Early-Career Tips for Attending AAD 2025

“The most fun part of AAD for me every year is thinking about the fact that we've already seen everything that we expect in 'X' disease state. There can't possibly be more, right? And I'm usually wrong every year,” said Raj Chovatiya, MD, PhD, MSCI, in an interview with Dermatology Times.

Chovatiya, clinical associate professor at Rosalind Franklin University Chicago Medical School, founder and director of the Center for Medical Dermatology and Immunology Research in Chicago, and a Dermatology Times Editorial Advisory Board member, provided tips for early-career dermatologists attending the 2025 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida, held March 7-11. He also shared content he looks forward to every year, including updates in atopic dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, chronic spontaneous urticaria, and more.

At AAD, Chovatiya is presenting “Inflammatory Disorders Part 2: Atopic Dermatitis, Psoriasis, Hidradenitis Suppurativa” on Sunday, March 8, at 1:20 pm ET.

Reflecting on his early experiences, Chovatiya acknowledged how overwhelming larger meetings can be for young dermatologists, especially at AAD. His primary advice: prioritize key sessions and interests rather than attempting to cover everything.

Chovatiya emphasized that missing certain sessions won’t set anyone back in their career, but strategic planning is essential. Attendees should focus on topics that align with their clinical or research interests, whether that’s late-breaking clinical trial data, emerging therapeutic innovations, or deep dives into specific disease states. While networking, social events, and the exhibit hall have value, he encouraged attendees to structure their schedules around sessions that will advance their knowledge and shape their future practice.

A highlight of the AAD meeting for Chovatiya is the continuous evolution of dermatologic treatments. Each year, new developments emerge, particularly in areas such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, chronic spontaneous urticaria, vitiligo, alopecia areata, and chronic hand eczema. He noted that the landscape of dermatology has become so robust that even significant phase 2 and phase 3 clinical trials may not secure a spot in the late-breaking sessions at AAD due to the sheer volume of new data.

As a researcher and clinician, Chovatiya enjoys observing how therapies he has studied or followed closely advance through the clinical trial pipeline. He discussed the importance of staying updated on the latest data that will define future dermatologic treatment. Whether through direct participation in research or careful monitoring of new findings, he believes that understanding these developments is crucial for dermatologists aiming to provide the best care for their patients.

Overall, his message to younger dermatologists is to approach conferences with a balance of focus and flexibility. By strategically selecting educational opportunities, dermatologists can stay informed about the latest therapeutic advancements.