A Message from WDS President

Dear WDS Family,

It is an incredible honor to serve as your President for 2025–2026. As we celebrate the legacy of the past 50 years, I’m reminded of the bold, visionary women who built the Women’s Dermatologic Society into what it is today. Their trailblazing efforts transformed the landscape of dermatology, paving the way for generations of women to lead, grow, and thrive in our field.

Now, it is our turn. Our current leadership and membership will shape the next 50 years—years that must reflect both our proud history and the evolving needs of women in dermatology.

To remain relevant and impactful, we are committed to supporting female dermatologists at every stage of their journey. In doing so, we stay grounded in our roots while embracing the future. This year, our mission and vision statements were thoughtfully updated to reflect this inclusivity and alignment:

Vision: Success for every woman in dermatology.

Mission: To empower and connect members to advance women dermatologists through personal and professional development, mentorship, service, and leadership.

Mentorship remains the cornerstone of WDS. We want this organization to be a source of support, inspiration, and fulfillment—both personally and professionally. Whether it’s a conversation that sparks your next step, a leader who offers guidance, or a service initiative that brings meaning to your work, these moments of connection are what make the WDS experience so unique and powerful.

We also recognize that the needs of our members vary across generations. As we look to the future, our leadership is committed to listening with intention and evolving thoughtfully to ensure every member—regardless of career stage—feels seen, supported, and valued.

As part of this forward momentum, WDS will be transitioning to a new association management company, AMR Management Services, effective May 15. We are thrilled to welcome Sara Wood, MBA, CAE, as our new Executive Director. This strategic decision, made after thoughtful deliberation and a rigorous search, reflects our commitment to future growth and enhanced member value.

My hope for each of you is that WDS continues to be a place where you can be inspired and inspire others—where you can lift, guide, teach, and grow. The strength of our society lies in the engagement and contributions of its members, and together, I am confident we will make the next 50 years just as meaningful and impactful as the last.

With gratitude and excitement,

Sarah Jackson MD
President, Women’s Dermatologic Society 2025–2026