New AAD President Dr. Murad Alam to Navigate Dermatology's Future

DENVER, CO – March 27, 2026 – The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the world's most influential dermatologic society, has officially vested its leadership in Dr. Murad Alam, a distinguished Chicago-based dermatologist. Dr. Alam assumed the presidency at the conclusion of the AAD's Annual Meeting, beginning a one-year term at the helm of the organization and its more than 21,800 physician members.

In his new role, Dr. Alam will also preside over the American Academy of Dermatology Association, the AAD's sister organization focused on health policy and government affairs. This dual leadership position places him at the center of the specialty's most pressing clinical, scientific, and political challenges.

"I am honored to serve as Academy president and look forward to the next year of hard work to propel dermatology forward alongside our passionate and dedicated members and talented staff," said Dr. Alam. "I intend to build upon the work of my predecessors. If we work together, and are determined and relentless in our efforts, we can achieve the best for our patients and for each other."

A Multifaceted Leader for a Complex Field

Dr. Alam brings a uniquely comprehensive background to the AAD presidency. He is not only a seasoned clinician but also a prolific researcher and an experienced administrator. Currently serving as Vice Chair of the Department of Dermatology and a professor at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, his academic credentials are unimpeachable. He earned his medical degree from Yale School of Medicine, completed his dermatology residency at Columbia University, and pursued advanced fellowships in Mohs surgery and laser medicine.

What sets Dr. Alam apart is the integration of this deep medical expertise with a sharp business acumen, evidenced by his MBA from the prestigious Kellogg School of Management. This combination suggests a leadership style that is both scientifically rigorous and strategically focused on organizational efficiency and impact. His extensive leadership history, including a four-year term on the AAD Board of Directors and presidencies of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, has prepared him for the complexities of guiding a major medical society.

His career demonstrates a commitment to advancing the field from every angle—from the research bench, where he has focused on clinical trials and patient-reported outcomes, to the boardroom, where he has shaped policy and organizational strategy.

Confronting Critical Policy and Access Challenges

Dr. Alam's presidency begins as dermatology faces significant headwinds, particularly in the realm of healthcare policy and patient access. The most urgent priority for the AADA, which he now leads, is addressing the chronic instability of Medicare physician reimbursement. According to the AAD, when adjusted for practice cost inflation, Medicare payments to physicians have plummeted by 33% between 2001 and 2026.

This trend threatens the financial viability of dermatology practices, particularly smaller, independent ones, and risks creating barriers to care for millions of Medicare beneficiaries. The AADA is a vocal advocate for legislative solutions, such as the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act, which aims to provide annual, inflation-based updates to physician payments. Dr. Alam's experience as the recent chair of the AAD's Congressional Policy Committee positions him as a knowledgeable and credible voice in these crucial negotiations in Washington, D.C.

Beyond reimbursement, the field is grappling with a growing workforce shortage. Many regions, especially rural areas, are designated as dermatologic deserts, forcing patients to endure long wait times for essential care, including life-saving skin cancer screenings. Dr. Alam's leadership will be critical in steering the Academy's efforts to promote solutions like teledermatology and advocate for policies that encourage a more equitable distribution of dermatologists nationwide.

From Evidence to Practice: Shaping the Future of Treatment

While navigating policy challenges, Dr. Alam is also poised to guide the specialty through a period of unprecedented scientific and technological advancement. Dermatology is rapidly evolving with the advent of next-generation biologics for inflammatory conditions like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, the integration of artificial intelligence into diagnostics, and the refinement of laser and regenerative therapies.

Dr. Alam's deep background in research is central to his profile. At Northwestern, his work focuses on evidence-based medicine, the development of clinical practice guidelines, and outcomes research. This emphasis on rigorous, data-driven validation will be invaluable in helping AAD members responsibly adopt new technologies and treatments. His leadership is expected to champion the translation of cutting-edge research into safe, effective, and accessible clinical practice.

His role as an editor for prominent journals, including the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, underscores a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of scientific discourse and ensuring that practitioners have access to reliable, peer-vetted information to guide their patient care decisions.

Building on a Legacy of Advocacy and Education

Dr. Alam follows Dr. Susan C. Taylor, whose historic presidency as the first African American to lead the AAD focused on supporting dermatologists' well-being and continuing the fight for fair payment. Dr. Alam is expected to maintain this strong advocacy momentum while bringing his own distinct focus on evidence-based practice and operational excellence to the forefront.

His extensive experience as an educator, directing fellowship programs in surgical and cosmetic dermatology at Northwestern, aligns perfectly with the AAD's core mission of education. The Academy plays a vital role in the lifelong learning of dermatologists, from its sprawling Annual Meeting to specialized grants like the Hair Loss and Alopecia Initiative in Research (HAIR), which supports studies on conditions disproportionately affecting diverse populations.

As Dr. Alam begins his term, he inherits an organization that is a powerful force for patient care, scientific advancement, and public health. His leadership will be instrumental in harnessing that power to address the critical needs of both patients and physicians, ensuring the specialty of dermatology not only adapts to the future but actively shapes it for the better.