Women's Dermatologic Society

 By Dr. Suzanne Alkul 1. Take part in something bigger than yourself and your immediate community . WDS is a community of supportive women and men whose goal is to advance women in dermatology. It is inspiring to meet and talk with these leaders and role models in the field. Being a part of this organization will ignite (or re-ignite) your passion for mentorship, community service, and giving back in any other way. We all have someone (or a group of someones) that have helped and guided us to where we are today. It is essential that we provide this assistance to those who will come after us. Being a WDS resident liaison will help facilitate this mission.   2. Mentorship opportunities. You will meet a lot of inspiring women and men in WDS as you serve your term. You have a unique opportunity to be able to connect with someone you otherwise would never have met and ask them to be your mentor.   3. Networking . No matter your post residency plans, fellowship, starting your own/

  Interview and written by Neha Chandan, MD, MPH   Kaitlin Blankenship, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon at Dermatology & Skin Cancer Surgery Center in Texas.   How did you become involved in the WDS and what benefits do you think WDS membership provides for residents/young physicians?   I was introduced to WDS through my program chair, Mary Maloney, who was serving as WDS president at that time, and my co-resident, Julia Baltz, who was my program’s WDS resident liaison. When Julia graduated, I took over her role as resident liaison, and my involvement has continued since then. I currently serve on the WDS social media committee. WDS allows residents/young physicians incredible networking opportunities, whether it is for fellowships, research opportunities, or even jobs. Most importantly, it provides you with a group of like-minded individuals who will support you, encourage you, and become some of your best friends.   At what point did yo