American Academy of Dermatology – National Organization for Rare Disorders

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) is a professional medical association that was founded in 1938 to represent physicians who specialize in the treatment of conditions of the skin, hair, and nails. The Academy, which currently consists of over 11,000 dermatologists, is committed to promoting and advancing the science and art of medicine and surgery related to the skin; promoting high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; supporting and enhancing patient care; and promoting the public interest relating to dermatology through public education programs. The AAD provides a broad range of educational opportunities on a national and regional level that are designed to advance the dermatologist’s proficiency in diagnosing and managing diseases of the skin. These include conducting annual meetings and summer sessions; providing a variety of professional educational materials including teaching slides, a monthly audio journal, and a video library; and offering the “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology,””Dermatology World,” and other publications. The Society also has a “DERMatology INFOrmation NETwork (DERM/INFONET),” which consists of a collection of dermatologic databases that are available to members on a subscription or purchase basis. In addition, the AAD has a non-profit subsidiary, known as the Sulzberger Institute, whose primary audience includes dermatologists, students, patients, and the public. The goal of the Institute is to enhance patient care through the development and promotion of quality educational programs on the care and disorders of the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. The Academy also has a web site on the Internet that provides information on the AAD’s mission, goals, and services; professional information; news updates in the field of dermatology; and a patient education pamphlet series.