Dermatology World June 2011 : Page 46

academy update By Ronald a. HenRiCHs, Cae Academy ready to be your partner in coping with change eXecUtiVe DiRectoR’s RePoRt whAT will The dermAToloGy prAcTice oF The FuTure look like? What role will dermatologists play in the health care delivery system as it evolves? And the question senior Academy staff have been pondering most often and recently — how can the Acad-emy best anticipate any resultant challenges and help members thrive in the face of these likely changes? Given the potential scope of the evolution, Dr. Moy has asked senior staff and a newly appointed Ad Hoc Task Force (AHTF) on Positioning Dermatology for Success, chaired by AAD Vice President Suzanne Connolly, M.D., to focus on how to engage mem-bers in shaping their own futures in these uncertain times. These questions have become especially vital for us to consider in the wake of the passage of health system reform last year. As the Patient Protection and Aff ordable Care Act is implemented, even with some key modifi cations along the way, it is clear that it could signifi cantly alter the environment in which dermatologists provide their patients with the best possible care. Answering the questions above will take time, however — there are rules to be analyzed and commented on, pilots to be monitored and evaluated, and lobbying eff orts to lead or join before the outcome is unambiguous. What we know in the meantime is that, regardless of how reform’s implementa-tion progresses, Academy members will continue to need to conduct research, deliver dermatologic care based on the best available evidence, and achieve — to the extent possible — measurable, demonstrable outcomes. Now more than ever, we hope you’ll look to your Academy as a trusted partner, working with you to ensure that you have the information, guidance on clinical best practices, and advice on navigating changing practice and socioeconomic environments necessary to remain successful. The coming change may be unsettling at times, but your Academy is committed to listening to and refl ecting your concerns in its advocacy eff orts, while at the same time helping you prepare for any contingency. Being the best advocate and partner for you required the Academy to evaluate the way it communicates with and receives feedback from members. We recently undertook a systematic look at the way we deliver content to you, from our print and online publi-cations to the educational and practice support products we off er. This audit resulted in an eff ort to develop a comprehensive plan to achieve our goal of delivering the right information to you at the right time in the right way. The task force noted above, together with several Academy Councils, will be actively helping to shape that plan. You can already see a preview of how we’re changing to better meet your needs in the magazine you’re holding (or, perhaps, browsing online). Dermatology World has been updated based on your feedback, both in surveys and in person, to refl ect your information needs, from brief news updates to clinical and coding pearls to in-depth coverage of impor-tant topics. Our website, AAD.org, has undergone a similar process. Behind the scenes, the Academy has invested in a new information technology management system that will ultimately allow us to better customize our fl ow of information based on your specifi c preferences. I’m proud of these enhancements and invite you to provide your ideas to help continu-ally refi ne them. In the fi nal analysis, the Academy’s ultimate goal is to ensure a constructive dialogue with you while better meeting your needs in these changing times. 46 Dermatology WorlD //June 2011 www.aad.org

Academy Update

Ronald A. Henrichs, Cae

Academy ready to be your partner in coping with change WhAT will The dermAToloGy prAcTice oF The FuTure look like? What role will dermatologists play in the health care delivery system as it evolves? And the question senior Academy staff have been pondering most often and recently - how can the Academy best anticipate any resultant challenges and help members thrive in the face of these likely changes? Given the potential scope of the evolution, Dr. Moy has asked senior staff and a newly appointed Ad Hoc Task Force (AHTF) on Positioning Dermatology for Success, chaired by AAD Vice President Suzanne Connolly, M.D., to focus on how to engage members in shaping their own futures in these uncertain times. These questions have become especially vital for us to consider in the wake of the passage of health system reform last year. As the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is implemented, even with some key modifications along the way, it is clear that it could significantly alter the environment in which dermatologists provide their patients with the best possible care. Answering the questions above will take time, however - there are rules to be analyzed and commented on, pilots to be monitored and evaluated, and lobbying efforts to lead or join before the outcome is unambiguous. What we know in the meantime is that, regardless of how reform's implementation progresses, Academy members will continue to need to conduct research, deliver dermatologic care based on the best available evidence, and achieve - to the extent possible - measurable, demonstrable outcomes. Now more than ever, we hope you'll look to your Academy as a trusted partner, working with you to ensure that you have the information, guidance on clinical best practices, and advice on navigating changing practice and socioeconomic environments necessary to remain successful. The coming change may be unsettling at times, but your Academy is committed to listening to and reflecting your concerns in its advocacy efforts, while at the same time helping you prepare for any contingency. Being the best advocate and partner for you required the Academy to evaluate the way it communicates with and receives feedback from members. We recently undertook a systematic look at the way we deliver content to you, from our print and online publications to the educational and practice support products we offer. This audit resulted in By Ronald a. HenRiCHs, Cae an effort to develop a comprehensive plan to achieve our goal of delivering the right information to you at the right time in the right way. The task force noted above, together with several Academy Councils, will be actively helping to shape that plan. You can already see a preview of how we're changing to better meet your needs in the magazine you're holding (or, perhaps, browsing online). Dermatology World has been updated based on your feedback, both in surveys and in person, to reflect your information needs, from brief news updates to clinical and coding pearls to in-depth coverage of important topics. Our website, AAD.org, has undergone a similar process. Behind the scenes, the Academy has invested in a new information technology management system that will ultimately allow us to better customize our flow of information based on your specific preferences. I'm proud of these enhancements and invite you to provide your ideas to help continually refine them. In the final analysis, the Academy's ultimate goal is to ensure a constructive dialogue with you while better meeting your needs in these changing times. Board of Directors votes on Advisory Board resolutions THE ACADEMY'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONSIDERED 11 RESOLUTIONS passed by the AAD and AADA Advisory Boards in February during its May 7 meeting, referring most of them to the appropriate councils and committees for further consideration or action. The Board of Directors did not support a resolution calling on the Academy to add the words "dermatologic surgery" to its name, instead charging the Council on Communications with evaluating ways the Academy's vision statement could reflect the breadth of the specialty while taking into account the inherent value of the organization's present branding. It also did not support a resolution calling on the Academy to support the teaching of Mohs surgery in all dermatology residency programs and the inclusion of the topic on the American Board of Dermatology's certifying exam; the Board of Directors felt this was a matter that would be more appropriately handled by the dermatology residency review committee. The Board referred to the Council on Communications a resolution calling on the Academy to embrace a media strategy that reflects the importance of isotretinoin in dermatology, while sending a resolution calling for the Academy to coordinate with state medical societies to urge schools to provide education on the dangers of tanning to the Melanoma Skin Cancer Committee. The Council on Science and Research was called on to consider a resolution to investigate whether airport x-ray scanners are harmful to skin cancer patients as it develops a prioritized research agenda. A resolution calling on the AADA to urge the Federal Drug Administration to approve cantharadin as a treatment for pediatric molluscum was referred to the Regulatory Policy Committee, which has already been actively engaged in working with the FDA to identify the source of and solutions to the cantharadin shortage. The committee was also charged with developing a position statement on cantharidin. A resolution to help unite efforts to pass state legislation prohibiting indoor tanning by minors was referred to the State Policy Committee, which has been working on this issue as a top priority for years. Another resolution to develop model state legislation based on the recent Pennsylvania law regarding ID badges was also referred to the State Policy Committee for further consideration. A resolution about educating members regarding accountable care organizations (ACOs) was referred to the ACO Workgroup, which has been actively leading the AADA's efforts to develop policy on ACOs. A resolution calling on the Academy to work with the American Medical Association to obtain an exemption from electronic medical records adoption for small-practice physicians nearing retirement was referred to the Council on Government Afairs, Health Policy and Practice and the Dermatology Section Council. A resolution urging the AADA to use a variety of more effective ways to report to members on federal developments such as MedPac meetings was also referred to the Council on Government Affairs, Health Policy and Practice. RICHARD NELSON Members Making a Difference nominees sought GIVE ACADEMY MEMBERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE INSPIRED by compassionate volunteer work being done by dermatologists by nominating yourself or a colleague for the Members Making a Di. Erence Award. This special award honors members of the Academy for their volunteer work. Volunteer activities can take place in a variety of dermatologic settings, or be a unique volunteer experience. Award winners have their volunteer work pro. Led in Dermatology World. Visit www.aad.org/forms/MakingADi. erenceAward/Default.aspx to complete the online nomination form. Looking for volunteer opportunities? The Academy offers many ways for members to get involved. For more information, visit www.aad.org/member-tools-and-benefits/ volunteer-opportunities.. NIKKI HATON Grants available to attend international meetings Through Arrangements Between The Academy And Several International Dermatological Societies, a number of travel grants are available for U.S. and Canadian residents, fellows, or young dermatologists (within five years of completing residency) to attend the 2012 annual meetings of the societies. The grants offer successful applicants the opportunity to meet foreign colleagues and establish longlasting professional relationships. Applicants should clear scheduling conflicts before applying. Criteria for the scholarships include: o Applicants may apply for only one scholarship. O Each residency program may only submit two applicants for the scholarships and only one applicant per international meeting. O Applicants must have completed at least one year of training by the time of the meeting. O Previous recipients of any of these scholarships are not eligible for another scholarship. O Applicants must attach a letter of nomination from their dermatology residency training director to their application. Applications and nominations are due Sept. 30, 2011 at www.aad. org/scholarshipopportunities/#ismtg. Nominations will be reviewed and decisions made by the International Affairs Committee; individuals will be notified in November 2011 about the status of their applications. Each scholarship program has different requirements and provisions; visit the AAD website for specifics. Participating international dermatology societies include: o Brazilian Society of Dermatology o British Association of Dermatologists o Chilean Society of Dermatology o European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology o French Society of Dermatology o Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists o Irish Association of Dermatologists o Israel Society of Dermatology & Venereology o Italian Society of Dermatology o Scottish Dermatological Society o Dermatological Society of Singapore - courA BadiAne Academy Board adopts updates to "Fellow" logo usage policy, ethics code The Academy's Board Of Directors Approved A Pair Of Updates at its May 7 meeting regarding use of the American Academy of Dermatology "Fellow" logo and the applicability of its code of ethics to non-dermatologist, physician members. The first change, recommended by the Council on Communications, refines the acceptable usage policy of the AAD "Fellow" logo on member websites. Under the revision, U.S. and Canadian Fellows are permitted to use a specially designed "Fellow" logo on their websites, but only on pages of the site where the Fellow member is featured. This is to prevent the use of the logo "in any way that could reasonably be considered to cause confusion regarding the status of non-dermatologist employees of the practice." The second regulation adopted by the board, recommended by the Ethics Committee, sets out a more specific definition of "dermatologists" as it relates to the administrative regulations of the Code of Medical Ethics for Dermatologists. The code's provisions related to "dermatologists" apply to all members "except Adjunct Members and Honorary or Life Members who were Adjunct Members and are not eligible under any other membership categories." This new language means that the code not only applies to dermatologist members, but that any provision not uniquely applicable to the practice of dermatology will also apply to non-physician and non-dermatologist physician members. Members with questions about either of the revised policies can contact the Member Resource Center at (866) 503-7546 or mrc@aad.org. Members can download the logo at www.aad.org/forms/FellowLogos/ Default.aspx. - John cArruThers Academy seeks volunteers for committees and task forces Each Year, Hundreds Of Dermatologists Serve The Academy through its organizational governance structure and other volunteer opportunities. President-elect Daniel M.Siegel, M.D., M.S., is now accepting applications to fill 2012 open appointments. The online appointment application is now available at www.aad.org. Applications must be submitted by June 30; members who are selected to serve will be contacted in early winter. Letters of recommendation are suggested but not required. Information about specific committees and task forces, committee member responsibilities, and other volunteer opportunities is available at www.aad.org/about-aad. - JeAnine coFFmAn Academy offers grants for development of innovative cme The Academy Supports The Development Of Innovative Continuing Medical Education through its Program for Innovative Continuing Medical Education in Dermatology (PICMED). Supported by a contribution from the Elsevier Foundation and the Skin Disease Education Foundation, PICMED's endowment fund is used to support excellence in dermatology through the development of CME that includes: o Creative needs assessment mechanisms, o Innovative uses of technology, o Unique approaches to specific subject matter, o Novel presentation techniques, and/or o Utilization of existing educational paradigms in new environments. Requests for grants for 2011 are due Aug. 31. Successful applicants will be notified by Dec. 15. To learn more and apply for a grant, visit www.aad.org/forms/picmed/default.aspx. -richArd nelson Nominate 2012 honorary members Due Sept. 1 The Academy Seeks Nominations For Individuals to be considered for 2012 Honorary Membership. Nominees for Honorary Membership must meet certain criteria; primarily they must have demonstrated leadership and service that affirms an uncommon and sustained dedication to dermatology and the goals of the Academy. In most cases, this honor is bestowed for a "lifetime" of dedication and distinguished service. Although not a determining factor, nominees should have held a prominent office in the Academy. Please submit Honorary Member nomination(s) online at www.aad.org/forms/honorarymembership/ by Sept.1, 2011. When submitting a nomination you are also required to submit a brief biography of the nominee, including his or her accomplishments and reasons for granting honorary membership. The Board of Directors will select the 2012 Honorary Membership recipients and they will be announced during the 70th Annual Meeting, March 16-20, 2012 in San Diego. - shAnnon GiGnAc Academy to pursue social media strategy In Recognition Of The Need For Effective And Efficient Communications Tactics in the immediate future, the Academy's Board of Directors adopted a recommendation from the Council on Communications that the organization pursue a social media communications strategy aligned with the AAD Strategic Framework. The Council's recommendation followed a long period of study and research. The Council recommended the establishment of initial participation in social media through the two most popular category leaders in social media - Facebook and Twitter. In doing so, the Academy will be able to serve its key constituent goals - addressing the public, encouraging advocacy, and direct communication with members.More information will appear in Dermatology World as the Academy launches its Facebook and Twitter presences.- John cArruThers Obituaries The Academy recently learned with sorrow of the passing of the following members of the dermatologic community. A. Russell Brenneman, M.D., 77, Muskogee, Okla. Completed dermatology residency training at Yale University School of Medicine.Died Dec. 23, 2009q. Joseph G. Daddabbo, M.D., 61, Liberty Township, Ohio. Completed dermatology residency training at University of Cincinnati. Died Jan. 3, 2010. Jose Fernandez-Vozmediano, M.D., 60, Puerto Real, Spain. Completed dermatology residency training at University of Cadiz. Died March 22. Donald H. Huldin, M.D., 77, East Lansing, Mich. Completed dermatology residency training at University of Michigan. Died July 17, 2010. Dallas A. Johnson, M.D., 75, Stilwell, Kan. Completed dermatology residency training at University of Texas. Died Jan. 19. Roger Laubenheimer, M.D., 85, Brookfield, Wis. Completed dermatology residency training at University of Michigan. Died March 24. Allan L. Lorincz, M.D., 86, Oak Lawn, Ill. Completed dermatology residency training at University of Chicago. Died Sept. 1, 2010. Fenwick Leigh Watts, M.D., 86, College Station, Texas. Completed dermatology residency training at University of Texas. Died March 23. David John Yanase, M.D., 55, San Antonio. Completed dermatology residency training at San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium. Died May 5, 2010.

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