Upcoming SDS Meeting!

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 @ 5:30 PM

Dr. Paras Vakharia

Paras Vakharia, MD, PharmD, Dermatology

Presenting Therapeutic Updates in Rheum-Derm Disease: What’s New and Why It Matters

Dr. Vakharia is an Assistant Professor, Associate Program Director, and Director of Resident Wellness in the Department of Dermatology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. After graduating from pharmacy school and medical school, he completed his dermatology residency at the University of Texas Southwestern prior to joining Northwestern. His areas of interest include cutaneous lupus, dermatomyositis, systemic sclerosis, and sarcoidosis, where he is part of the institution’s multidisciplinary programs. He has been or is currently a principal investigator for over 15 clinical trials for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. He also serves as an officer for various national organizations including the American Academy of Dermatology, Medical Dermatology Society, and Rheumatologic Dermatology Society. In his spare time, he enjoys fitness classes, learning languages, and traveling; in April, he will be going on his honeymoon with his wife Megan in Japan!

President’s Message

Dear WSDA Members,

We have great news to share!

The WSDA is excited to announce its merger with the Seattle Dermatologic Society (SDS).

The SDS is a long running “grand rounds”-style meeting during which members of the community share difficult cases followed by a virtual lecture from national leaders in our field.  The virtual format allows regular participation from dermatologists located statewide.

What does that mean for you?

Now, ONE membership fee of $200 for physicians and $100 for affiliate membership allows you to attend BOTH the virtual SDS lecture series – held monthly from September to June, continue receiving a discounted registration at the WSDA annual meeting every Fall, and provides opportunities to participate in advocacy for our field at the state level.

As SDS and WSDA leadership, we hope this merger will improve access to high-quality, low-cost education for our members statewide and help us to connect with dermatologists across the state year round.

This is the time to renew with WSDA!  The $200 fee includes BOTH monthly lectures and challenging cases with SDS, and a $225 discount on annual meeting registration.

Note: You can now renew your membership dues and pay your registration fee online by clicking the button below.

Renew Today Member Application

Did you know that Washington State Medicaid reimbursement rates are some of the lowest in the country? The WSMA, along with WSDA board member, Andrea Kalus, MD, are fighting to increase Medicaid reimbursement. For more details, read Andrea’s interview here.

We need YOUR voice to fight for patients and for dermatology in Washington State.

You can learn more about advocacy at the upcoming UW virtual Grand Rounds on Wednesday August 21 from 8-9 am. Click here for more information.

Are you a physician interested in advocacy or education? Consider joining the WSDA advocacy or leadership team. Click the button below to request information.

Get Involved

Sincerely,
Katie Bassett, MD FAAD
WSDA Past President