Women's Dermatologic Society

Kanya Ferguson, MD, FAAD is a Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at the University of Iowa. Focus: Diversity and Inclusion, skin of color, delivering care to underserved communities, Mohs surgery Location: Iowa City Education: Obtained Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Doctor of Medicine at the University of Missouri. Completed Dermatology Residency and Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Fellowship at the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA Current position: Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology University of Iowa Graduate Medical Education, Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Immediate past Chair of the American Academy of Dermatology Diversity Committee How did you get involved with leadership positions? I have had the opportunity, during my training and academic career, to work with a phenomenal group of mentors and sponsors. My mentors have helped provide guidance and support, while at the same time encouraging me to achieve at my ...

  By the WDS Practice Advisory Committee   From Dr. Shawna Flanagan: I always demand that my non-clinician staff be as friendly and welcoming as possible to every single patient as well as to each other. Everyone has a bad day every once in a while but if people around you are upbeat and pleasant it can turn your frown upside down. “Kill them with kindness” is the motto of my team.   From Dr. Alyx Rosen (@alyxrosenmd_derm on Instagram): Be prepared for surgical cases before they arrive.   The Women’s Dermatologic Society (WDS) Practice Advisory Committee supports dermatologists at any stage of their career looking to manage or start their own practice by offering resources on navigating the practice environment. Visit the WDS blog for more tips and advice.   Download a PDF Version

By Briana Paiewonsky, BS 1, 2, and Lori Fiessinger, MD 1 1 Department of Dermatology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 2 Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL An editorial published in April 2021 highlighted the growing role of the dermatologist in social media (1). In fact, most of the dermatologists interviewed for the editorial shared the sentiment that social media is here to stay and will continue to develop in coming years (1). As experts on skin, hair, and nails, dermatologists are the most qualified to discuss these topics on social media. However, learning the nuances of social media profiles, posts, and videos is no easy feat. We have compiled some tips and useful tools to aid in creating a successful social media presence by effectively branding yourself, engaging your audience, and creating content. Branding Though branding has previously been used as a marketing tool for physical products, branding has now develope...

By Dr. Susan Massick Due to the FDA’s concern regarding the high risk of teratogenicity associated with isotretinoin, the iPLEDGE program was introduced by the Isotretinoin Products Manufacturers Group (IPMG) and approved by the FDA in 2005 in an effort to prevent pregnancy and fetal exposure during isotretinoin treatment. Despite concerns raised by clinicians and the AAD regarding the program and its implementation, the FDA approved March 1, 2006, as the mandatory start date for iPLEDGE. i In 2007, the FDA gained the authority to determine which medications would require Risk Evaluation and Management Strategy (REMS) programs to mitigate risks associated with certain drugs. In 2010, the iPLEDGE program was updated to the iPLEDGE REMS program with mandatory participation of all isotretinoin drug manufacturers and mandatory registration of all health care providers and pharmacies in order to prescribe and dispense isotretinoin to patients. ii While th...

By the WDS Academic Dermatology Committee   Question: Are there specific things I should negotiate for in academics?     Dear WDS Member, Great question! The best opportunity to negotiate and make adjustments to a contract is often prior to signing with an institution. The approach will not be one-size-fits-all given the differences in culture at academic institutions and a variable desire for parity amongst faculty. You will need to think carefully about your priorities when approaching your negotiation. For some people, salary may be a primary issue while others may find items such as protected time or research support to be critical. Be thoughtful about what strengths you bring to the table, and do not sell yourself short. It can also be helpful to think about the negotiation from the chairperson’s point of view. How will the institution benefit from what you can bring? Oftentimes, jobs that are in highly desirable locations may be a little less flexible in negotiation...

    By the WDS Practice Advisory Committee   From Dr. Lori Fiessinger: Start with one platform. Look to other dermatologists who have been successful on that platform to gain more information on what kind of posts do well. Early on, it is very important to be consistent. Post at least once weekly, but ideally more frequently on this. There are apps that can make posting easier. I currently use an app to design posts (Canva) and an app that auto-posts for me (Planoly) so I can design and plan posts in advance. For efficiency, I try to devote time once weekly to make all my posts for the following week.   From Dr. Mona Sadeghpour: Whatever you do, stay authentic to who you are and your practice's brand. You do not have to keep up with the Joneses or the latest TikTok trend.  Do post consistently even if it means posting 1-2 times per week.   The Women’s Dermatologic Society (WDS) Practice Advisory Committee supports dermatologists at any stage of their caree...

  The New Year ushers in new hopes, dreams, and ultimately new goals. To kick start 2022, the editorial committee has shared their best pearls for conquering goals. I find that it’s helpful to stick to a goal by making it fun and easy. The biggest thing for me is to remove barriers to my goal, even if the barriers seem insignificant. I also set a reward that I think is very worthwhile. One that gets me pumped up! My reward for exercising this month is a small shopping spree at a garden nursery store. This is a reward I will work towards. I also share my goal with someone who will help me stay accountable and sign off on my reward. -Azeen Sadeghian, MD, FAAD Baton Rouge, Louisiana Instagram: @skinchickmd Conquering a new goal is typically easier when you share it with a friend or family member. If you strive to be more active in the New Year, perhaps plan times to meet at the gym with your goal buddy. I also find that keeping a daily and/or weekly checklist helps keep me accountabl...