2008 GRANT AWARDS ANNUAL REPORT | Women’s Dermatologic Society

Women’s Dermatologic Society Awards Record Number of Grants in 2008 Benefiting Dermatology
$252,610 in varied grants awarded to 85 physicians and medical students
to support professional growth and advance research in dermatology

“Mentoring, supporting our members‘ professional development and advancing needed research in dermatology represent core values of the WDS. We are very grateful for the generous support we have received to award a record level of grants to such a diverse, worthy group of dermatologists and medical students in 2008—which ultimately contributes to the enrichment of the profession.”

—Suzanne M. Connolly, MD,
WDS President (2008-2009)

Mentor Doris Day, MD (left) shown with her mentee, Marianna Blyumin, MD. The WDS Mentorship Program is a cornerstone of the Society, facilitating rewarding professional relationships between mentors and mentees. 371 mentorship grants have been awarded since 1993.

2008 WDS Grants Facts and Features: At a glance

Printable Grants Report
(PDF)

READ MORE: Official WDS News Release available online - CLICK HERE

2008 Mentorship Grants: 34 awards to recipients in 17 states totaling $63,847

Supported by Dermik Laboratories
Cornerstone program develops leadership skills in residents and young faculty to enhance their contributions to dermatology and medicine.
Key Benefit: Facilitates rewarding long-term professional relationships between mentors and their mentees.
Chair: Sarah Weitzul, MD (Dallas, Texas)
371 mentorship grants awarded since the program began in 1993.
WDS Mentorship Grant Awards Program (More Details)

2008 Medical Student Awareness Grants: 11 awards totaling $15,300 to recipients in 8 states and Canada
- Supported by Stiefel Laboratories, Inc.
- Program provides grants for qualifying medical students interested in learning more about dermatology by working with leading dermatologists in private practice or in a university setting.
- Key Benefit: Heightens awareness and interest in the specialty of dermatology, encouraging mentorship of medical students by dermatologists
- Co-Chairs: William James, MD (Philadelphia, PA) and Lorraine Young, MD (Los Angeles, CA)
- WDS Medical Student Awareness Program (More Details)
2008 Academic Research Grants: 9 awards totaling $62,588 to recipients in 7 states and Australia
- Supported by Ortho Dermatologics (formerly OrthoNeutrogena)
- Program offered to residents and young physicians to conduct research focused mainly on women’s health issues where further clinical and basic research is needed.
- Key Benefit: Promotes scientific exploration into fields of dermatologic significance to women.
- Co-Chairs: Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD (Burlington, VT) and Kelly Cordoro, MD (San Mateo, CA)
- Advisors: Clara Curiel, MD (Tuscon, Arizona) and Ilona Frieden, MD (San Francisco, CA)
- WDS Academic Research Grant Program (More Details)
2008 International Travel Grants: 6 awards totaling $17,000 to international recipients in 5 countries
- Supported by Mary Kay, Inc.
- Program provides travel grants to provide support for women dermatologists from other countries to attend the WDS Annual Meeting Luncheon, and the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting.
- Key Benefit: Fosters friendships and the exchange of ideas among dermatologists from around the world.
- Chair: Sandra Read, MD, (Washington, DC)
- WDS International Travel Grant Program (More Details)
Career Development Grants: 2 awards totaling $18,875
- Supported by Galderma
- Program provides opportunities for WDS members to enhance their career development through participation in hands-on training or other educational activities.
- Key Benefit: Promotes post-residency development of professional skills and knowledge to enhance the study and practice of dermatology.
- Co-chairs: Bryna Kane, MD (Long Beach, CA) and Mary Spellman, MD (San Francisco, CA)
- WDS Career Development Grant Program (More Details)
Women’s Health Research Career Development Grants: One award of $55,000 per year for three years, totaling $165,000
- Supported by Unilever
- The Women's Health Research Career Development Awards was established by the WDS to provide support for research that focuses on health issues that primarily affect women.
- Key Benefit: Promotes important dermatologic research impacting women.
- The award is offered through the Dermatology Foundation.
- Women's Health Research Career Development Awards (More Details)
WDS Member Renewal Retreat Scholarship Grants: 22 awards to recipients in 10 states totaling $20,000
- Supported by Ortho Dermatologics (formerly OrthoNeutrogena) and Stiefel Laboratories, Inc.
- Provides support for residents to participate in the WDS Member Renewal Retreat, affording opportunities for personal and professional growth, networking and enrichment.
- Key Benefit: Enables residents to establish relationships with mentors and members to enhance their career development.

Mentor Alexa Kimball, MD (right) shown with her mentee, Tiffany Rebella, MD.
The WDS Mentorship Program is a cornerstone of the Society, facilitating rewarding professional relationships between mentors and mentees. 371 mentorship grants have been awarded since 1993.

Dermatology Times: Granting a future: Women's derm society awards reach high mark in 2008