Despite the abnormally overcast San Diego skies, the American Academy of Dermatology's 70th Annual Meeting, March 16–20, was a huge success. Maybe it's because all the best events happened indoors. Who needed Sea World, when there was a bright, lively atmosphere reverberating throughout the San Diego Convention Center? Dermatologists from around the world flocked to Southern California to network with colleagues and attend scientific sessions led by some of the top dermatologists in the world — and this year's meeting set multiple records. Read More...

iPhone commercials used to boast "there's an app for that," and in 2012 that claim has become reality — much to the benefit of dermatologists. Read More...

A vast majority of women use prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Many times they do not realize they are pregnant when they are using these drugs for dermatologic conditions, which could cause developmental disorders in their children. Jenny Murase, MD, reviewed the dangers of drug use by pregnant women during her March 19 presentation, "Dermatologic Medication Safety in Pregnancy." Read More...

Defects in the central face can be some of the most challenging. Several surgeons shared their expertise on how to approach these cases — and with optimal aesthetic results during the March 19 forum. Read More...

In 2000, the 24 member boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) set the stage to evolve their recertification programs. This effort to concentrate on continuous professional development became Maintenance of Certification (MOC). MOC is designed to ensure that physicians are committed to lifelong learning and competency in a specialty and/or subspecialty by requiring ongoing measurement of six core competencies adopted by the ABMS and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education in 1999. Read More...

Dermatologists from many walks of the specialty converged at Saturday's Focus Session to learn about "Establishing a Mohs Practice: Pearls for New Surgeons" from Clarence Brown Jr., MD, who addressed everything from needs assessment and marketing to equipment and appropriate staffing. Read More...

"Tips for Painless and Effective Teaching" was presented March 19, during Annual Meeting. The forum was designed to help attendees evaluate current medical student teaching strategies and apply novel methods to deliver content and skills; explore free, peer-reviewed teaching modules targeted to medical students, physician extenders, and primary care residents; and apply time-saving methods to effectively integrate new learners into a busy clinical practice. Read More...