The Rose Hirschler Award honors the first-known female dermatologist in the United States and is a prestigious award for someone who has clearly enhanced the role of women in dermatology.

The 2006 Rose Hirschler Award was presented to Lenore Kakita, MD in recognition of her tireless and tenacious efforts on behalf of women in dermatology through her leadership within the Women's Dermatologic Society.  Dr. Kakita has played a crucial role in shaping the strategic direction of the WDS over the past five years.  Not only did she have the vision to recognize opportunities and needs that support women's issues in dermatology, but she also put her determination and drive into making things happen. Under her leadership, new grant and award programs began, fundraising goals were continuously surpassed, and valuable, new benefits of membership became a reality.