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By Suzanne Connolly, MD
 nspiration exists, but it must find you working.” Although this proclamation made by Pablo Picasso is about the creative artistic process, it surely applies to the Women’s Dermatologic Society (WDS). It seems one exciting thing leads to another! In this edition of the newsletter, you will read about the many activities in which our members have been involved and made so successful. Many thanks to all!
 This reminds me of a story I recently read about a farmer who grew blue-ribbon corn year after year. When interviewed about the possible secret of his success, he rapidly replied that his success was based on sharing his corn seed with neighboring farmers. Incredulous, the interviewer asked why this could possibly be the source of success. Cross-pollination, of course, smiled the farmer; superior corn only comes by having pollen from adjacent fields growing good corn. Thus, it is with our organization. We learn from one another and are strengthened — personally, professionally and as an organization.
The community outreach program, “Families Play Safe in the Sun” conducted over the last three years and sponsored by a generous 3M Foundation grant to WDS Foundation has been completed. Over 1.8 million people were touched by the campaign in 49 cities across the U.S. 122 million media impressions were made along the way. But to the many members who contributed their time and energy to make this program a success, the number fades in comparison to the personal impact of interacting with the public in a unique way to increase skin awareness.
It was this inspiring work that has led to a new community outreach and another three-year campaign “Play Safe in the Sun” supported by L'Oréal USA, which targets women athletes in golf and tennis. This program builds on the success of WDS outreach at LPGA events which received an American Academy of Dermatology Gold Triangle Award in 2005. The new program made news in The New York Times Sports section, which highlighted a story about a caddie who underwent a skin cancer screening at the first event, which was held in New Jersey in May. In June we had another very busy outreach in Maryland, with a record number of screenings to rival record heat. Our debut in the world of professional tennis took place in New Haven, CT at the Pilot Pen Tennis Tournament on Kids Day, August 17, 2008. For details, see www.playsafeinthesun.org.
As messengers of good skin health, WDS was given a special opportunity to develop a documentary on ethnic skin, “America’s Ethnic Skin: an Al Roker Health Special,” which aired on NBC in 10 major cities across the country on May 24. This collaborative activity, which involved many of our members with expertise in treating skin of color, was led by Dr. Wendy Roberts. Visit the www.womensderm.org/ethnicskin/video to view the edited program.
Networking is strong as judged by the many photos of WDS events across the country in this newsletter! This includes the Members Renewal Retreat held in Charleston, South Carolina, which provided a time for meeting new colleagues, making new friends and addressing the challenges posed by life’s many transitions. We learn from one another regardless of the stage in one’s career. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Marie-France Demierre and her committee for organizing an outstanding program.
Your enthusiastic participation, whether it is by serving on a committee or at a community event, supporting mentorship, suggesting a networking event or a myriad of other possibilities is our “seed corn.” I encourage you to log onto www.womensderm.org and view the range of activities in which you can participate. Let us know if you would like to participate in any way. Together there is so much more that can be achieved!
Suzanne Connolly, MD
WDS President
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WDS Leadership Through the Years — Past Presidents
| Current Message from Our President HERE |
Archive of our President's Messages:
- SUMMER 2009 (Wendy E. Roberts, MD)
- MARCH 2009 (Suzanne Connolly, MD)
- JANUARY 2009 (Suzanne Connolly, MD)
- SEPTEMBER 2008 (Suzanne Connolly, MD)
- APRIL 2008 (Suzanne Connolly, MD)
- FEBRUARY 2008 (Mary Lupo, MD)
- NOVEMBER 2007 (Mary Lupo, MD)
- MAY 2007 (Mary Lupo, MD)
- DECEMBER/JANUARY 2007 (Elizabeth McBurney, MD)
- OCTOBER 2006 (Elizabeth McBurney, MD)
- MAY 2006 (Elizabeth McBurney, MD)
- JANUARY 2006 (Jean Bolognia, MD)
- NOVEMBER 2005 (Jean Bolognia, MD)
- JULY 2005 (Jean Bolognia, MD)
- APRIL 2005 (Jean Bolognia, MD)
- DECEMBER/JANUARY 2005 (Sandra J. Read, MD)
- SEPTEMBER 2004 (Sandra J. Read, MD)
- APRIL 2004 (Sandra J. Read, MD)
- DECEMBER/JANUARY 2004 (Marianne Nelson O'Donoghue, MD)
- APRIL 2003 (Marianne Nelson O'Donoghue, MD)
- FEBRUARY 2003 (Lenore S. Kakita, MD)
- SEPTEMBER 2002 (Lenore S. Kakita, MD)
- MAY 2002 (Lenore S. Kakita, MD)
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