In the early 1970’s, organized dermatology in New York State consisted of 11 local and regional societies – without any co-ordination of their activities. In 1972, ten dermatologists from various parts of the state got together to form a statewide organization, the New York State Society of Dermatology. It was incorporated in July 1972, with Charles DeFeo, MD, as the first President.

Representatives of each of the local and regional societies served on the Board of Directors.

The new Society elected a delegate to the House of Delegates of the Medical Society of the State of New York and represented dermatology on the State Society’s Inter-Specialty Committee. It became active on the New York State legislative scene and became the State’s representative in the affairs of the American Academy of Dermatology.