Become a Councilor or Associate
The IEC reflects the leading voices in the field of atopic dermatitis (AD), dedicated to increasing the understanding of atopic dermatitis and promoting its optimal management through research, education, and patient/family care. Applications are reviewed by the IEC Membership Committee, comprised of current IEC Councilors and Associates (some of whom are also members of the Board of Directors), who make recommendations to the Board of Directors. The IEC BOD has final approval of applications. In addition, terms are for a period of four years, starting from the year an applicant was first approved as a member. Read and review the criteria below and if eligible, complete an Application Form (below) for consideration in joining the IEC as a Councilor or Associate.
Associate Criteria
The IEC Board seeks promising and actively engaged colleagues in a professional (clinical or scientific) specialty relevant to the mission of the IEC. Associates are individuals who are committed to making meaningful contributions to the understanding and/or management of atopic dermatitis and its multiple co-morbidities, and who are willing to actively participate in and grow with the IEC.
To be eligible for Associate status, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Foundational Experience in Atopic Dermatitis:
- Clinical Associates Only: Completion of residency training in a relevant specialty (e.g., Dermatology, Allergy/Immunology) and active engagement in the care of people with atopic dermatitis.
- Scientific Associates Only: Completion of doctoral training (Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent) and active involvement in research relevant to atopic dermatitis.
Emerging Scholarly Contributions:
- Published at least two (2) peer-reviewed articles on atopic dermatitis in reputable journals.
Active Engagement in Clinical Outreach or Field Contributions:
- Clinical Associates Only: Evidence of active participation in clinical outreach activities, such as patient education initiatives, community health programs, or contributing to local/regional educational events on AD.
- All Associates: Demonstrated initial contributions to the field of atopic dermatitis, which may include participation in clinical trials, involvement in research projects (e.g., as a co-investigator), presentations at scientific conferences, or participation in professional working groups related to AD.
Councilor Criteria
The IEC Board seeks highly accomplished and influential leaders within a professional (clinical or scientific) specialty relevant to the IEC’s mission. Councilors are individuals who significantly advance the understanding and/or management of atopic dermatitis and its multiple co-morbidities through their sustained expertise, leadership, and impactful contributions.
To be eligible for Councilor status, applicants must demonstrate:
Demonstrated Leadership and Sustained Expertise in Atopic Dermatitis:
- Clinical Councilors Only: A minimum of 10+ years of post-residency experience in the direct management of people with atopic dermatitis, with a recognized reputation for excellence and innovation in clinical practice. This could include, but is not limited to, leading specialized AD clinics, developing novel treatment protocols, or serving as a referral expert.
- Scientific Councilors Only: A minimum of 10+ years of post-doctoral research experience focused on atopic dermatitis, with a significant history of securing independent funding and leading research programs that have demonstrably advanced the scientific understanding of AD.
Significant Scholarly Impact:
- Published at least twenty (20) peer-reviewed articles on atopic dermatitis in reputable journals, with a substantial proportion as first, senior, or corresponding author, indicating independent research leadership.
- Evidence of citations and impact of their published work (e.g., h-index, highly cited papers, or specific examples of how their research has influenced the field).
Extensive Contribution to Clinical Outreach and Education:
- Clinical Councilors Only: A proven history of leadership in patient education, professional training initiatives (e.g., national/international guidelines development, continuing medical education (CME) programs, or professional society committees focused on clinical practice standards)
Leadership and Transformative Contributions to the Field of Atopic Dermatitis:
- Demonstrated evidence of leadership roles in major clinical trials (e.g., principal investigator for multi-center trials), significant research consortia, or national/international professional organizations focused on AD.
- Examples of innovative contributions that have demonstrably shaped clinical practice, research methodologies, or public health policy related to AD.
- Mentorship of junior colleagues and active participation in developing the next generation of AD specialists.
For Associates seeking Councilor status: Promotion from Associate to Councilor should require regular and meaningful engagement with IEC activities or demonstrable national-level impact in the field of atopic dermatitis. Leadership contributions may include IEC roles (such as committee participation or project leadership) and/or non-IEC leadership roles, including but not limited to leading national or international guidelines, trials, or professional initiatives, which reflect influence and leadership at a national or international level.
Application Process
- Candidates must complete the IEC Councilor/Associate application form describing their expertise and experience in atopic dermatitis and/or its multiple co-morbidities.
- Applicants should provide the names of two IEC Councilors or Board Directors in support of their application, each from a different country. If an applicant does not have an established connection with any IEC Councilors or members of the Board of Directors, they may leave this field blank. (Absence of letters in support of an application will not disqualify an applicant from being selected, but we do encourage applicants to seek out Councilor/Board endorsements.)
- The application should be submitted along with a current curriculum vitae (CV) by electronic form submission.
- The application and CV will be reviewed by the IEC Membership Committee. If necessary, additional information may be requested in support of an application. The Membership Committee will then make their recommendations to the IEC Board of Directors.
- Final decisions regarding membership as an IEC Councilor or Associate are at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Renewal Criteria
Councilor and Associate terms are for four years. Councilors and Associates who wish to renew their status for an additional term must meet the following criteria:
- Attend two or more IEC Councilor meetings during the past term, either in person or via teleconference.
- Participate in at least one of the following activities during the four-year term: An IEC committee, survey, manuscript, special project, a symposium speaker, or attend an in-person symposium session.
- Provide evidence of contribution to the field of atopic dermatitis through research, publications, teaching, administrative and/or service work either nationally or internationally.
Guidelines for Termination
Subject to Executive Committee review, the IEC will consider termination of Councilor or Associate status based on the following criteria:
- Presenting him or herself in an unfavorable manner in public
- Felony conviction (for which the definition may vary according to country of origin)
- Revocation of medical license
- Professional or personal activities that harm the IEC or are in violation of our charter, such as academic misconduct
Selection
Councilor or Associate selection will be based on the individual’s level of expertise according to the following guiding principles:
- Overall reputation in the dermatology or allergy community or other specialty area of interest to the IEC
- Eczema-specific research conducted, with appropriate publishing
- Demonstrated professional interest in atopic dermatitis
- Experience in clinical or investigative research in atopic dermatitis or its related co-morbidities
The International Eczema Council (IEC) is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive global community within its membership. In line with this commitment, special consideration will be given to applicants from underrepresented countries/regions and other equity considerations during the review of all Councilor and Associate applications. This approach helps ensure a broad and equitable representation within the IEC, reflecting the global impact of atopic dermatitis.
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