The legacy between the Women's Dermatological Society and leadership in the American Academy of Dermatology

The Women's Dermatological Society (WDS) promotes excellence in dermatology. It began as a forum for education, support, and networking among female and male dermatologists, but it quickly expanded to encompass both men and women internationally. Its honesty and broad appeal made it the cornerstone society formemberswho seek to give back to thefield and take on leadership positions to influence and mold the specialty. TheWDS promotes camaraderie and nurtures its members to be on the forefront of our societies and ourfield. During their tenure as executivemembers, board members, and committee chairs and members, the men and women of theWDS learn and excel with efforts to promote dermatology and become spokespersons for the field and each other. The WDS is a national and international organization that is part of the process of developing platforms and leaders in dermatology. In this way, the WDS encourages and nurtures all dermatologists, bothmen andwomen, to take places of authority in every way possible. Every personwho has achieved a leadership role in the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has been amember of theWDS. The society is viewed as a stepping stone for all who want to advance their career in dermatology. All WDS members are encouraged and welcomed, and we can be proud of everyone, both men and women, for their dedication and efforts. Not only have both men and women become leaders in theWDS, but they have used their tenure as board members and officers to teach and encourage the pursuit of leadership in the AAD. As the first president of the WDS (1973), Wilma Bergfeld, MD, laid the groundwork for the future and became the first female president of the Academy, followed by Lynn A. Drake, MD; Diane R. Baker, MD; Boni E. Elewski, MD; and the immediate past president, Suzanne Olbricht, MD. All held office in WDS before becoming AAD board members, leading their way to becoming president of AAD. Vice presidents of the AAD who were leaders in WDS include Suzanne M. Connelly, MD; Zoe Diana Draelos, MD; Lisa A. Garner, MD; Annette Foote Hood, MD; Marianne N. O'Donoghue, MD; vice president-elect, Jane Margaret Grant-Kels, MD; and the incoming vice-president elect Susan Taylor, MD. Secretary-treasurers include Mary E. Maloney, MD, the past president of WDS, and the secretary-treasurer, Barbara M. Mathes, MD. As a requirement to be nominated for the position of officers in the AAD, a person must have served on the Board of Directors of