Women's Dermatologic Society

Career Corner by the WDS Residents, Fellows, and Young Physicians Committee Special thanks to Drs. DiAnne Davis and Fatima Fahs f or sharing their insights and practical tips on how dermatologists can successfully navigate and grow their presence on social media. Dr. DiAnne Davis is a board-certified and fellowship-trained cosmetic dermatologist based in Dallas, Texas (Instagram: @drdiannedavis). Dr. Fatima Fahs is board-certified dermatologist and founder of the Dermy Doc Institute based in Southfield, Michigan (Instagram: @dermy_doctor). What first motivated you to start sharing content on social media? Davis – I started my social media account during my cosmetic fellowship. I had the honor of doing an ASDS-accredited fellowship under the direction of Mark Taylor, MD, and it was at that time that I realized there were so many myths about lasers and skin of color. I found that creating educational content on social media not only resonated with my patients, but with many peopl...

by Dr. Shawna Flanagan, WDS News You Can Use Committee “Our fatigue is often not caused by work, but by worry, frustration and resentment.” - Dale Carnegie Dale Carnegie, the author of How to Win Friends and Influence People , was born in Maryville, Missouri in 1888 and graduated from Maryville High School just as I did years later. Many of his quotes resonate with me, not only because of our shared hometown roots but because they echo the lessons I’ve learned over three decades as a business owner. As of 2025, it’s been 27 years since I opened the doors to my dermatology practice and nearly 30 since finishing my dermatology training at the University of Miami. Thirty years of full-body exams, biopsies, cryotherapy, skin cancer surgeries and laser procedures. Thirty years of meeting patients where they are—physically, emotionally, and sometimes spiritually---and helping them feel beautiful and whole in their own skin. Along the ...

An Interview with Carolyn Hardin, DO, FAAD, FACMS Mohs Surgeon and Dermatologist Central Dermatology Center Interviewed by Brianna Olamiju, MD; Amaris Geisler, MD; and Sarah Woodside, MD 1.) How did you become involved in the WDS and what benefits do you think WDS membership provides for residents/young physicians? I first became involved in the WDS as a resident when I learned of the mentorship opportunities that are available. The mentorship programs and networking that the WDS offers are both very valuable. I have enjoyed attending events and meeting with other women dermatologists at all stages of their careers. 2.) Are you in private practice or academics? At what point did you decide that you wanted to do private practice versus academics? I worked simultaneously in a military academic program full-time and a private practice part-time for about four years. But after recently separating from the Army, I am now in full-time private practice. Due to being a fellowship-trained Moh...

by Dr. Molly Stout, WDS News You Can Use Committee  We’ve all felt the sinking feeling of a well-oiled clinic veering off track by an impending lengthy hair loss visit. Dr. Maria Colavincenzo, a mentor of mine since residency at Northwestern, would often use the term “sneaky hair loss” to describe any patient scheduled for a dermatology visit who at the end of the visit would mention “I’ve noticed my hair shedding, thinning, etc.” Sneaky hair loss has the capacity to derail even the most efficient clinics. Herein are a few pearls to make your surprise hair loss visits less scary. The Chapter Book Analogy: A dear friend and colleague, Dr. Janelle Nassim, often uses this approach, which I find helpful in setting the foundation for a positive and longitudinal therapeutic relationship. If you’ve done an extensive visit, and the patient then brings up hair loss, rather than put off their concern to be discussed at another visit, frame your approach to their care this way: “The story...

IJWD Spotlights: Explore the Latest Research curated by the WDS Academic Dermatology Committee

by Dr. Susan Massick, WDS News You Can Use Committee For this month, we are shining a spotlight on current WDS President Dr. Sarah Jackson . She embodies the vision and mission of WDS—she advocates “success for every woman in dermatology” and works tirelessly “to empower and connect members to advance women dermatologists through personal and professional development, mentorship, service, and leadership.” We asked her to shed light on her career journey as well as discuss her goals for WDS during her year as President. Dr. Jackson is a cum laude graduate of Louisiana State University (LSU) with a degree in zoology, a graduate of LSU School of Medicine, where she was inducted into AOA, and completed her residency training at LSU Department of Dermatology, where she served as chief resident. She is a co-founder of Audubon Dermatology in New Orleans and serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Dermatology at LSU and an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Dermatology at T...

Understanding your sunscreen label. Look for the following details: ·         SPF of at least 30 ·         Broad-spectrum: to ensure protection from all UV rays ·         Water-resistant: especially when swimming or sweating ·         Tinted : includes iron oxide, which is great for those who struggle with hyperpigmentation ·         Mineral vs. Chemical Ingredients: Mineral sunscreens include zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide and are great for sensitive skin. Chemical sunscreens are more likely to come in spray form and often rub in more easily. Use whichever one you are more likely to wear! Sunscreen tips: ·         Sunscreen is recommended daily on exposed skin- even on cloudy days! You can use the UV index , included in weather forecasts on smartphones, to help you know wh...