Dear Valued Members and Friends of Dermatology- 

This summer I entered into a new decade of life and although I was told "this would be the best decade ever," that life begins at a certain age...that professionally, I'd come into my own. And I'll be the first to admit that I was a skeptic, but after Fall Symposium, I've never been so proud of everything I have done in my life to get to this very moment. 

These feelings culminated after meeting countless members of CalDerm in person for the first time - many members of the CalDerm Board of Directors, members I'd communicated with previously over email, seeing the endless smiles of Residents and Medical Students were alive with pride to be in the midst of so many dermatologists that who are trailblazers and sources of inspiration for them. Case and point - Dr. Sandra Lee - aka, Dr. Pimple Popper. Our record number of attendees, exhibitors and industry partners were all smiles meeting each other, celebrating our 50th year, it was truly a sight to be had. If you missed it, not to worry! We captured all of the incredible moments!

I know for me, the moment of grounding and absolute validation in my chosen profession, not to mention pure gratitude for my mentors that trained me in association management came when I finally met Caylie Valenta, Founder of the Andy Valenta Melanoma Foundation in person. The last few months, she, alongside Dr. Ann Haas and Scott Jennie with the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, have been fine tuning CalDerm's Firefighter Spot Skin Cancer Program. When I met Caylie, I immediately teared up, as did she. For Caylie, CalDerm represents an ability to save the lives of firefighters through a skin cancer screening. For CalDerm, Caylie represents the compassion of a profession to take the care provided to communities to whole new levels.  And for me, a moment of pride - knowing that I'm a part of an organization that seeks to do good at every turn.  My personal and professional values have never been more aligned! 

Age aside - I couldn't be more excited for what's in store for CalDerm - we have many projects in the pipeline for resident engagement, planning for Fall Symposium 2023, and preparing for the 2023 Legislative Session. We're in constant communication with our national partners and state societies - there's so much to do, and I couldn't be more excited to roll up my sleeves to execute the vision of the board, the members, and continue to strengthen our relationships with our industry partners.  

Here's to 50 more years of CalDerm!

In gratitude,

There's not better time than NOW to fall into CME's before the end of the year.

Our Virtual Hot Topics affords registrants 2.0 CME's, and the opportunity to watch the sessions ON DEMAND.

The November Virtual Hot Topics will cover topics ranging from Laser-Based Dermatology, Pediatrics Pigmented Lesions, Mycosis Fungoides Patients and Challenging Cases from Cutaneous Oncology.

Registration is FREE to members, FREE to residents, $95 for non-members.

There has been interest from fire stations throughout California for CalDerm to host a skin cancer screening program! If you'd like to volunteer for a screening in your area, contact CalDerm Today.

OR, if you have a fire connection in your community, and think a screening would be welcomed, please contact Sheila Johnston for more information.  

After you indicate your interest, CalDerm will ask a few clarifying questions - how far you are willing to travel and the like. We are currently scheduling into the Winter of 2023 and will provide plenty of notice when volunteers are needed to screen.