Dear colleagues:

With health system reform continuing to move forward, cosmetic taxes undergoing telling implementations, and controversy over tanning flaring up again, 2011 was a busy year for the Academy’s efforts to educate the public and the media about the specialty of dermatology. Through tireless campaigns and invaluable programs, the AAD reinforced its efforts to be the influential and trusted voice for the specialty of dermatology.

As part of the ongoing effort to engage both members and the public in as many ways as possible, the Academy launched itself into the social media sphere in 2011. The AAD currently has presences on both Facebook and Twitter designed to educate and inform the public about skin, hair, and nail health.

In addition, a public service announcement campaign will be launched in 2012 to further reinforce the importance of seeing one’s dermatologist and advocate for safe sun-protection practices. Our last slate of PSAs, featuring the story of Jaime Regen Rea’s battle with skin cancer and her mother’s subsequent grief, created more than 440 million impressions in 2011. With new media tools joining the Academy’s established public education infrastructure, it’s safe to predict that we can reach more patients than ever in 2012.

Please click on the links above to read more about the activities undertaken by the Council on Communications in 2011.

Sincerely,

Zoe Draelos, MD
Chair, Council on Communications