Elevating Women, Shaping the Future: A Spotlight on WDS President Dr. Sarah Jackson
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 Tulane University. In addition to serving as WDS
President, she is past president of the Louisiana Dermatological Society.
Tell us why you decided to become a
dermatologist.
I come from a family of physicians—my grandfather was a general surgeon, and my
father is an orthopedic surgeon—so medicine was always part of my life. I knew
early on that I wanted to become a physician. During medical school, I explored
various surgical specialties, including orthopedic hand surgery and OB/GYN, but
I ultimately fell in love with dermatology. It offered the perfect blend of
medical and surgical practice, and I quickly realized that it was where I truly
belonged. I’m also a firm believer that you find your people in your specialty,
and during my dermatology residency, I absolutely found mine.
What are some of the highlights or
pleasant surprises in your career?
One of the most rewarding surprises has been the deep, meaningful relationships
I’ve built with my patients. When you're a pre-medical student in college, and
even during medical school and residency, you’re often so focused on studying
and surviving the process that it’s hard to fully appreciate the privilege of
caring for people. What continues to inspire me is how grateful patients are
and how much they value the care we provide. That gratitude reinforces my
commitment to the work every day.
When did you first become involved in WDS, and
why is it important to you?
I became involved with the Women’s Dermatologic Society (WDS) during residency,
thanks to the mentorship of Dr. Elizabeth McBurney. We have a strong local
women’s dermatology group in New Orleans that meets monthly to discuss journal
articles and support each other’s professional growth. Many of our members have
taken on leadership roles in the WDS, and their dedication inspired me to
become more engaged at the national level. The WDS has played a significant
role in my professional journey, and I’m passionate about paying that forward.
What are some of the areas you hope to focus on
as this year’s WDS president?
My primary goal is to ensure the WDS is positioned for continued success over
the next 50 years. We’ve had an extraordinary first half-century, built on
networking, service, and leadership development, thanks to the vision of
pioneering women in dermatology. Looking ahead, I want the WDS to remain
relevant and vital for the next generation of female physicians—offering
mentorship, sponsorship, career fulfillment, and a strong sense of community.
Elevating women in dermatology will remain at the core of our mission.
What are the challenges facing dermatologists
today, especially women in the field?
Like all medical professionals, dermatologists face systemic challenges such as
declining reimbursements, inflation, staffing shortages, and burnout. For women
in dermatology, these issues can be compounded by the demands of balancing
professional and personal responsibilities. At the AAD Advanced Leadership
Forum, these concerns were front and center. That’s why I believe the WDS plays
such an important role—it provides a space for women to feel seen, supported,
and connected throughout all phases of their careers.
What is something you know now that you wish
you could tell your younger self just starting out in practice?
Early in your career, it’s easy to become consumed with future goals—how
quickly you can achieve them, and where you want to be. But if I could talk to
my younger self, I’d say: slow down. The COVID-19 pandemic reminded many of us
of the importance of being present. Appreciate the season of life you’re in,
especially the years when your presence is needed more at home. Enjoy your
daily work, find meaning in the moment, and trust that with steady dedication
and patience, you’ll reach your goals. Focus less on the end result and more on
the journey.
What’s a fun fact that not many people know
about you?
I’m a passionate tennis enthusiast! I try to play several times a week and love
the competition and camaraderie the sport brings. One of my bucket-list goals
is to attend all four Grand Slam tournaments—Wimbledon, Roland Garros, the US
Open, and the Australian Open. I'm on my way!
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