GALDA Co-Director Explains Organization's Work and Impact

The Gay and Lesbian Dermatology Association (GALDA) is an organization of dermatologists and health-care professionals dedicated to unity and networking of the gay community at dermatology meetings. For Pride Month, we spoke with GALDA co-director William L Waller III, MD, FAAD, to learn more about the association’s work and its impact on the profession.

WHAT IS GALDA’S OVERALL MISSION AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO THE DERMATOLOGY PROFESSION AS A WHOLE?

William L Waller III, MD, FAAD: GALDA strives to provide a networking forum for LGBTQ+ oriented dermatologists and allies to promote visibility, fellowship, mentoring, and education. GALDA provides peer support, clinical education, and social opportunities for our members and other healthcare professionals to build relationships within the dermatology community and educate our members on LGBTQ+ related patient care topics and outreach needs.

WHAT DOES THE GALDA MENTORSHIP PROGRAM ENTAIL AND WHAT IS ITS IMPACT?

Dr. Waller: Through a shadowing opportunity at a mentor’s practice, the GALDA Mentorship program seeks to connect residents and early career dermatologists with experienced board-certified dermatologists to provide advanced clinical training, promotion of leadership skills, and encouragement of research endeavors.  The mentorship program can take place over a weekend or a week, depending on availability and costs. Up to $2,500 to reimburse housing and travel expenses associated with the mentorship experience is provided to the mentee.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSONS OR CONCEPTS YOU HAVE IMPARTED TO YOUNG DOCTORS OR RESIDENTS THROUGH THIS PROGRAM?

Dr. Waller: Based on feedback from our mentees over the years, the GALDA Mentorship program provides a unique opportunity to spend quality time with a practicing LGBTQ-plus dermatologist and exposure to an LGBTQ+ friendly practice, which may be the only opportunity for the mentee to have this kind of relationship and experience during training. Further, a mentee will benefit from:

• One-on-one guidance from a seasoned expert.
• Hands-on experience and practical advice on complex medical treatments and surgical techniques.
• Insights into best practices, patient management, and innovative procedures.
• Networking opportunities with leaders in the field.

WHAT TYPE OF EDUCATION REGARDING THE LGBTQ-PLUS COMMUNITY IS IMPORTANT FOR ALL CLINICIANS TO KNOW AND WHY?

Dr. Waller: There is a need for every dermatologist to recognize the fundamental differences between sex, gender, gender identity, and gender expression. This is a foundation on which to offer care in a culturally competent way. Some of the unique components of LGBTQ+ care include recognizing an overall higher incidence of skin cancer; opportunities to reduce infection risks through vaccines such as HPV and MPOX and pre-exposure prophylactic therapy; and the use of cosmetic procedures to provide gender-affirming care. 

Seeking industry support, we also wish to implement an educational program as outreach to the local and state dermatology societies on how to approach patient behaviors, recognize clinical patterns, and offer expertise to all practicing dermatologists nationwide.

WHAT OTHER INFORMATION IS IMPORTANT TO SHARE WITH THE DERMATOLOGY COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE?

Dr. Waller: GALDA has an annual networking event at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) annual meeting that is open to both members and allies to attend. We also have a booth in the AAD exhibit hall, where dermatologists can meet one of our board members and gather additional information and resources. We are fortunate to have the support of many industry members, and we look forward to partnering with more in the future!  

Speaking of the future, we are excited about plans to increase our visibility and educational endeavors by promoting sun safety at community events such as Pride celebrations across the country. With sponsor support, a GALDA speaker could be offered to the entire dermatology community at an educational gathering, such as journal club get-togethers, regional meetings, and special events.