We welcome new members and look forward to more interactions in the future.

Our WDS retreats are unforgettable experiences of friendship, networking, and learning. The personal and networking ties with others developed at these retreats are lifelong. Our retreats occur about every two years. The WDS 2003 Retreat is scheduled for June 20-22, 2003 in Toronto, Canada. Mark the dates in your calendar.

One of my goals this year is to team our "seasoned" members with young dermatologists on various committees and task forces. This is where leaders are made through nurturing and mentoring. Our Society is a wonderful place to build future leaders. Strong leaders will pass their leadership skills to others. Qualities of openness, encouragement, respect, and competency are what we strive to develop on our "mini-teams." We all love to be on a winning team. With the strong alliances developed through networking and through working together, WDS continues to be a WINNER.

Respectfully yours,

Lenore S. Kakita, MD

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