Things kicked off on Aug. 1 with the “Future of Dermatology Symposium” which began with a presentation from surgeon James Weinstein, DO, who is the senior vice president of Microsoft Healthcare, at Microsoft. In “Moments Matter: Ecosystem Transformation,” Dr. Weinstein discussed the limitations and the possibilities of using AI in health care, highlighting ways that AI can help reduce administrative burdens for physicians (by taking notes, writing referral summaries, finding images within a large database, and more) while also demonstrating the obstacles to using AI (for example, AI cannot make accurate diagnoses based on images). The future-focused session continued with a robust conversation around the pros and cons of AI, new and developing technologies, and research.
Diana NyadOn Aug. 1, attendees also heard from experts on topics including innovations in practice management, how to build a strong brand, and the future of AI in medicine. Remarks from keynote speaker Diana Nyad, the celebrated long-distance swimmer who swam from Cuba to Florida, and Academy President Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD; a Welcome Reception in the AAD Experience Hub; and the SkinPAC reception rounded out the day.
Illuminating education sessions
From left: Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD, and Andrew F. Alexis, MD, MPH, FAADOn Aug. 2 at N001 – Celebrating Excellence: A Duo of Distinguished Talks, Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD, and Andrew F. Alexis, MD, MPH, FAAD, were recognized for their exceptional contributions to the field of skin health. Dr. Heymann delivered the Fox Award Lecture with a presentation on “Permanencies Amidst Innovation,” focusing on timeless strategies for success such as finding great mentors and taking advantage of career-long learning opportunities. Dr. Alexis, who received the A. Paul Kelly, MD, Research Award and Lectureship, presented his lecture “Illuminating the Spectrum of Skin of Color: Clinical Challenges, Therapeutic Advances, and Future Directions,” discussing obstacles to patient care and ways to improve health outcomes for patients of color.
New Derm Tank winner announced!
Justin Marson, MDJustin Marson, MD, won at this year’s annual D001 – Derm Tank competition on Aug. 2 with his presentation, “New Dimensions in Dermatology: Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) as a Tool to Democratize Three-dimensional Imaging.”
Three contenders made their pitch during the session and were scored for innovation and commercial viability. As this year’s winner, Dr. Marson will receive a “seed” money honorarium.
Other presenters who gave lively presentations were Kamryn Abraskin, MM, with a presentation on “EpiDetect,” and Eran Gwillim, MD, who gave a presentation on “Jerry — the Evidence-based AI-powered Platform.”
Five dermatologists shared in directing the session. They included Daniel M. Siegel, MD, MS, FAAD; Brett M. Coldiron, MD, FAAD; Mark D. Kaufmann, MD, FAAD; Ivy Lee, MD, FAAD; and Cory Simpson, MD, PhD, FAAD. Last year’s winner, Maryam Safaee, MD, FAAD, was also at the event.
Congrats to the winners of the @AADmember giveaways!
We had a blast featuring all the incredible sessions, events, and most importantly — the people — who attended the AAD Innovation Academy in Seattle last weekend. One of the new things we did on the @AADMember Instagram account was host daily giveaways where attendees had the chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card each day of the Innovation Academy meeting
We also selected a grand prize winner from the total entries submitted for all four giveaways, and that winner is…Dr. Sara Saldarriaga! (@dermbeyondskin) She has won free registration to next year’s AAD Innovation Academy in Chicago!
Thank you to everyone who participated in Seattle, and we can’t wait to see you again next year for another unforgettable AAD meeting!
Shoutout to winners of our Innovation Academy Swag Bag Drawing!
Thank you to everyone who stopped by the Resource Center to say hello and enter the Innovation Academy Swag Bag Drawing. We were thrilled by your enthusiasm to win one of the Swag Bags we curated with free registration to AAD 2025 Innovation Academy in Chicago, a Seattle CityPass to explore at a discount, exclusive AAD swag, and much more! And a special congratulations to the four winners. We hope you enjoy your prizes and look forward to seeing you next year in the Windy City!
2024 AAD Innovation Academy offered plenty of opportunities to network with colleagues, gain new, clinical insight, and attend a wide range of education sessions. Check out the photo gallery to view more photos of 2024 AAD Innovation Academy.
James Weinstein, DO
Diana Nyad
From left: Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD, and Andrew F. Alexis, MD, MPH, FAAD
Justin Marson, MD
