Vanguard Grand Rounds

Thursday June 4th, 1730-2000 EST

Advancing the Future of Military Dermatology

The Vanguard Grand Rounds and Vanguard Educational Award represent a flagship educational and mentorship initiative of the Association of Military Dermatologists (AMD). Together, they are designed to strengthen the professional development of military dermatologists, foster innovation, and build durable bridges between military and civilian dermatology.

The term Vanguard reflects its military roots — the leading element that advances ahead of the main force to secure ground. In this spirit, the Vanguard program highlights leadership, innovation, and forward-thinking approaches that benefit both military dermatology and the broader specialty.

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Sponsorship

The Vanguard Grand Rounds and Vanguard Educational Award are made possible through the generous support of our sole partner, Pfizer. We thank Pfizer for their generous support in advance the educational endeavours of junior faculty and the military dermatology community.

Made possible through generous support from Pfizer

Vanguard Grand Rounds - Save the Date! Thursday June 4th, 1730-2000 EST

Vanguard Grand Rounds is a military-wide, virtual educational forum held annually and hosted by the AMD. It is open to all AMD members and serves as an educational activity for military dermatology residency programs.

Each year’s Grand Rounds brings together thought leaders, educators, and emerging leaders to share insights that shape the future of dermatology.

Core Components

  1. Research Award Presentations
    Short presentations by recipients of AMD research awards, highlighting innovation and scholarly work across the specialty.
  2. Vanguard Educational Award Presentations
    Presentations by Vanguard Educational Award recipients summarizing insights, best practices, and innovations gained during their externship experiences.
  3. Vanguard Keynote Lecture
    A featured lecture delivered by a nationally recognized leader in dermatology with ties to military medicine

Annual Updates

We are thrilled to announce that the Inaugural Speaker for the Vanguard Grand Rounds will be none other than the editor of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Dr. Dirk Elston!

Dr. Elston is Professor and Chairman of the Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina, in Charleston. He serves as Editor of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, and has served as President of both the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

Vanguard Educational Award

The Vanguard Educational Award is a competitive, merit-based program that supports junior Dermatology faculty as they prepare for future leadership and practice beyond military training.

Purpose

While military dermatology training is robust, exposure to civilian private and academic practice environments can be limited. The Vanguard Educational Award addresses this gap by pairing junior dermatology staff (e years or less out of residency) with experienced former military dermatologists now practicing in civilian settings.

Through this mentorship and externship experience, award recipients gain:

  • Insight into contemporary civilian practice models
  • Exposure to innovation in clinical care, operations, and leadership
  • Long-term mentorship and professional networking

Who Are Vanguard Scholars?

Vanguard Scholars are outstanding junior dermatologists selected based on demonstrated excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to the specialty.

Scholars represent the next generation of leaders in dermatology and are recognized publicly through AMD educational programming.

Award Details

The Vanguard Educational Award provides reimbursement-based financial support to facilitate a short externship experience.

Award support includes:

  • Up to $2,000 total for travel and housing expenses, with $100 per day for food and incidental expenses

All expenses must be documented and are reimbursed in accordance with AMD policies.

Vanguard Scholars are expected to:

  • Secure an externship with an approved Vanguard Mentor
  • Actively participate in the externship experience
  • Develop a 15-minute educational presentation summarizing key insights, best practices, or innovations observed
  • Present their experience during the Vanguard Grand Rounds

Participation occurs on personal time, and scholars are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable ethics and institutional requirements.

Vanguard Mentors are former military dermatologists now practicing in civilian private or academic settings who volunteer to support the professional development of Vanguard Scholars.

Mentor Role

Mentors provide:

  • Exposure to civilian practice environments
  • Guidance on career development, leadership, and practice management
  • Perspective on transitioning from military to civilian dermatology

Mentors are publicly recognized for their service, listed annually on the AMD website, and formally acknowledged at the AMD Annual Meeting.

Become a Vanguard Mentor

Dermatologists interested in serving as Vanguard Mentors are encouraged to apply.

👉 Apply here to Become a Vanguard Mentor

[See a list of available mentors] –coming soon

Applications for the Vanguard Educational Award open annually in the fall and are available to any eligible junior dermatology faculty, military or otherwise.

  • Applications are submitted through an online form
  • Application requirements and selection criteria are outlined within the application
  • Award recipients are selected by the AMD Board

👉 Apply here for the Vanguard Educational Award

Please Note: if the link brings you to a null page, it means the application has not yet been published for the year. Please check back around October of each year, as this is when the board typically announces the application cycle for each year and begins accepting new applicants

2026 Vanguard Scholars and Mentors

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