Lindsay S. Ackerman, MD, FAAD

The Medical Sisterhood: Empower Hour at AAD 2025

The latest episode of The Medical Sisterhood, recorded live at the 

American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) 2025 Annual Meeting

, brings together host Mona Shahriari, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale University School of Medicine and the associate director of clinical trials at Central Connecticut Dermatology Research, and guests Latanya Benjamin, MD, and Lindsay Ackerman, MD.

Ackerman is known for her work as a dermatologist and the founder of Medical Dermatology Specialists Phoenix, now a part of US Dermatology Partners. Benjamin is known for her work as a pediatric dermatologist, former professor of medicine at Stanford University, and the owner of her practice Young Skin.

Shahriari, Benjamin, and Ackerman held an inspiring conversation on leadership, mentorship, and the evolving role of women in dermatology. The discussion highlights personal journeys, overcoming professional hurdles, and fostering a culture of empowerment for the next generation of female dermatologists.

Ackerman shares her passion for complex medical dermatology and the deep fulfillment she finds in patient care and mentorship. She introduces Skintelegent Productions, an initiative dedicated to sharing patient stories and raising awareness of dermatology’s critical role in medicine. She discusses the challenges of launching this project, including financial and logistical hurdles, but underscores the importance of staying the course and embracing discomfort to drive change.

Benjamin, a pediatric dermatologist and the outgoing Women’s Dermatologic Society (WDS) President reflects on her unexpected leadership journey. She candidly shares the behind-the-scenes challenges of running an organization, supporting members through personal and professional struggles, and advocating for mental health and mentorship initiatives. Her presidency prioritized listening to members, fostering inclusivity, and pushing for meaningful change in the dermatologic community.

The conversation delves into the unique challenges women face in medicine, including gender bias, being underestimated, and navigating professional interactions. Dr. Shahriari shares her experiences advocating for herself and others, emphasizing the importance of amplifying female voices in male-dominated spaces. The panelists encourage young dermatologists to take risks, push boundaries, and surround themselves with strong mentors.

A recurring theme is the power of intentionality—understanding that every "yes" comes at the cost of something else. The panelists urge women in dermatology to prioritize their passions, set boundaries, and uplift one another. They emphasize that true success is not about doing everything but about making a meaningful impact where it matters most.

This engaging discussion offers invaluable insights into the power of sisterhood, resilience, and redefining success in dermatology.

Want to join The Medical Sisterhood community? Click here to join our LinkedIn Group!

Editor's note: This summary was created with the help of artificial intelligence.

Podcasts

Latanya Benjamin, MD, and Lindsay Ackerman, MD, joins The Medical Sisterhood in a live recording at AAD 2025 to discuss advocacy, mentorship, and empowerment.


A group of 9 experts reflect on what they are looking forward to most in 2025 following the AAD annual meeting. 

Expert Perspectives: Dermatology's Top Story to Watch in 2025

Although nearly all medical professionals can point to a “flagship” meeting or annual conference for their specialty, few serve the same role as or measure up to what the 

American Academy of Dermatology annual meeting

A testament to the draw and magnitude of the AAD’s annual showcase, the 2025 annual meeting, which was held in Orlando, Florida, from March 07-11, 2025, had more than 20,000 registered attendees. In addition to being the field’s largest meeting, one of the unique aspects of the AAD annual meeting is its placement on the calendar. While many organizations opt for end of year or mid-year meetings, the AAD annual meeting typically occurs in Q1 and, for many, sets the tone for the remainder of the year.

With this in mind, the editorial team of HCPLive Dermatology included a simple question on the end of our interviews from the meeting with 9 leading subject matter experts in dermatology: “What is going to be the most important storyline to watch for dermatology for the rest of 2025?”

In the above video, we highlight the perspectives of these experts. Below, you can find a brief summary of the backgrounds and expertise of each individual included in this feature video.

, is a professor and vice chair for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Perelman School of Medicine. She also serves as president of the American Academy of Dermatology.

, is chairman at Innovaderm Research. He is also the principal investigator of the ICONIC-LEAD trial, which was presented at AAD 2025.

, is a dermatologist and internal medicine specialist with Riverchase Dermatology.

, is an associate professor of Dermatology for the USC Keck School of Medicine. She is the founding director of the USC Skin of Color and Pigmentary Disorders Program and also the president of the Skin of Color Society.

, is the owner of Medical Dermatology Specialists, chief of inpatient dermatology at BannerHealth, and the founder of US Dermatology Partners.

, is a dermatologist and the medical director at the SKiN Centre for Dermatology.

, is an associate professor in dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine.

, is the director of the Advanced Acne Therapeutics Clinic at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the co-chair of the American Academy of Dermatology Acne Guidelines Work Group.

, is vice chair of research in dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and director of the Mark Lebwohl Center for Neuroinflammation and Sensation.

Videos

Emerging Treatments for Atopic Dermatitis

Video content above is prompted by the following:

Are there any ongoing atopic dermatitis studies or emerging therapies that you are excited about?

What advice would you like to share with clinicians taking care of patients with moderate/severe atopic dermatitis?

Recent advancements in atopic dermatitis research have focused on novel therapies and ongoing clinical trials. Emerging treatments, such as biologics and small molecules, are showing promise in managing moderate to severe cases. Clinicians are advised to stay informed about these developments to optimize patient care. Emphasizing a personalized approach, considering patient-specific factors, and maintaining open communication with patients are crucial. Additionally, integrating new therapies with existing treatment regimens can enhance outcomes. Continuous education and collaboration with specialists are essential for improving management strategies in atopic dermatitis.

Looking to the future of atopic dermatitis treatment, the panel discusses ongoing research and promising emerging therapies. 

Treatment of Bio-Naïve Patients or Those Progressing on Topical or Biologic Atopic Dermatitis Therapy

A bio naïve patient with moderate atopic dermatitis?

A patient whose disease is continuing to progress on topical treatments?

In managing atopic dermatitis, treatment strategies vary based on patient history and disease progression. For a bio-naïve patient with moderate atopic dermatitis, initial treatment typically involves topical therapies, including corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors. If the disease progresses despite topical treatments, systemic therapies or phototherapy may be considered. For patients not responding to biologic therapy, switching to an alternative biologic or incorporating adjunctive treatments may be necessary. Treatment plans should be individualized, considering patient-specific factors and potential side effects, to optimize therapeutic outcomes and improve quality of life.

Focusing on clinical scenarios, experts on atopic dermatitis discuss how their treatment approaches vary depending on patient-specific factors.

Lindsay S. Ackerman, MD, FAAD

Articles