LEADderm
A Message from the Founder and Chair of LEADderm
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
Welcome to LEADderm.
I started this conference because I realized that while we are trained to be masters of the skin, being a great doctor takes more than just clinical knowledge. Modern medicine requires us to be masters of the "human" side, too—like leadership, empathy, and innovation. LEADderm is here to bridge that gap and help us provide even better care.
We believe in a simple, foundational principle: Better leadership leads to better health. To deliver the highest standard of care for our patients, we must first invest in the people providing that care.
The "Missing Curriculum"
In 2025, our community grew to include over 130 attendees and 20 world-class faculty members. Together, we moved beyond traditional clinical updates to tackle the "missing curriculum"—those essential professional tools that directly impact practice culture, patient trust, and our own sense of fulfillment. From leveraging AI to deep dives into emotional intelligence and high-impact mentorship, we proved that when we lead with purpose, we make a lasting contribution to our field and beyond.
Jennifer Soung, MD
Founder and Chair of LEADderm
Director of Clinical Research, Southern California Dermatology
Clinical Faculty, Harbor University of California Los Angeles
Steve Daveluy MD, FAAD
(DAVE-loo-ee)
Faculty advisor of LEADderm 2026
Professor and Program Director
Wayne State Dermatology
Looking Ahead to 2026
The 2026 conference brings a brand-new slate of speakers and fresh perspectives centered on the idea that clinical expertise is only half the story. To really show up for our patients, we need to be as skilled in leadership and empathy as we are in dermatology.
We don't just talk about leadership at LEADderm; we provide the actionable strategies that allow you to navigate a successful career and build a vibrant community. We invite you to join us. Together, we can inspire change, build stronger communities, and shape a future that embraces diversity, innovation, and purpose in dermatology. Let’s create something extraordinary—again.
Because when we lead better, we care better.
With optimism,
Jennifer Soung, MD
Steve Daveluy MD, FAAD