DF President Dr. Janet Fairley during her address at the Annual Meeting of Membership.
The Dermatology Foundation marked the beginning of its year long 60th anniversary celebration at the Annual Meeting of Membership (AMM) on March 10 and the Annual Reception on March 11 in San Diego, "America's Finest City," and inaugurated a year-long celebration to commemorate its six decades of evolution, and impact. The AMM takes place annually during the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.
During the meeting, DF President Janet Fairley, MD, presented an overview of the Foundation's 2023 results and activities. The central focus of the AMM was to reaffirm the Foundation's commitment to fostering innovation in dermatologic research. Dr. Fairley emphasized that the investigators supported by the Foundation will continue to drive transformative discoveries, shaping the future of dermatology and benefiting patients worldwide.
The 2023 fundraising campaign was strong and enabled the DF to provide $2.97 million in research funding. Made possible by the generous contributions of our members, industry and society supporters, the funds supported 61 investigators across 15 categories. Dr. Janet Fairley expressed her deep gratitude to Bristol Myers Squibb, Sanofi, and Regeneron, whose unique and significant contributions supported our mission and enabled the Foundation to award two new mid-career awards.
Marlys Fassett, MD, PhD, received the DF BMS Psoriasis Research Award to support her research titled "Searching for IL-31: Toward Curative Targeting of Psoriasis Skin TRM Cells." Donald Glass II, MD, PhD, was honored as the first recipient of the new DF Sanofi and Regeneron Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Mid-Career Award for his research on "Genetics, Comorbidities and their Association with Keloids."
Dr. Fairley also highlighted the success of the 2024 DF Clinical Symposium. The event attracted over 400 dermatologists and 50 residents, who attended to learn from 11 specialty experts and interact with their peers.
An enduring legacy of excellence
Each year, the Foundation bestows Honorary Awards to individuals nominated by colleagues for their impressive record of mentoring, sharing knowledge, and shaping the study, research, and practice of dermatology.
In 2024, three distinguished individuals received an Honorary Award recognizing their career-long contributions to the specialty: Dr. Robert Brodell, Practitioner of the Year; Dr. Mary Lupo, Lifetime Career Educator; and Dr. James Troy, Clark W. Finnerud award.
Dr. Fairley closed the award ceremony with an inspirational message: As the Foundation embarks on its seventh decade of service, there is a renewed sense of purpose and optimism about the opportunities ahead. Building on past successes, the Foundation remains committed to pushing the boundaries of dermatologic research, driving innovation, and ultimately improving patient lives.
Annual Reception
The Martini Kings, known as "leaders in lounge, tiki, and jazz," set the mood for the exclusive diamond anniversary reception on March 11. Attendees celebrated the Foundation's six decades of contributions to dermatology and its award recipients' careers while welcoming the start of the seventh decade.
