On the Other Side of the Match: A PeDRA Fellow’s Experience at AAD
April 2, 2026 – As the PeDRA Fellow, I have had the privilege of representing PeDRA at several national conferences, including those hosted by PeDRA, SPD, SID, and, most recently, AAD. To introduce myself, my name is Hannah Chang, and I have served as the PeDRA Fellow since June 2024. Although this was my third time attending AAD, it was my first year experiencing the meeting on the other side of the Match process, which made it especially exciting and refreshing!
I kicked off my time in Denver at the Skin of Color Society’s 22nd Annual Scientific Symposium. I first attended the Medical Student Breakfast, where I heard Dr. Caroline Robinson speak about starting her own practice and the importance of living according to one’s own expectations, recognizing that career paths are not always linear. During the Pathway to Dermatology panel, I learned more about factors valued in residency applicants, including having a cohesive narrative, demonstrating enthusiasm for learning and research, and being a team player. At the SOCS Annual General Business Meeting, it was inspiring to see the organization’s continued growth in membership and mentorship initiatives and to celebrate Dr. Rebecca Vasquez, one of my mentors, on her appointment as president-elect! I also had the opportunity to hear Dr. Susan Taylor speak about leadership during turbulent times. Other sessions addressed advocacy and limitations surrounding gender-affirming care, as well as holistic approaches to patient care.
During the AAD meeting, I attended sessions focused on atopic dermatitis, where I deepened my understanding of key differences between pediatric and adult disease. I also attended sessions on dermatologic care in pregnancy and learned approaches to evaluating and managing common dermatoses in pregnant patients. One of my favorite sessions, “Are You Smarter Than a Pediatric Dermatologist?”, featured interesting cases that showcased uncommon pediatric skin diseases and atypical presentations of more common conditions. Beyond the educational sessions, I had the opportunity to attend industry meetings alongside PeDRA’s Executive Director, Mike Siegel. These conversations allowed me to build connections and discuss ways PeDRA can partner with industry organizations to advance research, education, and outreach.
Ultimately, my favorite part of AAD was the people! It was amazing to reconnect with colleagues, meet new peers (including some of my future co-residents at Stanford!), and engage with both PeDRA members and industry partners. Looking ahead, I am excited to continue expanding my professional network, learning alongside my colleagues, and contributing to the advancement of pediatric dermatology. I am already looking forward to AAD next year!
Hannah Chang has served as the PeDRA Fellow since 2024 and recently matched into the Stanford Medicine Dermatology Residency with a pediatric dermatology focus. She is currently an MD candidate at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and holds a BA in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania. Click on the links below to listen to her PeDRA Pearls interviews to learn more Hannah, her journey to pediatric dermatology, and her time as the PeDRA Fellow.