"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." -Benjamin Franklin

One of my goals as a member of the Dermatology Nurses' Association (DNA) is to look at ways to get medical assistants more involved. DNA members are so diverse in each one of our roles in dermatology; however, I think we would all agree that our common denominator is providing excellence in patient care. It is an honor to be part of such a prominent organization that is at the forefront of setting standards of care in dermatology nursing. However, for me, if I am not contributing, how can I better myself and others in the organization?

When I chose to pursue an Associate Editor seat on the Editorial Board of the Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association (JDNA), my goal was to create a column dedicated to and written by some of the 600 medical assistants, approximately 20% of the total membership, that make up the DNA. I thought, here is an opportunity for medical assistants to become involved and to promote continued education and knowledge between each other and the DNA community. Your area of expertise may be conventional to you, but to many of your colleagues, it may be quite unconventional. What do you see, how do you utilize what you know, and how do you share what have you learned that you could write about and teach to your colleagues by contributing to this column? What greater reward is there professionally than to continue to learn and to teach others?

I encourage you to think about this opportunity and consider submitting a piece to the Journal. The JDNA believes in mentoring and supporting both new and experienced writers. If you're not sure where to start or how to go about this process, I can help direct you. Contact me at [email protected]. By visiting the JDNA website at http://journals.lww.com/jdnaonline, you can see a list of manuscript topics the Journal is currently seeking. All you need is an idea, and it can evolve into a piece for the JDNA. I look forward to seeing your contributions published in future JDNA editions.

Sarah Neider, MA

Associate Editor