Women's Dermatologic Society

By Cather McKay MD, FAAD,  WDS News You Can Use Committee The field of dermatology seems to advance faster each year, with 2025 being no exception! Here are some of the year’s exciting updates.  

curated by the WDS Academic Dermatology Committee

by Dr. Marianna Blyumin-Karasik,  WDS News You Can Use Committee As we gather in gratitude this November, we reflect on the profound impact that service to others can have on both patients and physicians. Thanksgiving reminds us not only of the blessings we count in our own lives, but also of the responsibility and privilege we carry to give back to our communities. Our patients face many health challenges throughout their lives, and as dermatologists we can help them meet these challenges with compassion and dignity. Dermatology is not only about treating the skin’s health and aesthetics—it is also about nurturing our patients’ spirits. When we give back, we transform medicine into something more meaningful: an expression of gratitude for the privilege of practicing the art and science of skincare. As dermatologists, we have many opportunities to volunteer, including teaching, mentorship, participating in local skin cancer screenings, sponsoring events for skin cancer educatio...

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...