Dermatology in Action

Dermatology in Action is a hands-on volunteer program from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) that is inspired by the compassion among those in the specialty and the desire to reach out and help the communities we serve.

Join the Academy as we create a lasting effect across the United States, one community at a time.

Additional details about next year’s service project are coming soon. If you are interested in volunteering in Miami Beach, Fla., during the 71st Annual Meeting, please complete this online form

“Volunteering to help the vulnerable in our country as an Academy team not only provides aid, but also brings us together in a different and very positive way.”
— William James, MD, FAAD

During the 70th Annual Meeting, the AAD partnered with St. Vincent de Paul Village, the largest residential homeless services provider in San Diego, on a volunteer project. Nearly 50 AAD members, their spouses, family and friends supported the Village’s efforts by painting the interior hallways of a second-floor housing structure. The Academy thanks all of the volunteers who donated their time to St. Vincent de Paul Village.

St. Vincent de Paul Village was established in 1950 as St. Mary of the Wayside Chapel, which served as a thrift store and chapel. More than 60 years later, the thrift shop has flourished into an independent, board-governed, nonprofit organization.

The Village offers assistance with a residential campus that includes four affordable housing complexes that contain 366 units of permanent, supportive housing. In addition to housing, each village member receives transformational support and services to help him or her return to permanent housing. About 4,500 people are homeless in San Diego each night. Learn more about St. Vincent de Paul Village’s efforts or make a donation.

A lasting effect in San Diego

About Dermatology in Action

Dermatology in Action launched in 2011 during the Academy's 69th Annual Meeting in New Orleans. The AAD partnered with HandsOn New Orleans to complete a project in the Lower Ninth Ward Village community center, which is in an area that was devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Nearly 100 volunteers created a new garden space, built and stained trellises and benches for placement throughout the garden, and painted signs to identify the garden’s vegetables. Volunteers also painted murals with collegiate logos that were hung in the community center to encourage continuing education.

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“I volunteered because I wanted to experience helping the less fortunate. I was so proud when I heard our group was able to do six months of work in two hours. I was so impressed. Thank you!”
— Marina Ball, MD