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Dermatologist brings needed specialty care to the Mississippi Delta


ROSEMONT, Ill. (April 12, 2019) —American Academy of Dermatology Honors Dr. Robert Brodell for Establishing Free Clinic

The American Academy of Dermatology has honored Robert T. Brodell, MD, FAAD, as a Patient Care Hero for working with colleagues at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Oxford to open a dermatology clinic in the Delta — an area of the state that previously did not have a dermatologist for nearly 100 miles, which left residents with the choice between a long drive or forgoing dermatological care.

Dr. Brodell and his colleagues in the department of dermatology collaborated with an existing medical clinic in a Delta high school classroom to offer dermatology services once a month, with 12 dermatologists each serving once a year. Another dermatologist augments the clinic by providing care at a university-run urgent care center in the Delta once a month; dates are staggered with the classroom clinic to ensure that dermatologic care is available every two weeks.

“When we realized the trouble Delta residents faced in accessing dermatology care, we knew we had to do something,” Dr. Brodell says. “Having a dozen dermatologists take this on together made it manageable for us to ensure consistent staffing, and we are happy to work together to meet this need.”

The clinic has provided needed dermatology care in the Delta, including melanoma diagnosis and treatment.

“After I noticed suspicious spots on my skin, I was able to make an appointment at the clinic immediately,” said one Cary, Mississippi, resident, whose melanoma was diagnosed by a dermatologists at the clinic. “If the clinic didn’t exist, I may never have had those spots examined by a dermatologist.”

Other departments at the University of Mississippi Medical Center are also exploring ways to extend health care services to underserved communities.

The AAD created the Patient Care Heroes program to recognize physicians who transform patients’ lives by utilizing their expertise and collaborating with other physicians to treat serious skin disease.

“Everyone should be able to get the care they need, but seeing a specialist can be a real challenge in rural areas,” said George J. Hruza, MD, MBA, FAAD, president of the AAD. “This clinic is an innovative and collaborative solution to ensure Delta residents have access to board-certified dermatologists’ expertise.”

About SkinSerious
SkinSerious is a campaign by the American Academy of Dermatology that highlight dermatologists’ role as partners in the health care system, providing expert care for serious conditions. To learn more, visit SkinSerious.org.

About the AAD
Headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential and most representative of all dermatologic associations. A sister organization to the Academy, the American Academy of Dermatology Association is the resource for government affairs, health policy and practice information for dermatologists, and plays a major role in formulating policies that can enhance the quality of dermatologic care. With a membership of more than 20,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to excellence in the diagnosis and medical and surgical treatment of skin disease; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education and research in medical dermatology, surgical dermatology and dermatopathology; and supporting and enhancing patient care to reduce the burden of disease. For more information, contact the Academy at (888) 462-DERM (3376) or aad.org. Follow the Academy on Facebook (American Academy of Dermatology), Twitter (@AADskin), Instagram (@AADskin1) and YouTube (AcademyofDermatology).