Membership FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS WDS?
The Women's Dermatologic Society is dedicated to helping dermatologists fulfill their greatest potential and assisting them in making a contribution to our specialty and society. To achieve this goal, the Society relies on the active participation of its members, who represent a diverse cross-section of professional sub-specialties.
HOW DOES THE WDS SUPPORT THE CAREERS OF DERMATOLOGISTS?
We create a place for dermatologists to find the support of others in their field. WDS provides funding to bring younger dermatologists together with leaders in the field, who are willing to mentor them. We also reach out to the community to raise awareness of the needs for diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF BEING A WDS MEMBER?
WDS provides many ways to both support your career and be more involved in your community. WDS tries to always have a presence at major national (and some international) dermatologic meetings. For example, there are WDS Networking Events at the annual meetings for the AAD, ASDS, ACMS, SID, CDA, EADV, and more. These events, with both formal and informal programming, allow you to network and receive advice regarding career, volunteering, and work-life balance to name a few! WDS also supports formal and informal mentor-mentee programs. Finally, WDS has regional groups and service groups, which organize skin cancer screenings, education programs and other volunteer outreach opportunities.
HOW CAN I JOIN A COMMITTEE TO GAIN LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE?
As an organization, WDS provides opportunities for its members to grow professionally through leadership opportunities. There are many committees and task forces through which members can become involved. These groups allow members to share their expertise, collaborate with others and contribute to our growth. Members looking to gain leadership experience are encouraged to explore WDS Councils and Committees and submit a Committee Interest Form by October 31st annually. Committee appointments are made by the incoming WDS President in January and begin following the Annual Meeting.
HOW CAN I MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH WDS?
Volunteer: Impact Your Community
WDS has a presence in our local, regional, and international communities through a variety of outreach programs and grassroots campaigns. As Dermatologists, we know that sun safety is extremely important. As such, WDS has created multiple avenues through which to educate our patients and communities including skin cancer screenings and prevention outreach, sun safety education, and addressing total women’s health through the dermatology gateway.
- Play Safe in the Sun In 2004, the “Play Safe in the Sun” program was developed and launched to bring board certified Dermatologists to public events around the country. The goal of this program is to raise awareness about skin cancer and sun safety by providing free skin cancer screenings, sun damage assessments, sun safety educational materials and complimentary sunscreen samples at community events.
Learn More and Volunteer
- Coast-2-Coast Another named initiative is the “Coast-2-Coast” program, which is a member driven extension of the “Play Safe in the Sun” program. This program empowers communities with the tools and resources for local sun safety and skin cancer prevention activities. Members are encouraged to create unique educational outreach events in their local communities throughout the year.
Learn More and Host an Event
- TIPP Women’s Shelter Initiative The “Women’s Shelter Initiative” was developed in relation to the “Transforming Interconnecting Project Program: Total Women’s Health Via the Dermatology Gateway (TIPP)” program which lifts up women in need. The goal of the program is to address the health needs of the total woman including skin care, oral hygiene, self-care habits, nutrition and social skills so that they can live their lives as their best selves – inside and out.
Learn More and Host an Event
Network: Build Personal and Professional Relationships
WDS provides the unique opportunity of connecting Dermatologists through networking events, including networking receptions, retreats, and luncheons. At these events, members in academia, private practice, industry, and other areas of dermatology have the opportunity to share their experiences and knowledge about employment opportunities, practice management, and career development.
- Regional Group Program WDS facilitates local gatherings of Dermatologists to network and discuss hot topics in dermatology, women’s issues, and more.
Learn More and Host an Event
- Mentor Program The Mentor Program allows Dermatologists the opportunity to contact an expert for advice and guidance through a non-formal rotation using the “Mentor Directory.” The benefit of such a nonformal opportunity is that it allows each unique mentor-mentee pair to determine the subject, duration, and intensity of the project and relationship. The Mentor Program is available to all members from residency through mid to late career Dermatologists.
Learn More and Find a Mentor
- Networking and Panel Discussions Other events include the “Networking Receptions” and “Panel Discussions” that occur at national and international dermatology conferences including WDS Forum, AAD, ASDS, ACMS, SID, MauiDerm, World Congress, EADV, and CDA. These events provide formal programming as well as informal time to connect with colleagues.
View Upcoming Events
Empower: Support Current and Future Leaders of Dermatology
In addition to leadership opportunities, there are a variety of WDS awards to ensure that members at all levels of their training and career are recognized for their contributions to our community.
- WDS Award Programs The Women’s Dermatologic Society offers several different awards, for every stage in your career, to encourage and support research, mentorship, leadership, and philanthropy.
Learn More and Apply Today
- WDS Annual Awards Additionally, WDS recognizes members who exemplify the core values of excellence in patient care, mentorship, volunteerism, and leadership through the WDS Annual Awards each year at the Annual Meeting and Luncheon.
Learn More and Submit a Nomination
WHAT ABOUT PUBLICATION OPPORTUNITIES?
The International Journal of Women's Dermatology (IJWD) is a reference journal designed to meet the continuing education needs of WDS members and the entire dermatologic community by publishing articles pertaining to dermatologic medical, surgical and cosmetic issues faced by female patients and their families. The journal offers the opportunity to gain editorial, publishing, review experience. IJWD subsections editors look forward to receiving articles on topics including:
- Women’s Health
- Oncology, Surgery and Aesthetics
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Medical Dermatology
- Society
WDS also publishes a Monthly Newsletter which features current, timely, and relevant information all things WDS. In the Newsletter, you will find all upcoming events and registration information, available award programs and application links, WDS Member’s in the Spotlight, new and changing WDS information that only Members have access to, and much more!
WHY IS THERE A NEED FOR A "WOMEN'S" DERMATOLOGIC SOCIETY?
Women in this profession have the need to learn from one another about different topics, such as balancing family and career. Due to raising families, women are more likely to move in and out of the workforce, thus the need for a strong support network is critical to their ability to advance their career at many different stages. WDS supports the unique needs of women in this profession and propels them into leadership roles that might not otherwise open up to them.
HOW DO I FIND SPONSORS IF I DON'T KNOW ANY ACTIVE MEMBERS?
If you need sponsors for your application please email us at wds@womensderm.org with your name, location, email, website (if applicable), and very brief bio. Our membership committee will then find an active member to connect you with for your application.
HOW OFTEN ARE APPLICANTS APPROVED?
Applicant members are first approved by the Membership Committee and then by the Board of Directors during their call every other month. All applicants are considered members during the process and are able to apply for awards and register for events during this time.
DOES WDS OFFER MEMBERSHIP FOR MEDICAL STUDENTS OR PA'S?
Unfortunately, at this time WDS only offers memberships for Dermatologists, residents, and fellows. Many of our events are open to the public, and we encourage you to attend as non-members.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?
We are happy to help. Contact WDS by calling 877-WDS-ROSE or email us any time at wds@womensderm.org