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Click to read the 50th Anniversary Commemorative Program!
ASDS 50th Anniversary Commemorative Program

This program has won industry awards!

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ASDS Turns 50

In 2020, ASDS honored its history and celebrated its bright future. Each ASDS member is part of our story and forever shapes our history. Read their memories, watch our history videos and view the 50th Anniversary Commemorative Program!

Thank you to our 50th Anniversary Commemorative Program sponsors!

It all began at the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago on Dec. 5, 1970. The first unofficial meeting of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) was called by Drs. Leonard Lewis and Sorrel Resnik. There were 29 dermatologic surgeons that came together while attending the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) to strengthen dermatologic surgery, primarily by promoting it through education.

Join the "ASDS Turns 50" discussion group on ASDS Connect and use #ASDSTurns50 on social media.

ASDS Through the Decades

ASDS Founding Members

Eugene Bodian, MD – Deceased
James Burkes, MD – Deceased
George A. Farber, MD – Kenner, LA
Daniel Gross, MD – Tarzana, CA
Leonard A. Lewis, MD – Deceased
Charles Lincoln, Jr. MD – Deceased
Norman Orentreich, MD – Deceased
Sorrel S. Resnik, MD – Miami, FL
Dowling B. Stough, III, MD – Deceased
Douglas P. Torre, MD – Deceased
Theodore A. Tromovitch, MD – Deceased
John M. Yarborough, MD – Deceased

50th Anniversary Activities

50 Collage

Watch Past Presidents' Interviews

Click the top right corner to scroll through the playlist.

Fun Facts Timeline

1970 Fun Facts
  • The first unofficial meeting of ASDS took place at Chicago's Palmer House Hilton on Dec. 5, 1970.
  • 29 dermatologic surgeons led by Drs. Leonard Lewis and Sorrell Resnik attended the first unofficial ASDS meeting in 1970.

“The formation of ASDS opened up a whole new avenue for dermatologists – no longer were we strictly a medical specialty"  - Dr. Resnik, ASDS Founder

"The whole purpose of forming ASDS was to train dermatologists in skin surgery; residents in the 1960's received minimal training in surgery."   - Dr. Resnik, ASDS Founder