Offered at the Annual Meeting, this course prepares dermatologists for humanitarian medical missions overseas. The 2012 course is split in two sessions:
Beginner session, March 18, 2012 , 12 - 5 p.m.
The beginner-level course details the needs and roles in international outreach and education. Topics include the dermatologist’s role in these efforts and opportunities for participation are reviewed. Also offered is an overview of medical humanitarian assistance and tips for planning and preparing for participation in a clinical or teaching abroad, a review of commonly encountered conditions and diseases in the field, and strategies for working with a limited pharmacy.
The course also includes several interactive activities such as re-hydration, humanitarian ration games and sampling of Humanitarian Daily Rations (HDRs). Registration to this session also includes a dinner featuring a Gross Domestic Product (GDP)/Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) exercise complete with buffet tables representing countries with varied socioeconomic statuses.
Participants can earn 4.75 Category 1 CME credits.
Advanced session, March 19, 2012 , 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
The advanced-level course includes some of the topics from the beginner-level course in more detail, and new topics for more experienced volunteers. Throughout both courses, the educational sessions will alternate with travel vignettes given by dermatologists who have worked in a variety of countries and assisted in medical care. In addition, the global use of teledermatology will be discussed, followed by an interactive session with international teledermatology cases.
The course also includes several interactive activities such as re-hydration, humanitarian ration games and sampling of Humanitarian Daily Rations (HDRs). Registration to this session also includes a dinner featuring a Gross Domestic Product (GDP)/Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) exercise complete with buffet tables representing countries with varied socioeconomic statuses.
Participants can earn 3.75 Category 1 CME credits.
AAD skin disease education cards
Developed by the Academy's Education and Volunteers Abroad Committee, the AAD skin disease education cards assist Academy members volunteering or working in developing countries in the training of non-dermatologists, both physicians and non physicians, about skin diseases. They provide concise information and include representative photographs of skin disorders common throughout the developed and developing world, clinical features, transmission, complications and treatments of these diseases. Card sets also are available in Spanish, French and Mandarin Chinese. Upon request, hard copies can be shipped to interested volunteers for use during their next trip.
AAD volunteer programs:
Funding resources:
Additional opportunities for volunteering abroad
References and resources for humanitarian missions
Organizations that collect donations: