The transformative power of leadership through service

Each year, as our new leadership cycle begins, the Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) committee chairs, board members, and staff gather for our annual Leadership Summit—a time to reflect, connect, and ideate. It’s more than an agenda-packed retreat; it’s an energizing celebration of what makes our association extraordinary. Surrounded by dermatology physician associates (PAs) from across the country, I’m reminded how powerful we are when we come together—not just in friendship, but in shared purpose. There’s a special magic in watching my colleagues lift one another up. Ideas grow bolder, solutions grow smarter, and we grow stronger—collectively. To me, that is the very essence of leadership. One of my favorite quotes comes from Booker T. Washington: “If you want to lift yourself up, lift up others.” This simple truth encompasses how I approach my role and how I hope we all show up for one another as peers, colleagues, and leaders. Real growth happens when we surround ourselves with people who challenge our thinking, push us to step outside our comfort zones, and empower us to dream bigger. Living in an echo chamber stunts innovation. Seeking diversity in thought and background—and welcoming those differences—is the only way we evolve. Leadership, in its most impactful form, is not about title or tenure. It’s about creating space—space for new voices, bold ideas, and fearless contributions. It’s about giving someone the confidence to speak up and the belief that they could one day step into your shoes and lead with authenticity. There are countless expressions of leadership, but one thing is constant: a strong pipeline of emerging leaders is essential to our society’s long-term health. Without it, we risk stagnation. At SDPA, we have an opportunity that few professional organizations enjoy. We are not just a conference or a meeting—we are a professional home. And home is where you feel nurtured, inspired, and supported. Giving back to our members, celebrating your wins, and investing in your growth—that’s our mission. Dermatology PA Foundation, our philanthropic arm, embodies this commitment. Through scholarships, outreach funding, and mission-based initiatives, DPAF supports members who want to educate their communities about dermatology and the role of the dermatology PA. They help make research possible, amplify and fund medical mission work, and connect our members to their communities through outreach. But we can’t do it alone. There is tremendous power in numbers, especially in a community as strong and generous as ours. Imagine the impact if each of our 5,000+ members gave just one dollar. Or five. Or twenty. The ripple effect of that generosity would be transformative. Medical missions fully funded. DermPA led research funded and launched. Access to dermatologic care expanded in underserved communities. As Winston Churchill wisely noted, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” That spirit lives in every PA who shows up for their patients, their peers, and their profession—not because they have to, but because they believe in a brighter, healthier future. The best kind of leadership—the kind that truly transforms—comes from service. Or as Mahatma Gandhi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” That quote resonates deeply with our mission at SDPA and DPAF, because we are more than clinicians—we are advocates, educators, and leaders. And by showing up for our communities and for one another, we write a legacy of impact. And let’s not forget the simple truth offered by Anne Frank: “No one has ever become poor by giving.” If anything, our generosity enriches us emotionally, professionally, and spiritually. To all my fellow dermatology PAs: thank you. Thank you for stepping up, speaking out, and showing up for your communities and for each other. Let’s continue this work with enthusiasm, curiosity, and courage. The future of dermatology is in our hands—and I wouldn’t want to build it with anyone else.