Five members of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) received President’s Awards for their contributions to the Society and dermatologic specialty at the 2017 ASDS Annual Meeting in Chicago.

The 2017 recipients were Murad Alam, MD, MBA; Seemal R. Desai, MD; Jeffrey S. Dover, MD; George J. Hruza, MD, MBA; and Susan Weinkle, MD. ASDS President Thomas E. Rohrer presented the awards.

Dr. Rohrer expressed his gratitude for the amount of time and energy Dr. Alam dedicates to advancing the Society’s goals as President-Elect and chair of the Cosmetic Dermatologic Surgery Fellowship Accreditation and Federal Affairs Work Groups. Dr. Alam is Vice Chair of the Department of Dermatology at Northwestern University, where he also serves as a Professor of Dermatology, Otolaryngology and Surgery and Section Chief of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery.

“Dr. Alam takes on challenging roles and can be consistently counted upon to follow through with those tasks,” said Dr. Rohrer. “I’m incredibly appreciative of his willingness to take on the development of clinical guidelines in collaboration with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. His leadership has been instrumental to the successful progress we’ve made to date.”

As a member of the Federal Affairs Work Group, Dr. Desai was recognized for his support of the Society’s advocacy efforts including participating in the Federal Fly-in effort and testifying at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on in-office compounding. Dr. Desai practices at Innovative Dermatology in Plano, Texas.

“These efforts have contributed to the advancement of those legislative and regulatory issues of greatest importance to ASDS members,” said Dr. Rohrer. “Dr. Desai sets an excellent example for others who wish to make a difference.”

Dr. Dover was saluted as a visionary and educator for sharing his knowledge and experience with hundreds of ASDS members over the years. He practices at Skin Care Physicians in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.

“Dr. Dover has invested countless hours of his personal time to ASDS serving as faculty and committee member, Board member and President,” said Dr. Rohrer. “His vision to invest in our residents has paid tremendous dividends already and will continue to keep ASDS healthy and growing for the forseeable future.”

Dr. Hruza, an ASDS Past President, was praised for his mentorship and leadership within the specialty. Dr. Hruza is an Adjunct Professor of Dermatology at St. Louis University and Medical Director at Laser & Dermatologic Surgery Center in St. Louis, Missouri. He is a member of the ASDS Nominating Committee, Federal Affairs and Research Work Groups.

“The hard work by Dr. Hruza has helped advance our advocacy efforts,” said Dr. Rohrer. “He leads by example and the work he performs on the Society’s behalf has a tremendous impact on all of dermatologic surgery.”

Dr. Weinkle’s passion and personal time commitment to the specialty was recognized by Dr. Rohrer. She owns a private practice in Bradenton, Florida where she specializes in Mohs Micrographic Surgery and cosmetic dermatology.

“Our phenomenal successes in fundraising and in fostering relationships with industry partners are tied directly to Dr. Weinkle’s accomplishments,” said Dr. Rohrer. “These efforts make many of the programs and services we offer our members possible. The Society also acknowledges her commitment to the education of our resident and early-career members.”