AwardsThe mission of the Women's Dermatologic Society is to be the premier organization cultivating personal and professional development of dermatologists dedicated to excellence in patient care, mentorship, volunteerism, and leadership. Our Award Programs and Nominated Awards help us to work towards fulfilling this goal by recognizing WDS members who exemplify our core values. Mentorship Award ProgramsThe Women’s Dermatologic Society offers several different awards, for every stage in your career, to encourage and support research, mentorship, leadership, and philanthropy. The WDS Mentorship Award Program was created to help promote the concept of Mentorship within the WDS by establishing long-term relationships between Mentors and Mentees.
The WDS Underrepresented in Medicine (UIM) Resident Aesthetic Research Mentorship Program is designed to enhance the knowledge and education of UIM dermatology residents in aesthetic and procedural dermatology through mentorship with a leader in this subspecialty.
Nominated Annual AwardsBetween managing careers, families, friends, and everything in between, WDS members deserve a moment of recognition. Award recipients are distinguished members who have advanced themselves, those around them, their communities, and the field of dermatology. Unless otherwise indicated in the award description, these awards are presented annually to a deserving WDS member. The Rose Hirschler Award is named in honor of Dr. Rose Hirschler, one of the first known female dermatologists in the United States. The award is presented annually by the WDS, to physicians chosen for their significant contributions to medicine and dermatology, and who, by their achievement, have served to enhance the role of women in the dermatologic specialty.
The President's Award is given at the discretion of the President of the WDS, to an individual (or individuals) of her choosing. The awardee is an individual who supported the President in an extraordinary way during her term, to help make the Society a better organization.
The WDS Industry Champion Award recognizes an individual industry partner who has demonstrated outstanding and continued support in meaningful ways of the Women’s Dermatologic Society.
The first WDS Mentor of the Year Award was given to Frances J. Storrs, MD, who had previously returned her honorarium to the WDS for the Rose Hirschler Award in 1991, to establish a Mentorship Program. Since 1993, the Mentorship Program has funded more than 700 women and men early in their professional careers, to spend one-on-one time with an established mentor of specific expertise.
The Volunteer of the Year Award has been established to recognize a WDS member who has made an outstanding contribution through community service. The rollout of this award at the 2014 Annual Luncheon, coincided with the tenth anniversary of WDS community outreach programs and this now annual award will continue to honor all those who support WDS and our service outreach.
The Wilma Bergfeld, MD Visionary and Leadership Award was created in 2000 at the 25th Anniversary celebration of the WDS, to recognize dermatologists of national prominence who have been trailblazers for women in some aspect of our specialty.
The Walter B. Shelley, MD Leadership Award is presented periodically to a man who has made a significant contribution toward supporting women in dermatology.
The International Pioneer Award is given every 4 years at the WDS International Forum during the World Congress of Dermatology to an individual who has made a difference for women in dermatology at a global level.
Do you know someone who has made a big impact on your career, your community, the field of dermatology, or the Women’s Dermatologic Society? Nominate them for one of the above awards to recognize their hard work. Nominations are accepted August 15 - October 15. |
Upcoming Events
Sat Jun 21, 2025Play Safe in the Sun - NCAA College World Series (Omaha, NE) Category: Play Safe in the Sun |
Wed Jul 16, 2025Women's Shelter Event - Pasadena, Friends in Deed The Women's Room Category: Service Events |
Sat Aug 23, 2025Play Safe in the Sun - Chicago Triathlon (Chicago, IL) Category: Play Safe in the Sun |
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