The Association of Academic Cosmetic Dermatology (AACD) is the lead professional society for dermatologists who direct the education of resident trainees in cosmetic and laser dermatology.

The AACD was founded in 2021 to fill a gap in dermatology resident education.¹ Historically, there were few to no directors of cosmetic and laser dermatology at residency programs, and there was no organization focused solely on this component of resident education.  Over the past few years, however, cosmetic and laser dermatology have become an increasingly important component of dermatology resident education, and programs have recognized this by hiring directors of cosmetic dermatology.  Cosmetic directors are responsible both for clinical patient care and for providing education to dermatology residents, most of whom plan to incorporate cosmetic and laser procedures into their practice after graduation.^2-4

Today, most of the 140+ ACGME-accredited dermatology residency programs in the United States have cosmetic directors on faculty.  The AACD is composed of and committed to supporting these cosmetic directors.  Together, we work to improve resident education, faculty development, and patient care in the academic setting.⁵

Our 130+ members are all board-certified dermatologists who are responsible for directing the education of dermatology residents in cosmetic and laser dermatology.  AACD members represent 60% of ACGME-accredited dermatology residency programs across nearly all states that have a residency program.  Every year, our members teach around 1,000 dermatology residents.

The formation of the AACD is an acknowledgment that cosmetic dermatology is a mature discipline and a primary subspecialty of dermatology, which is widely taught across the United States and internationally.  The society aspires to create a congenial and productive space in which professors and teachers of cosmetic dermatology can work together to elevate their discipline.