Beautiful beaches, art deco architecture and the best education sessions available to the specialty await attendees at the AAD Annual Meeting in Miami Beach.

A wealth of relevant information, seven miles of sandy beaches, world-class shopping and A-list nightlife — all against an art deco cityscape.

Pair a top notch location with unparalleled medical education and you've got the AAD's 68th Annual Meeting in Miami Beach.

"I think it's an exciting city," said Jane M. Grant-Kels, M.D., chair of the Scientific Assembly Committee. "We have the best minds in our specialty attending and we have plenary session speakers who are both timely and forward-thinking. I think it will be a very exciting, successful meeting."

Recently scheduled to speak during the plenary session is Donna E. Shalala, replacing Dave Barry, who was unable to attend. Shalala served for eight years as secretary of Health and Human Services under President Bill Clinton, and is currently president of the University of Miami. She will present her expert views on health system reform and education in America.

"I think it's beneficial for us to hear  from someone who had such an important role in the Clinton administration speak at a time when Washington is transitioning through important health care changes," Dr. Grant-Kels said. "The timing couldn't be better. It should be very insightful."

Although new developments have delayed health care system reform, the topic isn't expected to go away soon. The Academy's Annual Meeting is the place to get the latest on the issue and how it relates to dermatology.

"I think the AAD has been very active in all of the health care system reform discussion in and around Washington," she said. "Not every organization has a seat at the table, but we do."

This year's meeting continues the AAD's focus on high-caliber, cutting-edge education.

"This year we've increased the number of live patient demonstrations to three," Dr. Grant-Kels said. "We've also stressed preparation for recertification. We'll have exam prep courses available. In addition, we have a new course focusing on ethical economics in dermatology and dermatologic surgery. I think doctors will find it useful. We also will have the MOC courses, which again would help for recertification."

The new focus on education comes at a time when the recertification exam is going to be closed-book for the first time.

"From what I gather, there's a lot of anxiety about all the recertification guidelines and the closed-book exam," she said. "Our goal is to alleviate that stress by having all of these preparatory courses."

David M. Pariser, M.D.

David M. Pariser, M.D., president of the Academy, said that about 19,000 people from the field of dermatology are expected to attend the meeting.

"It will be the largest dermatology meeting in the world," he said. "Ever."

Overall, Dr. Grant-Kels said the meeting promises to have the most prominent dermatologists discussing the most pertinent issues.

"I think it's probably the best of all meetings in that regard," she said. "We try to ensure we have all areas covered — medical dermatology, pediatric dermatology, dermatological surgery and cosmetics. The breadth of the meeting is tremendous."

Along with the opportunity to expand their knowledge base and network with colleagues, Dr. Grant-Kels added that she expects attendees to enjoy their time at Miami Beach.

"I think it's a great city with beautiful beaches, wonderful cuisine and exciting nightlife," she said. "Hopefully dermatologists will be stimulated during the day with courses and have fun at night. I'm hopeful it's going to be a very successful meeting."