Detailed Agenda
2026 Forum & IVWG
*The agenda is subject to change

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Friday, April 17
7:00am - 7:45am	Rise & Shine Morning Activity: Nature Walk
8:00am - 9:00am	Industry Breakfast Symposium
9:00am - 9:15am	Welcome
9:15am - 10:00am	Shattering the Ceiling: Stories, Strategies, and Sisterhood Every professional field, especially the highly competitive world of medicine, presents unique ceilings, both visible and invisible, that can impede career growth. This dynamic panel brings together accomplished women in dermatology who have successfully shattered barriers and achieved leadership positions. The session will move beyond simple mentorship by offering actionable strategies for achieving equity and excellence. Panelists will share honest stories about overcoming systemic bias, mastering the art of negotiation, and navigating the path to professional ascendancy. Key Takeaways Will Include: Strategies for effective negotiation and financial self-advocacy across different career stages. Tactics for building sponsorship and mentorship networks that actively promote women into leadership roles. Advice on leveraging sisterhood and peer accountability to create a sustainable, supportive, and powerful professional network. Join us to learn how to identify, challenge, and ultimately shatter the ceilings in your own career path, and help lift the ceiling for the next generation of women dermatologists.	Speaker/Panelists: Tammie Ferringer, MD; Melissa Piliang, MD; Ashley Wysong, MD Moderator: Emily Chu, MD, PhD
10:00am - 10:40am	Fearless: Ask Me Anything What is the one question about career, finance, family planning, or professional regret that you have been afraid to ask? This unfiltered and highly interactive panel is designed to provide candid answers from established women leaders and dermatologists across diverse practice settings (academia, private practice, industry). The session will abandon traditional presentation formats, relying entirely on live audience submissions to drive the discussion. Panelists are prepared to speak openly and authentically about the difficult, nuanced, and often unspoken challenges of balancing a demanding medical career with a full life. Key Takeaways Will Include: Direct, honest advice on navigating salary negotiation, partnership tracks, and difficult career pivot decisions. Candid perspectives on the reality of work-life integration, parenting, and maintaining well-being while achieving professional success. Uncensored insights into specific failures, regrets, and lessons learned that are rarely shared in formal lectures. Join us for this judgment-free zone to ask the questions that matter most to your professional and personal journey.	Speakers/Panelists: Jane Grant-Kels, MD; Molly Hinshaw, MD; Mary Maloney, MD; and Tyler Steele Moderator: Sarah Jackson, MD
10:40am - 11:00am	WDS Pearls -- 20 Pearls in 20 Minutes Get ready for one of the fastest, brightest, and most beloved sessions of the Forum. In just twenty minutes, our WDS panelists will deliver 20 rapid-fire pearls - a mix of clinical wisdom, practice hacks, and the real-life lessons that only come from lived experience. This is dermatology meets life coaching: from the exam room to the board room to the living room, each pearl is designed to spark insight, streamline your day, or make you think, “I wish someone told me that sooner.” Expect a lively, upbeat format where every minute offers something new - smart diagnostic shortcuts, practice-saving “why didn’t I think of that?” tricks, and the small but mighty philosophies that shape careers, leadership, and well-being. Key Takeaways Will Include: • Clinical & Procedural Pearls: Diagnostic clues, treatment tweaks, and efficiency boosters you can use on Monday • Practice & Professional Pearls: Time-savers, workflow tips, communication strategies, and leadership insights • Life & Wellness Pearls: Bite-sized wisdom on boundaries, balance, mentorship, confidence, and resilience Join us for this fast, fun, high-yield session - guaranteed to leave you with practical takeaways and thoughtful reminders to carry through the rest of your career (and life).	Panelists/Speakers: Olabola Awosika, MD; Jennifer Lucas, MD; Michael Ming, MD; and Frankie Rholdon, MD
11:00am - 12:00pm	Mini Mentorship Moments: Choose Your Own Table Adventure Every successful career is built upon targeted advice and meaningful connections, but large sessions often lack the opportunity for personalized guidance. This highly popular session converts the mentorship process into an interactive and intimate experience where you choose your own learning adventure. The format features several small discussion tables, each hosted by a leading WDS subject matter expert (SME) focused on a specific, high-interest topic. Attendees will rotate through these tables, allowing them to engage with multiple mentors and address their most pressing professional and personal questions in a focused setting. Key Takeaways Will Include: Direct, personalized advice from multiple leaders in a small-group, collaborative environment. Deep-dive discussions into niche topics such as negotiating tricky contracts, integrating new technology, or building a brand within a subspecialty. Practical strategies for immediately addressing current career challenges by learning from the experiences of established dermatologists. Join us to tailor your mentorship experience, build your network, and gain practical wisdom designed to accelerate your career growth.	See the topics and mentors at the bottom of the page!
12:00pm - 1:00pm	Networking Lunch
1:15pm - 1:40pm	10 Things I Wish I Would Have Known	Speaker: Mary Maloney, MD
1:40pm - 2:40pm	Know Thyself: A Guided Self-Discovery Workshop This interactive workshop introduces physicians to two practical frameworks—the Enneagram and a brief conflict-style assessment—to deepen self-awareness and understand how core motivations and stress responses shape professional interactions. Through guided reflection and small-group discussion, participants will gain actionable insight to enhance leadership, teamwork, and personal resilience.	Speaker: Ashley Wysong, MD
2:40pm - 3:00pm	Hot Off the Press: IJWD in 20 Minutes Don't have time to read every issue? We've done it for you. This fast-paced session delivers a curated tour of the most compelling research, clinical insights, and emerging trends published in the International Journal of Women's Dermatology over the past year. Attendees will walk away with key takeaways from the journal's top content — all in 20 minutes flat.	Speakers: Cather McKay, MD and Brianna Olamiju, MD
3:00pm - 4:45pm	Optional Service Activity / Enjoy the Resort Service Activity: Join your fellow attendees for a meaningful opportunity to give back to the local community. During this optional service activity, we'll be assembling skincare kits for The Salvation Army's Emergency Women & Children Shelter — made possible by the generous product donations from our sponsors. Attendees are also encouraged to bring donations of high-need items to support the shelter's guests, including feminine hygiene products, diapers, and small toys. This is a wonderful chance to connect with colleagues while making a tangible difference in the lives of women and children in need.	Coordinator: Jennifer Adams, MD
5:00pm - 7:00pm	Welcome Reception & Exhibit Booths Join us in the Windmill Plaza to visit our sponsors while enjoying light bites and drinks!
7:30pm	Industry Dinners
Saturday, April 18
7:00am - 7:45am	Rise & Shine Morning Activity: Yoga
8:00am - 9:00am	Industry Breakfast Symposium
9:00am - 9:10am	Welcome - AAD Update	Speaker: Murad Alam, MD
9:10am - 9:30am	Parenthood Your Way: Fertility, Flexibility, & the Future	Speaker: ML Stevenson, MD
9:30am - 10:30am	35 Years of Mentorship: Lessons, Legacies, and Lifelong Bonds The cornerstone of the Women’s Dermatologic Society has always been its powerful commitment to mentorship, fostering a legacy that spans three and a half decades. This commemorative panel brings together trailblazing WDS members, spanning multiple generations, to reflect on the evolution of mentorship and the enduring power of professional connection. The session will explore the profound impact of these relationships on shaping the field of dermatology. Panelists will share invaluable lessons learned, discuss the legacies they hope to leave behind, and detail how mentorships transcend professional guidance to become essential lifelong bonds of support and friendship. Key Takeaways Will Include: Insights into the shifting dynamics of mentorship: from the traditional model to modern concepts like sponsorship and reverse mentoring. Strategies for cultivating and sustaining cross-generational relationships that benefit both the mentor and the mentee. Reflections on the most crucial career and personal advice shared over the last 35 years of WDS fellowship. Join us to celebrate the past, understand the present, and invest in the future of WDS mentorship.	Panelists/Speakers: Libby Edwards, MD; Melissa Mauskar, MD; Adelaide Hebert, MD; Murad Alam, MD; and Nada Elbuluk, MD Moderator: Ashley Wysong, MD
10:30am - 11:00am	The Heart of Mentorship: My Story This session is the forty-five year account of beginning as a mentee of the quintessential mentor, Peter Lynch, who taught me to be a medical dermatologist, genital dermatologist, and mentor by example. Then, learning from other mentors and mentees ongoing what makes a good mentor. There is so much more than passing on the craft, but also the friendships, supporting career opportunities, and enjoying the rewards, as well as the challenges of extra time needed, fatigue, and burnout, and the gratitude for the support of societies, especially the WDS.	Speaker: Libby Edwards, MD
11:00am - 12:00pm	More Than Medicine: How to Diversify Yourself Dermatologists are multi-dimensional humans with talents, passions, and side quests that extend far beyond clinic walls. This light-hearted, inspiring session celebrates the unexpected hobbies and creative outlets that bring joy, balance, and renewed purpose to our lives. From competitive Cajun cooking to chess mastery, from mastering credit-card points to playing pickleball, our panelists will share the passions that energize them outside of medicine, and how those pursuits make them better clinicians, mentors, and leaders. In this fun, story-driven conversation, panelists will discuss how exploring diverse interests can spark creativity, build community, reduce burnout, and open doors to unexpected opportunities. Key Takeaways Will Include: How personal passions can strengthen resilience, well-being, and career longevity Ways to carve out space for hobbies in a busy medical life (without guilt!) The surprising professional skills gained from “non-medical” pursuits—discipline, creativity, confidence, strategic thinking, and more Inspiration to embrace (or rediscover!) the off-beat talents and interests that make you uniquely you Join us for a joyful reminder that dermatologists are more than medicine, and that nurturing your passions may be one of the most powerful forms of self-care and leadership growth.	Panelists/Speakers: Caroline Zhu, MD; Yvonne Chiu, MD; and Betty Nguyen, MD Moderator: Thy Huynh, MD
12:00pm - 1:00pm	Networking Lunch
1:15pm - 2:15pm	Defining Family on Our Own Terms: Real Stories, Real Choices For many women in medicine, the traditional definition of "family" often clashes with the demands of a high-achieving career. This essential and intimate panel provides an honest look at the diverse paths women dermatologists are taking to build their families and personal lives, paths that often defy conventional expectations. The session will explore topics ranging from fertility journeys and non-traditional partnerships to the complexities of choosing to remain child-free. Panelists will share candid stories about the logistics, emotional toll, and ultimate rewards of their unique choices, creating a supportive space where attendees can find commonality and support regardless of their own circumstances. Key Takeaways Will Include: Insights into navigating the medical, financial, and emotional decisions related to fertility, adoption, and family planning during residency and early career. Strategies for establishing and managing flexible, non-traditional, and blended family structures in a demanding field. Advice on communicating and advocating for your personal and family needs within academic and private practice environments. Join us to celebrate the power of choice and learn how successful women are truly defining family on their own terms.	Speakers/Panelists: Jennifer Lucas, MD; Christina Fonseca, MD; Ashley Wysong, MD; Caroline Nelson, MD; and Kathryn Shahwan, MD Moderator: ML Stevenson, MD
2:15pm - 3:15pm	Rapid-Fire Industry Product Theater Hear from our sponsors as they present concise and impactful mini-sessions on their products or services. This dynamic format offers a focused opportunity to see what is new and engage with WDS' generous sponsors.
3:15pm - 4:45pm	Poolside Pearls: Mentorship by the River / Enjoy the Resort Attendees are invited to slow down, settle in, and enjoy a meaningful one‑on‑one conversation with a WDS mentor in honor of the program’s 35th anniversary. Mentors will host a series of relaxed 20‑minute chats in a outdoor seating area by the pool. It’s a chance to share your story, ask questions, and connect with someone who’s eager to support your journey. Sign‑ups for mentee time slots will open closer to the event.	Mentors: Ashley Wysong, MD, MS Molly Hinshaw, MD Nada Elbuluk, MD Yvonne Chiu, MD Sarah Jackson, MD Melissa Mauskar, MD
5:00pm - 6:00pm	WDS Wine Walk: A Networking Stroll Through Posters Click here to see list of e-posters featured	Poster Chair: Emily Y. Chu, MD, PhD
6:30pm - 8:00pm	Dinner & Awards
8:30pm	Derms in Pajamas: Movie & Mingle Night Wear your favorite pajamas and unwind with colleagues at our special evening event! We'll be screening Legally Blonde, complemented by a selection of themed snacks inspired by Elle Woods herself. It's a wonderful opportunity to relax, connect with fellow attendees, and enjoy a lighthearted evening!
Sunday, April 19
7:00am - 7:45am	Rise & Shine Morning Activity: Sound Bath Join us for a restorative sound healing session designed to support mental health and emotional well-being. In this safe, supportive space, you will experience the soothing power of singing bowls, which create calming vibrations that promote stress reduction, emotional release, and mental clarity. The sound bath is an accessible practice, offering a gentle way to ground yourself and reconnect. Perfect for those seeking a peaceful, therapeutic experience to improve emotional wellbeing.
8:00am - 9:00am	Breakfast
9:00am - 9:10am	Welcome
9:10am - 10:10am	Thriving Through Unplanned Detours Every career path, especially in medicine, is marked by unexpected pivots, challenges, and setbacks that can feel like detours. This inspiring panel brings together prominent WDS leaders and accomplished dermatologists who have successfully navigated major professional and personal shifts, turning interruptions into opportunities. The session will move beyond simple resilience by offering practical strategies for mastering change. Panelists will share candid stories about overcoming career transitions, managing unforeseen personal crises, and adapting to industry disruptions. Key Takeaways Will Include: Strategies for maintaining confidence and self-worth during professional uncertainty. Tactics for reframing unexpected challenges as catalysts for new growth and specialization. Advice on building a supportive network that sustains you through periods of change. Join us to learn how to not just survive, but thrive, when your professional map takes an unplanned turn.	Panelists/Speakers: Olabola Awosika, MD; M. Laurin Council, MD; Julie Hodge, MD; and Kimberly Wenner, MD Moderator: Yvonne Chiu, MD
10:10am - 11:00am	Skin, Hormones, and All the Feels: A Cross-Specialty Conversation When it comes to hormones, the skin often spills the tea before the labs do. In this lively, no-nonsense session, a vulvar dermatologist and OB/GYN team up to tackle some of the most controversial, and most misunderstood, topics in women’s health. From Hormone Therapy (HT) myths to the real deal on topical estrogen (where it can go, where it shouldn’t, and why), our dynamic duo will dive into the science, the gray zones, and the clinical “are-we-really-doing-this?” moments that every dermatologist encounters but few talk about openly. Nothing is off limits, and the audience is invited to bring questions - yes, all of them. Expect expert insights, evidence-based clarity, straight talk, and a lot of laughs. Key Takeaways Will Include: What dermatologists really need to know about HT, perimenopause, and menopausal skin changes How, when, and where to use topical estrogen, plus what the data supports (and what it doesn’t) Vulvar derm pearls from the front lines Practical guidance for managing hormonally influenced dermatoses with confidence Honest answers to questions you’ve never felt comfortable asking Join us for a fast-paced, candid cross-specialty conversation that will leave you smarter, more confident, and thoroughly entertained.	Panelists/Speakers: Melissa Mauskar, MD and Elizabeth Martin, MD
11:00am - 11:40am	Top Research Abstracts Culture of Sick Leave in Medicine: Comparing Across Training Levels and Sex in Dermatology, Alexis Willy From EHR to VLP Cohort: Key Comorbidities, Jaclyn Roland-McGowan Risk of Cardiovascular and Thromboembolic Events With Oral Tranexamic Acid for Melasma: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Mena Abdullah Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists As a Management Option for Patients with Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia, Opemipooluwa Adedeji	Moderator: Melodi Whitley, MD, PhD
11:40am - 12:00pm	Minding the Generation Gap This session will explore how generational differences shape expectations, needs, and communication styles within mentorship relationships. Discover how understanding these influences can strengthen connection, improve collaboration, and enhance overall mentorship effectiveness.	Speaker: Vanessa Voss, MD

Mini Mentorship Moments: Choose Your Own Table Adventure

Topic	Mentors
From People Pleaser to Boundary Boss	Kristen Stewart, MD
From Clinic to Collab: Getting Involved with Industry	Tyler Steele Heidi Prather, MD
Know Your Worth: Negotiation Secrets	Ashley Wysong, MD
Like, Share, Shine: Elevating Your Online Presence	Thais Pincelli, MD Betty Nguyen, MD
Paging Dr. Imposter: How to Ditch the Doubt	Abbie Degesys, MD
From Chaos to Calendar: Mastering Your Minutes	Maija Kiuru, MD, PhD Elika Hoss, MD
Partnership vs. Paycheck: What I Wish I Would Have Known	Kimberly Wenner, MD Julie Hodge, MD
From Clinic to Capitol: How to Start in Advocacy	Melissa Piliang, MD Alina Bridges, DO
WDS Insider Tips: How to Connect, Contribute, and Lead	Sarah Jackson, MD Molly Hinshaw, MD
Resident Career Compass: Crack the Boards, Land the Job, and More!	Caroline Zhu, MD Jenna Koblinski, MD Alexis Carrington, MD
Slay the Submission: Insider Tips from Journal Editors	Jane Grant-Kels, MD
From Vision to Impact – Hosting a Winning WDS Service Event	Melissa Pugliano, MD Marissa Lobl, MD, PhD