Why give? Sustaining Fund stories
Many vital AAD programs are supported through contributions to the Sustaining Fund. Your generosity makes a real difference in the lives of patients and others. This page will be continuously updated with stories about our donors and the people who benefit from AAD programs.
Jack S. Resneck, Jr., MD, FAAD
At this time of change and uncertainty in health care, it is critical that our specialty takes a leadership role in defining our own future and ensuring our ability to provide quality care to our patients. The AAD Leadership Institute plays a vital role in motivating and engaging dermatologists around the country and building the skills necessary for effective representation in legislatures, regulatory bodies, and health plans.
Micsunica-Elvira Chiritescu, MD, FAAD
Donating to the AAD Sustaining Fund brings me a great deal of satisfaction, knowing in some way I am helping to advance the goals of my profession, and alleviate the suffering of some of our most needy patients.
In my dermatology practice over the years I have seen children with severe skin disorders, which can have a crippling emotional effect on them. They feel 'different', and are embarrassed by their condition, especially among their peer group. The AAD's Camp Discovery program fills a vital need: it gives these children a chance to realize that they are not alone, and that there are other young people with similar, if not worse, skin conditions than their own.
One of my patients has attended the Camp for two years now, and was thrilled about what a great experience it was. Children made lifelong friends at the Camp, and that fact in itself raises their self-esteem and enhances their emotional well-being. I feel it is an excellent program, and deserves all our support.
Those of us who have been so blessed with good health and career satisfaction, owe it to the less fortunate among us to ease their journey through life. And I truly feel that by supporting Camp Discovery, we are fulfilling our oath as physicians, not only to 'first' do no harm, but 'secondly', to go a step further, and do great good for those in need of our help.
A writer friend of mine was so impressed by the achievements of Camp Discovery, she decided to send a donation to the AAD. Just think, if each member spoke to one or two friends about the great accomplishments of Camp Discovery, how many more suffering children could become the recipients of such a life-changing program. And how good that would make each one of us physicians feel. I know it makes me feel I'm not taking my good fortune for granted, and I am so thankful the AAD has created Camp Discovery to enrich the lives of those children who so desperately need assistance.
Ronald L. Moy, MD, FAAD
I am proud of the Academy’s commitment to philanthropy. The philanthropic initiatives supported by the Sustaining Fund are vital to our mission of excellence in dermatology – and provide key assistance and information to everyone from our Members, to patients, children with chronic skin conditions, and the public at large. Join me as a Sustaining Fund donor and help make a difference today!
Ronald P. Rapini, MD, FAAD
I am proud to be a Tribute donor. It is win-win to contribute in this way because you honor someone you believe in, and you give back to dermatology.
Tracy D. Kuykendall, MD, FAAD
I give because I care about patients even when they’re not in my office.
I feel truly blessed to be successful. I am also blessed to have a wonderful, healthy, athletic 9-year-old son. I was reading about AAD Camp Discovery a few years ago, and how all the children felt that was the one place where they could go and feel just like other kids for the week. My heart went out to them and I hope that anything I can give will make a difference. By supporting Camp Discovery, I know my gift will dramatically change the lives of children with chronic skin conditions.
Peter A. Lio, MD, FAAD
It's so important to give back and to support our Academy and the specialty we’ve chosen as our career. Even as someone who is still early in his career in dermatology, I am committed to the Academy’s education and leadership programs, and the Sustaining Fund is a great way to help ensure that they will continue to grow. From supporting public outreach programs, to education, to building future leaders, the Sustaining Fund is ultimately a gift that gives back to the giver as well.
Ryan S. Owsley, MD, FAAD
As a practicing Dermatologist since 2002 I have felt an obligation to give back to the profession which has provided me with so much. I have been a contributor to the AAD’s Sustaining Fund since shortly after leaving residency into practice. When I was a resident I was moved by a young female patient of mine with Epidermolysis Bullosa. She was able to attend Camp Discovery thanks to contributions from Sustaining Fund donors, and I saw what a difference it made in her life. Spending a week with patients with similar skin diseases helped her to overcome some of her own trials and tribulations physically and emotionally with her disease.
Since finishing residency I feel it is important for me to continue to contribute to the Sustaining Fund. I believe that it not only benefits patients like her, but also educates the public about our specialty, and the impact that we have on patients’ lives.
I have seen firsthand what these contributions do for our patients. I feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to practice medicine as a Dermatologist and therefore feel that this is one small way to give back to our specialty and our patients.
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Lindsey Johnson
My name is Lindsey Johnson, I am 22 years old from MN, and I attended Camp Discovery in Minnesota from 2000-2005 as a camper and then as volunteer staff for 4 summers after. Having the opportunity to attend camp as a child showed me that I wasn't alone. The best memory I have from being a camper is the friendships I have made over those years. I was lucky to become part of the volunteer staff at camp where I got to be on the other side of the experience, build more friendships, be a role model, and help kids have an amazing week throughout the years. The whole experience has given me amazing friendships that I still have, and helped me realize I am truly blessed with my life.
Elizabeth S. Martin, MD, FAAD 
The Academy’s Leadership Development programs have been invaluable to my professional development. As I was just finishing residency in 2001, I participated in the first Academy Leadership Forum. At that meeting I realized that that I needed far more than medical knowledge to realize my full potential as a dermatologist. I recognized immediately that developing my leadership skills would make me more effective in my private practice and that has certainly been true. I have since participated in many of the Academy leadership programs and continue to become a better leader in my practice. Private practice can be somewhat isolating by nature, so I have benefited not only from the leadership skills I have developed in these programs, but also from the relationships I have built with other dermatologists throughout the country.
As I have become a more competent leader, I have also had many opportunities to give back to the Academy and to dermatology. With the skills I have developed I have been able to serve Alabama dermatologists as President of the Alabama Dermatology Society. I also have served in various leadership capacities within the Academy including serving as Chair of the Young Physician Committee, the Leadership Development Committee, and I will assume the Chair of the Youth Education Committee in February. As I have learned more about leadership I have become much more effective in these positions. I am passionate about leadership and am proud to be part of the Leadership Development Steering Committee. Medicine demands that physicians are high-achievers. It is critical that physicians are also strong leaders! The Academy’s Leadership programs have given me and countless others the skills and the confidence we need to succeed in our practices and help advance the specialty!
Suzanne M. Olbricht, MD, FAAD
“The Sustaining Fund is a wonderful opportunity to support the many valuable programs of the Academy and ensure that our good works continue for years to come. As a member of the Academy, I am impressed by the continued commitment of our members who not only support these programs through generous monetary donations, but by how freely they give of their time as well. I encourage members of every age and every stage of their careers to become a Sustaining Fund donor.”
Clay J. Cockerell, MD, FAAD
“Tribute donations are a special way to create a lasting legacy for those who have inspired us, touched our lives, or impacted our profession. There is no better way to honor these amazing people and, at the same time, support the future of the Academy.”
William D. James, MD, FAAD
“Philanthropic contributions are absolutely vital to the Academy’s ability to continue its many wonderful programs, and to support new programs. These essential programs benefit our patients, the public and our specialty. Together we can achieve so much more! I urge you to join me as a Sustaining Fund Donor.”
Christine D. Brown, MD, FAAD
"I feel very fortunate to have enjoyed strong support from the dermatology community. Last year, I decided to thank my referring colleagues with a donation to the Academy in their honor to support a skin cancer prevention program. This acknowledgement was greatly appreciated, and many of them sent thank you notes expressing how much it meant to them to support our society and its endeavors in the fight against skin cancer."
Henry W. Lim, MD, FAAD
"I have been very fortunate to be in a specialty that gives me great gratification in caring for patients, and in educating the next generation of dermatologists. Volunteering my time for the Academy and being a Sustaining Member are my ways of giving back to our specialty. The Academy, which has represented all of us well, can only be made stronger by the support from all of us."
Susan Bershad, MD, FAAD
“It took a lot of hard work from our AAD colleagues to establish great programs like Camp Discovery, Shade Structure grants, Medical Education and Public Awareness initiatives -- causes that save and improve lives. If we dermatologists don't support them, who will? I'm a Sustaining Member because it gives me pleasure to keep these programs alive and thriving.”
Diane R. Baker, MD, FAAD
"Bev Sanders did an amazing job representing Dermatology at the AMA for many years. I greatly valued his friendship and when he passed on the most fitting tribute I could think of was a donation to the Academy. To me it's so appropriate and meaningful to donate to an organization that meant a lot to the person who is being honored by the donation."
Stephen P. Stone, MD, FAAD
“Ted Turner was once quoted as saying ‘The world and life have been mighty good to me. And I want to put something back.’ I've always felt that way, myself. And in my case, dermatology, the Academy and my patients have been a major part of what has given me a good life - and I want to give back in such a way that those who follow in dermatology - and those we care for - can benefit from what I am able to give back.”
David M. Pariser, MD, FAAD
“I’ve been a sustaining member of the Academy ever since the program started. It allows the Academy to be able to continue offering many high caliber programs for members, patients, and the general public without having to raise dues. For me, the Academy is the trusted voice in education, advocacy, and communications and has fostered a sense of collegiality and professionalism. I want other dermatologists of this and future generations to be able to enjoy the same professional fulfillment.”
Watch for more stories to come!
