Adam Friedman, MD, FAAD: Expert Insights and Advice on Navigating AAD

Adam Friedman, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist based in Washington, DC, and a professor and chair of dermatology at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, will be speaking on the topic of urticaria and diet at the upcoming American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting. In his session, "Dietary Triggers and Modifications of Common Dermatologic Conditions: An Evidence Based Approach," he will address the complex relationship between diet and chronic spontaneous urticaria, where no clear underlying cause is typically identified.

While diet may not be the root cause, it can certainly exacerbate the condition, prompting many patients to seek answers regarding potential triggers. Friedman will focus on how diet contributes to short-term inflammatory flare-ups and provide strategies for dermatologists to discuss this with patients, helping them manage and personalize their treatment plans.

Outside of his session, Friedman shared his excitement for the conference, emphasizing the value of the AAD meeting as a key opportunity for networking and career advancement. He views the meeting as a vital space to meet with colleagues and professionals from around the world, fostering collaborations and strengthening his department’s mission.

“Given that the annual meeting brings such a large number of attendees, it's really an opportunity to get a lot done in a short amount of time, especially when it comes to collaborations and networking, and projects, or even career development,” Friedman noted.

For first-time attendees especially, Friedman offered practical advice to navigate the large-scale event efficiently. He highlighted the importance of early preparation, recommending that attendees reach out to potential collaborators or mentors at least 2-3 months in advance. For those attending in the coming days, he suggested allowing sufficient time between meetings to avoid the stress of rushing between locations. With the event often spanning multiple venues, creating a realistic schedule with buffer time can help keep attendees from feeling overwhelmed. Lastly, he encouraged attendees to soak it in and enjoy the conference. While it is an educational and career-building event, it’s also an opportunity to have fun and take advantage of all the opportunities, even if it means bouncing around between events.

“Don't beat yourself up because really you are investing your time and your funding to attend this meeting,” Friedman concluded. “You should get the most out of it.”