Desai: Path to successful leadership paved with servitude, introspection, authenticity
Key takeaways:
- Current AAD President Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD, addressed the Skin of Color Society regarding leadership.
- Desai touted the importance of taking one’s individual journey toward leadership roles.
ORLANDO — Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD, who is finishing his term as American Academy of Dermatology president, took time to reflect on his own leadership journey and inspire future leaders at the Skin of Color Society Scientific Symposium.
Founder and medical director of Innovative Dermatology and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Desai specializes in pigmentary disorders and has served in myriad leadership roles culminating with being selected as the youngest ever AAD president for the 2024 to 2025 term.
Speaking to the Skin of Color Society at its annual pre-AAD symposium, Desai urged his fellow physicians to follow their own paths to leadership and to focus on serving others rather than themselves to be effective leaders.
Your own journey
Desai began his discussion by asking the audience to take their own “personal inventory” of interests, strengths and commitments as they begin their leadership journeys and to remember that everyone’s path is unique.
“When we are navigating our leadership journey, where do we start, where do you go and where do you end? And the answer is not a simple one,” he said. “That journey involves a deep introspection ... of where you want to be at what stage in your career.”
While Desai likes to plan, he quickly realized that becoming a leader in his field would not be a linear path, but rather a winding route.
“I hope that after this talk today ... no matter what you do as a leader, you do something to forge your own path. Because the beginning of a path is certainly very powerful,” Desai said.
Servant leadership
Taking a leadership approach that focuses on serving your community rather than yourself is also a way to make sure you are successful in your roles and make a difference, he added.
“It’s that spirit of servant leadership and being a leader not for yourself, but for what you can do to help the next person around you, which is truly the most gratifying way to take advantage of opportunities that truly abound,” Desai said.
As he wraps up a year of servitude to AAD, he emphasized the importance of inspiring future leadership by getting involved in any way possible and to give back to the communities and organizations the audience is a part of, while urging medical students, residents and fellows to “embrace dermatology” as they continue along their own paths.
“As I leave the podium today here at SOCS and leave the leadership of the Academy, my hope is that I've been able to leave behind at least a small legacy of having broken some barriers for those of you in the room, who will surely follow,” he said. “Always be present. Build those relationships. Develop your reputation. It’s the authenticity, in my opinion, and the commitment that truly counts.”
Reference:
- Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD, assumes presidency of the American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/news/seemal-desai-new-president-aad. Posted March 8, 2024. Accessed March 6, 2025.
For more information:
Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD, can be reached at seemald@yahoo.com.