Dr. Wilma Fowler Bergfeld: A woman of substance, role model, and founder of the Women’s Dermatologic Society

AMAZING, TALENTED, INNOVATIVE, SMART, DEDICATED, GIVING, MENTOR, FIRST, PROFESSIONAL, FAMILY-ORIENTED, SUPERWOMAN! These are all terms that apply to one of dermatology’s most outstanding women. Dr. Wilma Bergfeld fits them all. I was honored when asked to prepare an article about her. So as I write, please understand that she has earned the accolades that the WDS and others have bestowed upon her. When one thinks about Wilma, the term “first” has to be part of the equation. She is, in fact, a remarkable woman. First, let us address her professional accomplishments—which, by the way, are only part of the story. Dr. Bergfeld completed her undergraduate work at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA, and is a graduate of the Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia. She did her dermatology residency at the Cleveland Clinic and her dermatopathology fellowship at Armed Forces of Pathology in Washington, DC. She joined the Cleveland Clinic as a Clinical Dermatologist, Department of Dermatology and, later, was appointed as Head and Codirector of Dermatopathology, Departments of Dermatology and Pathology. She has been the Director of the Cleveland Clinic’s Dermatopathology fellowship since 1975. Dr. Bergfeld has many leadership and organizational accomplishments. Among her “firsts”: the first woman President of the American Academy of Dermatology, first woman President of the Cleveland Academy of Medicine, and founder and first President of the Women’s Dermatologic Society. Additionally, she served as President of the American Society of Dermatopathology, the Hair Research Society, the Cleveland Dermatology Society, the Ohio Dermatological Association, and the Cleveland Clinic Staff. She was also elected to the Board of Trustees and the Board of Governors of the Cleveland Clinic. She holds an honorary membership in the American Academy of Dermatology, Women’s Dermatology Society, Cleveland Dermatology Society, Ohio Dermatological Society, Pacific Dermatologic Association, Canadian Dermatology Society, and the Italian Dermatology Society. Dr. Bergfeld is a former chair and current consultant to the Food and Drug Administration’s Dermatology and Ophthalmology Advisory Committee, and more recently a consultant to the Device Advisory Committee. Since 1977, she has been the Chair of the Cosmetic Ingredient Expert Panel, which determines the safety of cosmetic ingredients. She is a nationally and internationally recognized expert in the clinical and pathologic aspects of hair disorders, in addition to being a renowned dermatopathologist. Her expertise in clinical practice led to the AAD’s 2012 Master Dermatologist Award. She has recorded and shared her knowledge base by her many publications (600 articles, 4 books, and 80 book chapters). She has also shared her expertise via lectures and other educational activities atmedical meetings and universities. Dr. Bergfeld has engaged in significant clinical research and has