American Academy of Dermatology Names Seemal R. Desai President

Dallas-based board-certified dermatologist Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD, begins his one-year term as president of the American Academy of Dermatology at the close of AAD's annual meeting today in San Diego, CA.

Dr. Desai will lead the world's largest dermatologic society that represents nearly 21,000 physicians who specialize in diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair and nail conditions. He will also hold the same position for the American Academy of Dermatology Association, a sister organization focused on government affairs, health policy, and practice information.

Dr. Desai has spoken at Happi events and provided expert insight for Happi features since 2016.

“I am honored to begin serving as the youngest person to ever be elected President of the AAD,” said Dr. Desai said. “Every dermatologist has helped change the life of a patient who is suffering from a severe skin disease, and with the privilege of caring for patients comes the gift of being able to restore hope and joy to these individuals. It is imperative that we as physicians remain united as we address the challenges facing dermatology and all of medicine head-on. This unity will be instrumental in helping us advance our beloved dermatology specialty to even greater heights as we continue to transform the lives of millions of people here in the United States and around the world.”

Dr. Desai completed his undergraduate studies at Emory University, earned his medical degree from Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia and completed his dermatology residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he served as chief resident. He serves as the Founder and Medical Director of Innovative Dermatology and as clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Texas Southwestern. Dr. Desai is an expert in dermatologic disease in skin of color, with a focus on pigmentary disorders. He previously served on the AAD's Board of Directors, as chair of the AAD's Leadership Development Steering Committee, on the SkinPAC Board of Advisors, and as chair of the AADA Compounding Workgroup. In addition, Dr. Desai was appointed to the United States Food and Drug Administration, where he currently serves on the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee. Dr. Desai is the past president of the Skin of Color Society, past president of the DFW Dermatological Society and past president of the Texas Dermatological Society.