The Medical Dermatology Society

Abstract

PERHAPS THE BEST way to introduce the Medical Dermatology Society (MDS) is with a presentation of its mission statement: The Medical Dermatology Society was established in 1994 to foster interest and cooperative, patient-centered research in adult dermatology. In this context, the term medical is used to refer to cutaneous changes that are associated with systemic disease processes and to potentially disabling or fatal skin diseases that are treated primarily with systemic drug therapy. Specific diseases of interest include but are not limited to: autoimmune bullous disorders (pemphigus, pemphigoid), cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, severe drug hypersensitivity reactions (Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, toxic erythema necrolysis, the sulfone hypersensitivity syndrome), neutrophilic dermatoses, and rheumatic skin disease (lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, scleroderma and vasculitis). Priorities of the Medical Dermatology Society include: Foster interest and continuing education in dermatology among dermatologists and dermatology resident trainees Serve as a coordinating body for the development of