Thursday, February 10, 2011

American Academy of Dermatology = Amazing Awesome Drunk

This past weekend I flew out to NOLA (New Orleans for those wondering) for the annual Mecca of dermatologists.  Every year, thousands (and I mean THOUSANDS) of dermatologists, dermatology residents, dermatology nurses flee to a popular US city for our annual American Academy of Dermatology Conference.  During this conference, there are hundreds of academic sessions featuring the latest treatments, procedures, and research.  There are live patient demonstrations and even a Dermatophatology (aka Nerdpath) Bowl where residents compete for bragging rights.  

But who are we kidding?

While the academic sessions are very interesting, let's not forget what is TRULY interesting.  That would be the parties and free stuff.  Many derm related companies put on great parties throughout the weekend at different hot spots in the city.   Dermpath Diagnostics always throws a good one, and this year was no exception.  Featured at Mardi Gras World (where they keep the floats), this year's party had about 4 open bars, free local-themed food stations everywhere, a jazz band, a pop music band, and a marching band.  Did I mention the open bars?  You would think that a bunch of grown doctors would know better than to have themselves escorted out of the party premises, but nuh-uh.  No way.  I saw people peeing out of doorways and girls dressed up in Oscar-worthy dresses being put into cabs by security.  Woo, lordy! It was a sight.  Kinda embarrassing for us all, but, eh, what can you do? 

Now on to the free stuff...
Every year without question there is always a huge exhibit hall full of hundreds if not thousands of exhibitors all pushing some kind of product.  This means FREE SAMPLES.  I have found many a beauty product that I regularly use now by these means.  I loaded up.  I had to check a bag on my flight to Abilene just to get it all here.  I lined it all up and let the fam start picking and choosing.  I had everything from sunscreen to wrinkle cream to makeup to some weird thermal water spritz stuff that is all the rage.  What's even better is that they scan a card every time they give you something, and it provides your address for them to send even more free stuff.  Yesssss. 

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