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The Elevate-Derm Alliance’s Ascending Leaders Academy (ALA) is a professional development program held three times yearly in conjunction with the Alliance's conferences. The ALA is designed to foster the next generation of dermatology APP leaders through its progressive, interactive, and actionable curriculum.

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Why Become An Ascending Leader?

  • The Ascending Leaders Academy is a leadership development program for the dermatology APP community empowering APPs to develop skills as a speaker, leader, and author.
  • Ascending leaders will shape the profession for years to come.
  • If selected, Ascending Leaders will receive an ALA scholarship that includes a reduced conference registration and two nights hotel stay for the program to which they are enrolled.

Ascending Leaders Academy 2026 Opportunities

  Qualifications:

  • PA or NP currently working in dermatology for 5 years or less, OR be an emerging thought leader in dermatology.
  • Not currently registered to attend the conference you are applying for, NOR have you previously participated in the Ascending Leaders Academy.
  • Ability to attend and participate fully in the conference, including the Ascending Leaders Academy Program held during the conference for which you are applying,
  • Strong interest in growing your professional engagement and leadership in the specialty of dermatology.

Ascending Leaders Academy Details

Program Objectives:

  • Gain confidence and skills in publishing, presenting, and professional visibility.
  • Develop leadership through service, volunteering, and networking.
  • Build networks with peers, senior faculty, and industry leaders.

Curriculum Overview:

1. Writing and Publication:  Building Your Professional Voice - Turning Clinical Experience into Published Work

  • How to write for peer-reviewed journals vs. trade publications
  • Crafting case reports, reviews, and opinion pieces
  • Panel: Peer authors share “what gets accepted”

2.  Professional Speaking: Amplifying Your Impact Speaker Development & Visibility

  • Building a speaker CV & crafting your signature talk
  • Presentation design & delivery techniques
  • How to get invited: pitching to conferences, webinars, and panels
  • Panel: Experienced speakers + program chairs discuss what they look for in new voices

3. Volunteer Engagement:  Leadership & Professional Growth Through Service

  • Finding the proper volunteer role (committees, advocacy, nonprofits, medical missions)
  • Time management: balancing clinical work with service
  • Building leadership credibility through volunteering
  • Panel: Stories from dermatology leaders on career-defining service experience.