The American Academy of Dermatology's (Academy) 70th Annual Meeting, recently held in San Diego from March 16-20, had a record attendance of more than 19,300 people from more than 102 countries. This is the Academy's largest meeting to date and continues the Academy's trend of strong attendance numbers at Academy scientific meetings. With a common goal of enhancing patient care through continuing medical education, more than 850 speakers contributed to more than 400 scientific sessions on the latest research and clinical information in the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of skin, hair and nail conditions.
"The Academy is proud to host the largest dermatology meeting in the world, offering the latest in dermatologic education to physicians from all parts of the globe," said dermatologist Suzanne Olbricht,, MD, FAAD, chair of the Academy's Scientific Assembly Committee. "Patients will truly benefit from the latest research and expertise, which was shared among the dermatologists who attended this meeting."
There were 865 scientific posters presented at the meeting. Exhibit space totaled 178,850 square feet with exhibitors representing more than 462 companies.
In conjunction with the Annual Meeting, the Academy held a Dermatology in Action service initiative in an effort to give back to the San Diego area. More than 50 Academy members volunteered at the St. Vincent de Paul Village, the largest rehabilitative program for the homeless in San Diego. Volunteers painted the interior of one of the residential buildings.
The 71st Annual Meeting of the Academy will be held in Miami from March 1-5, 2013.