Each year, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) brings together the greatest minds in dermatology during their Annual Meeting. In addition to learning sessions, these gatherings serve as an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and engage with experts and colleagues, and discover what’s new and next. This year’s Annual Meeting—running from February 15-20th—is taking place in San Diego, and will be attended by the industry’s best. Among this year’s attendees will be representatives from beloved skin care brands under L’Oreal USA—Skincare.com’s parent company—including CeraVe, SkinCeuticals, La Roche-Posay, and Dermablend. We reached out to board-certified dermatologist, and Skincare.com consultant, Dr. Michael Kaminer to learn more about what makes conferences like the AAD Annual Meeting so crucial to dermatology.We do our research, write our scientific papers, and prepare data with an eye for having things ready to present at a national and prestigious meeting like the AAD Annual Meeting.Referring to the AAD as a “terrific organization,” Dr. Kaminer didn’t hesitate to express his advocacy for the Annual Meeting and dermatology conferences like it. “These meetings are the lifeblood of medical and scientific advances,” he says. “Not only are they a forum for gathering and discussion, but physicians and scientists plan all year long for these meetings.  We do our research, write our scientific papers, and prepare data with an eye for having things ready to present at a national and prestigious meeting like the AAD Annual Meeting.” As Kaminer notes, companies that conduct research in the dermatology space utilize such gatherings as a launching pad for new and innovative technologies. All of this information allows dermatologists who attend to better assist their patients.Of course, the AAD Annual Meeting is just one of many dermatology conferences that occur year-round. “There are many dermatology conferences every year, and each has its own flavor,” Dr. Kaminer says. “Some are surgical, some medical, some pediatrics, pathology, research, clinical, you name it.  So physicians attend conferences that suit their particular interests or areas of expertise.” As for what makes the AAD Annual Meeting different from the pack? “The AAD Annual Meeting is unique because it has a little bit of every discipline in dermatology, so there is something for everyone,” Dr. Kaminer says. “And it is an international meeting, so people from all over the world come.” Not to mention, the AAD has a great reputation as a trusted source of information for anyone and everyone. “They’re very science based, and a great advocate for both dermatologists and patients,” Dr. Kaminer says. “It is the heart of our specialty.”
