NEW YORK, May 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- American Skin
Association (ASA) is thrilled to announce that the SPOTS (Sun
Protection Outreach Teaching by Students) program will receive the
inaugural 2024 Research Achievement Award in Community
Education/Outreach at the 2024 Society for Investigative
Dermatology (SID) Annual Meeting. The 81st SID Annual
Meeting will be held in Dallas,
Texas from May 15th
– 18th, 2024 and will serve as a platform where a varied
group of dermatologic experts will gather to share insights into
the most recent advancements. This event attracts a diverse range
of seasoned researchers, medical practitioners, and numerous
clinical trainees, including residents specializing in dermatology,
all eager to exchange information and knowledge.
The 2024 Research Achievement Award in Community
Education/Outreach will be accepted by two members of the SPOTS
leadership team, Dr. Sofia Chaudhry
of Saint Louis University School of
Medicine, and Dr. M. Laurin Council
of Washington University School of
Medicine in St. Louis.
"I am honored to present this award to Drs. Chaudhry and
Council on behalf of American Skin Association," said David A. Norris, MD, President of ASA. "Their
program provides necessary understanding about the importance of
sun safety to children across the country."
This sentiment was echoed by ASA Chairman, Howard P. Milstein, "Adequate awareness of sun
safety & skin health is crucial for reducing the incidence of
skin cancer, and the SPOTS team is spearheading efforts for
successful prevention." "ASA takes great pride in its six-year
partnership with the SPOTS program and is honored to extend this
well-deserved recognition."
The SPOTS program is overseen by Dr. Lynn Cornelius from Washington University in St. Louis, President of SID, and her
exceptional team which includes the award recipients, Drs. Chaudhry
and Council. SPOTS is a community educational outreach initiative
which targets students from preschool through high school to
promote awareness about skin cancer prevention and early detection.
Led by medical students, the program employs innovative methods
such as interactive activities, personal narratives, and includes a
specific emphasis on skin of color. Now, over sixty medical schools
have adopted the SPOTS program which has yielded positive outcomes,
enriching the knowledge of medical students in prevention and
detection while empowering children and teenagers to safeguard
themselves against sun exposure.
"The SPOTS team diligently strives to educate school-aged
children on sun protection and skin cancer prevention, and stands
as a deserving recipient of this honor," added Humberto C. Antunes, Co-Chair of ASA's Education
Council. "Our six-year partnership emphasizes the alignment between
SPOTS' mission and the core values of American Skin Association,
which prioritize raising awareness and educating individuals about
the impacts of sun exposure."
Through the presentation of the inaugural 2024 Research
Achievement Award in Community Education/Outreach, ASA takes
pride in recognizing SPOTS' achievements, and acknowledges their
commitment to enhancing medical students' capabilities as
healthcare providers and their dedication to community educational
outreach efforts. SPOTS' particular focus on distinctions in how
melanoma and skin cancer present on light and dark skin helps to
close a critical gap in societal knowledge.
"The SPOTS program is a public health campaign dedicated to
teaching youth across the country about the importance of skin
cancer prevention and early detection," added award recipient,
Sofia Chaudhry, MD. "Given that
early intervention is key, SPOTS educates school children about the
need for sun protection. Students learn how skin cancer can present
differently on different skin colors, increasing awareness of what
to look out for. Through our partnership with American Skin
Association, SPOTS has been able to expand and reach more students.
We are honored to receive this award."
To learn more about American Skin Association or contribute,
please visit americanskin.org.
To learn more about the SPOTS program, please visit
spotseducation.org/.
ABOUT AMERICAN SKIN ASSOCIATION
A unique collaboration of patients, families, advocates,
physicians and scientists, ASA has evolved over nearly four decades
as a leading force in efforts to defeat melanoma, skin cancer and
other skin diseases. Established as a 501(c)(3) organization to
serve the now more than 100 million Americans – one-third of the
U.S. population – afflicted with skin disorders, the organization's
mission remains to: advance research, champion skin health –
particularly among children, and drive public awareness about skin
disease. For more information, visit americanskin.org.
ABOUT SPOTS
SPOTS started as a collaboration between Saint Louis University and Washington University Medical Schools in
Saint Louis, Missouri, but has
expanded to programs across the country, and with your help, will
continue to do so. Download teaching materials to start your own
SPOTS chapter today. For more information, visit
spotseducation.org/.
American Skin Association has earned Candid's 2024 Seal of
Platinum Transparency and the Four-Star Rating from Charity
Navigator.
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SOURCE American Skin Association