The Medical Dermatology Society (MDS) is pleased to announce its Call for Nominations for open Board of Directors and Committee leadership positions for 2027–2028.
The strength and continued success of MDS depend on the involvement of its members and their willingness to contribute their experience, ideas, and leadership to the Society. Serving in an MDS leadership role is an opportunity to become more actively involved in advancing the Society’s mission while helping to shape its future direction, educational programming, membership initiatives, and continued growth.
We are seeking members who are enthusiastic about contributing to the Society and bringing their individual perspectives and expertise to MDS leadership. These positions provide an opportunity to collaborate with colleagues, support meaningful initiatives, and help ensure that MDS continues to respond to the evolving needs and interests of its membership.
MDS members are encouraged to nominate colleagues who they believe would be strong contributors to the Society’s leadership. Self-nominations are also welcomed and encouraged.
The following positions are open for nominations through December 11, 2026.
Board of Directors
- Officer: Secretary-Treasurer (one position open, three-year term: 2027 – 2030)
- Director: Directors-at-Large (two positions open, both for a five-year term: 2027–2032)
Committees
- Education and Programs Committee member (one position open, three-year term 2027–2030)
Read on below for more information about each role and the nomination process.
Click here to jump to the nomination form.
Board Officer
Secretary-Treasurer
Three-Year Term
2027–2030
One Position Available
Role Overview
The Secretary-Treasurer serves as an Officer of the Medical Dermatology Society and a member of the Executive Committee, working closely with the President, President-Elect, Immediate Past-President, and Society staff to support the overall governance, financial health, and ongoing operations of MDS.
This position provides an opportunity to take an active role in the leadership and strategic direction of the Society, with responsibility for financial oversight and organizational continuity.
Previous service on an MDS committee is encouraged, and prior service on the MDS Board of Directors is preferred.
Key responsibilities
- Participating in the overall governance and management of the Society and contributing to decisions regarding current programs, new initiatives, strategic priorities, and other matters brought before the Executive Committee and Board of Directors.
- Working collaboratively with the President, Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and Society staff to help advance the mission and priorities of MDS.
- Providing oversight of the Society’s financial activities, including reviewing annual budgets, financial reports, revenues, expenses, and overall financial performance.
- Serving ex officio on the Finance Committee and participating in the review and development of the Society’s annual budget and longer-term financial planning.
- Supporting and providing oversight of the Society’s fundraising and sponsorship efforts, including initiatives that contribute to the financial sustainability and continued growth of MDS programs.
- Reviewing financial considerations related to the MDS Annual Meeting, educational programs, mentorship initiatives, and other Society activities.
- Participating in discussions regarding new programs and initiatives to help ensure that proposed activities are financially responsible and aligned with the Society’s priorities.
- Supporting appropriate documentation and continuity of Society business and assisting with other officer responsibilities as needed.
- Providing regular input and financial updates to the Executive Committee and Board of Directors in collaboration with Society staff.
Time Commitment
- A monthly, approximately one-hour Executive Committee conference call
- Approximately 3–4 Finance Committee conference calls annually
- Board of Directors meetings and other leadership discussions as needed
- The annual winter Board of Directors meeting, typically held virtually
- Additional review or discussion of financial and Society business between meetings, as necessary
- Candidates should have an interest in the continued growth and long-term success of MDS and be willing to work collaboratively with Society leadership and staff.
Board of Directors
Director-at-Large
Five-Year Term
2027–2032
Two Positions Available
Role Overview
Directors-at-Large serve as active members of the Medical Dermatology Society Board of Directors and play an important role in guiding the strategic direction, programs, and continued growth of the Society.
Working collaboratively with the Officers, fellow Board members, committee leadership, and Society staff, Directors-at-Large provide input and oversight on matters affecting MDS and its membership. Board members are expected to bring their experience, perspective, and ideas to discussions while helping ensure that the Society’s programs and initiatives remain aligned with its mission and responsive to the needs of its members.
Key responsibilities
- Participating actively in Board discussions and decisions regarding the strategic direction and priorities of the Society.
- Providing oversight and guidance for existing MDS programs, educational activities, membership initiatives, and other Society projects.
- Evaluating and helping develop new programs and initiatives that support the mission and long-term goals of MDS.
- Reviewing and providing input on the Society’s annual budget, financial priorities, fundraising activities, and sponsorship initiatives.
- Supporting the planning and continued development of the MDS Annual Meeting, including opportunities to strengthen the scientific and educational value of the program.
- Helping identify emerging issues, opportunities, and priorities within medical dermatology that may be important to the Society and its members.
- Serving as an ambassador for MDS by promoting member engagement, encouraging participation in Society programs, and helping identify future volunteers and leaders.
- Supporting initiatives designed to strengthen member recruitment, retention, engagement, mentorship, and professional development.
- Working collaboratively with MDS Officers, committees, and Society staff to advance Board-approved initiatives and priorities.
- Participating in special projects or additional Board activities as needed.
Committee leadership responsibilities
In addition to their responsibilities as members of the Board of Directors, each of the two newly elected Directors-at-Large will assume a committee leadership role:
- One Director-at-Large will serve as Co-Chair of the Education and Programs Committee, helping guide the development, planning, and oversight of the MDS Annual Meeting scientific program and other educational initiatives.
- One Director-at-Large will serve as Co-Chair of the Membership Committee, helping lead initiatives related to membership recruitment, engagement, retention, mentorship, and the identification and development of future MDS leaders.
- These committee leadership roles provide Directors-at-Large with an opportunity to take an active role in an important area of the Society while helping ensure strong communication and coordination between MDS committees and the Board of Directors.
Time Commitment
- Approximately 3–4 Board of Directors conference calls annually
- Meetings and activities of their assigned committee
- The annual winter Board of Directors meeting, typically held virtually
- Review of materials and participation in Board discussions between scheduled meetings, as needed
- Additional Society projects or leadership discussions as appropriate
- Candidates should have an interest in contributing to the continued development and success of MDS and a willingness to actively participate in Board and committee activities throughout their term. Previous involvement with MDS programs, committees, or other Society activities is encouraged.
Committee Member
Education and Programs Committee
Three-Year Term
2027–2030
One Position Available
Role Overview
The Education and Programs Committee plays a central role in developing and advancing the educational mission of the Medical Dermatology Society. Committee members work collaboratively with the Committee Co-Chairs, MDS leadership, and Society staff to develop high-quality, relevant educational programming that reflects the interests and evolving needs of the medical dermatology community.
A primary responsibility of the Committee is the development and planning of the scientific program for the MDS Annual Meeting, including the review and evaluation of submitted abstracts. Committee members are expected to actively participate in the abstract review process and assist in identifying high-quality scientific content for presentation at the Annual Meeting.
Serving on the Education and Programs Committee provides an opportunity to help shape the educational and scientific direction of MDS, collaborate with colleagues across the field, identify emerging areas of interest in medical dermatology, and contribute to programming that provides meaningful value to MDS members and Annual Meeting attendees.
Key responsibilities
- Participating in the development and planning of the scientific and educational program for the MDS Annual Meeting.
- Reviewing and evaluating submitted abstracts as part of the Annual Meeting abstract selection process. Participation in the assigned abstract review process is a required responsibility of all Committee members.
- Providing thoughtful and timely evaluations of assigned abstracts according to established review criteria and deadlines.
- Assisting the Committee Co-Chairs in identifying abstracts appropriate for inclusion in the Annual Meeting scientific program and determining presentation opportunities, as applicable.
- Identifying timely and emerging topics, clinical challenges, research developments, and areas of interest for consideration in future educational programming.
- Recommending potential session topics, formats, moderators, and speakers who can provide relevant and engaging educational content.
- Reviewing program ideas and proposals and providing input to help create a balanced, high-quality scientific program.
- Helping ensure that educational programming represents a broad range of topics and perspectives relevant to medical dermatology.
- Participating in discussions regarding new educational opportunities and initiatives that may extend beyond the Annual Meeting.
- Working collaboratively with the Education and Programs Committee Co-Chairs, fellow committee members, MDS leadership, and Society staff throughout the program-development process.
Time Commitment
- Approximately 3–4 Education and Programs Committee video conference calls annually
- The annual abstract review and scoring process within the established review period and deadlines
- Program planning and review activities in preparation for the MDS Annual Meeting
- Review of materials and recommendations between scheduled meetings, as needed
- Additional educational planning discussions or projects as appropriate
- Candidates should have an interest in medical education and scientific programming and a willingness to actively contribute ideas and perspectives throughout their term. Previous MDS leadership experience is not required, making this an excellent opportunity for members interested in becoming more involved in the Society and contributing to its educational mission.
- Active participation in the annual abstract review process is an expectation of service on the Education and Programs Committee.
Nominations & Expectations of Service
The Medical Dermatology Society encourages nominations of members who are enthusiastic about contributing their time, experience, and perspectives to the continued growth and success of the Society.
Nominees should be willing and able to fully participate in the responsibilities of the position for which they are being considered. MDS leadership and committee service is an active commitment, and selected members are expected to be engaged throughout their term.
This includes attending and actively participating in scheduled meetings and conference calls, reviewing materials in advance, responding to communications in a timely manner, contributing to discussions and decision-making, completing assigned responsibilities, and supporting Society initiatives between meetings as needed.
When submitting a nomination, members are encouraged to consider individuals who:
- Demonstrate a genuine interest in the mission and future of MDS
- Are willing to commit the time necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the position
- Will actively participate in meetings, discussions, and assigned projects
- Bring thoughtful ideas, experience, and perspectives to Society leadership
- Are collaborative, responsive, and willing to work with fellow volunteers and Society staff
- Are committed to supporting MDS programs, initiatives, and membership throughout their term
Self-nominations are welcomed and encouraged. Before nominating a colleague, we encourage members to confirm that the individual is interested in serving and can make the commitment required for the position.
Our goal is to identify leaders who not only bring valuable experience and perspectives to MDS, but who are also committed to being active, engaged, and contributing to members of the Society’s leadership team.
Applications will be open through Friday, December 11, 2026 and should be submitted through the form below. Questions regarding the nomination process or any of the open positions may be directed to mds@sidnet.org.
Thank you for helping us identify the next group of leaders who will contribute to the continued growth and success of the Medical Dermatology Society.
