Memorable achievements
Fox and Kelly awards will honor two leading dermatologists for their contributions to dermatitis herpetiformis and pigmentary skin care.
N001 – Celebrating Excellence: A Duo of Distinguished Talks
8:45-9:45 a.m. | Friday, July 17
Grand Ballroom East
Each year, the AAD recognizes dermatologists who have made a lasting impact on the specialty. At the 2026 AAD Innovation Academy session, N001 – Celebrating Excellence: A Duo of Distinguished Talks, the spotlight will shine on Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD, and John J. Zone, MD, FAAD.
As the recipient of the A. Paul Kelly, MD, Research Award and Lectureship, Dr. Desai will present, “Beyond Skin Deep: The Global Skin-Bleaching Epidemic, Colorism, and the Future of Pigmentary Care.” Dr. Desai is the founder and medical director of Innovative Dermatology and a clinical associate professor of dermatology at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. His presentation will focus on the growing popularity of skin-lightening, in particular its cultural influence, medical risks, and connection to pigmentary disorders.
Dr. Zone will accept the Everett C. Fox, MD, Award and Lectureship and present, “Gluten: A Story of Relentless Intellectual Curiosity.” Dr. Zone is a professor of dermatology and the Bertram H. and Janet Marshall Schaap Presidential Endowed Chair at University of Utah Health in Salt Lake City. He has dedicated decades of research to learning more about dermatitis herpetiformis, a rare cutaneous expression of gluten sensitivity, and will share his journey of pursuing innovation through observation, collaboration, and experimentation.
Session director Neal Bhatia, MD, FAAD, director of clinical dermatology at Therapeutics Clinical Research in San Diego, will present both experts with their prestigious awards.
