A Message from WDS President

It is an incredible honor to serve as President of the Women’s Dermatologic Society (WDS) during such a meaningful and transformative time in our organization’s history. This year, we proudly celebrate 35 years of mentorship, a cornerstone of WDS and a defining element of who we are.

Since its inception in 1991, the WDS Mentorship Program has fostered nearly 900 mentor mentee relationships, shaping careers, building lifelong connections, and strengthening the fabric of our specialty. Mentorship is not simply a program within WDS. It is our legacy and our future. It is how we lift one another, how we lead, and how we ensure that the next generation of dermatologists thrives.

As we celebrate this milestone, we are also looking ahead with purpose and momentum. WDS is entering an exciting new chapter, grounded in our core pillars of mentorship, networking, and service, and energized by a clear vision for growth, innovation, and impact. Our recent strategic efforts have focused on strengthening our organizational structure, expanding opportunities for engagement, and ensuring that every member finds meaningful ways to connect and contribute.

Across the country and around the world, our members continue to show up in powerful ways, hosting local networking events, leading service initiatives in their communities, mentoring formally and informally, and advancing dermatology through education, research, and leadership. The reach and relevance of WDS have never been stronger.

At the heart of it all is our community, a dynamic, supportive, and inspiring network of individuals committed to excellence and to one another. Whether you are a student, resident, early career physician, or established leader, there is a place for you in WDS, and there are countless opportunities to engage, grow, and lead.

As we celebrate 35 years of mentorship, I invite each of you to reflect on your own journey, those who have guided you, those you have lifted, and the impact you continue to make. I encourage you to lean in, to mentor, to connect, to serve, and to lead.

Because the best of WDS is not behind us. It lies ahead.

With gratitude and excitement for the year to come,


Ashley Wysong, MD, MS
President, Women’s Dermatologic Society