Dear Valued Members and Friends of Dermatology- 

Well, maybe I didn't climb a mountain, but I was in the woods, hiking through what felt like snow (it was sleet, but let's go ahead and say it was snow as I'm a California Native)...in 30 degree weather! Did I mention I was also at 8,500 feet during my seven mile hike?  And yes, I went willingly! 

You may be asking..."why would you do that?" I guess one might say I genuinely LOVE to climb mountains.  Which is in fact what a friend texted me after I told her what I just did.  And she wasn't wrong by any means.  In reflecting on what the seven-mile, freezing cold hike meant, I realized that those moments of adversity are central to my growth.  Or, another way to say it (and this will make my mother happy), is that the 'Stubborn Sheila' refuses to fail.  She's also right by the way.

Why am I telling you about the weekend in the woods?  It's because when I look at the membership and partners of CalDerm, I see one common trait - the willingness to chart our own path, to find a better way, to meet obstacles with strength, resilience and a unified voice.  The will of Derm has never been stronger.

So now that you know what I think...what mountain will you climb next? Will you encourage the Resident and Fellow in your life to Apply to Serve on the Board of Directors? Will you learn with CalDerm on November 12 at our Virtual Series?  Will you renew your membership in CalDerm and support what will be another banner year for Dermatology?  Will you volunteer your time at a Firefighter Skin Cancer Screening?

I know...so many mountains.  But I promise, the climb is beyond worth it.

In gratitude,

Sheila Johnston

Executive Director

Ready to climb your first mountain of the Fall?

Check in on your CalDerm membership today to Join or Renew!

We want you to be ahead of meeting your New Years' Resolution to be active, engaged and involved in making a difference in the future of dermatology.

As a reminder, membership is FREE for Residents and Fellows, and $395 annually for Active Physician members.  Questions?  Contact CalDerm!

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.

Have you ever wanted to be a part of something big?

Well, now is your chance! The CalDerm Board of Directors is seeking nominations to serve on the Board of Directors. Active Physicians and Resident/Fellows are encouraged to apply.

What will you get? The opportunity to execute the mission of CalDerm, to grow professionally, and define the future of CalDerm.

Applications will be reviewed by CalDerm's Nominating Committee on a rolling basis.  Want to learn more?  Get in touch with CalDerm!