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Dermatologists Volunteer 3,500 Hours to Combat Skin Cancer

    SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- A record number of dermatologists
belonging to the Women's Dermatologic Society (WDS) have taken action to
combat skin cancer by volunteering 3,500 hours of their time in 61 cities
since 2004.

    WDS reports that an unprecedented number of its 1,600 members volunteer
to promote skin health awareness. This effort mirrors the national skin
cancer screening initiative of the American Academy of Dermatology.

    WDS formally integrated community service into its mission in 2004.
Guided by the principle that protected skin is healthy skin, and healthy
skin is beautiful skin, WDS dermatologist members routinely take time out
of their offices to educate people of all ages and skin types. This
philosophy echoes the standard of excellence in patient care practiced
daily by its physician membership.

    Through two award-winning WDS community service campaigns, Families
Play Safe in the Sun and Play Safe in the Sun, the following results have
been achieved:

    -- 534 volunteers representing WDS have participated in 61 weekday and
weekend outreach events.

    -- Board-certified dermatologist members have provided a total of 5,227
free skin cancer screenings and volunteers have conducted 7,363 sun damage
assessments.

    -- Thousands of schoolchildren, family members and outdoor enthusiasts
have benefited from one-on-one interaction with dermatologists and from
bi-lingual sun safety education offered through these programs.

    At a time when skin cancer rates are rising among younger populations,
WDS members at all stages of their careers donate their time to educate.
These free screenings can save lives, as evidenced by the large number of
skin cancers identified at each event. "When we serve others by heightening
awareness, the result is priceless," comments Suzanne M. Connolly, MD, WDS
President and Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic Arizona.

    Dermatologists continue the crusade offering various screenings
nationwide. To find free skin cancer screenings in your area, visit
http://www.womensderm.org, http://www.playsafeinthesun.org, http://www.aad.org, and
http://www.asds.net.

    The Women's Dermatologic Society supports the careers and professional
development of women dermatologists. The mission of the Women's
Dermatologic Society is to help women in dermatology achieve their greatest
personal and professional potential by striving to foster, promote, and
support women's issues in dermatology; identify, train, and recognize women
leaders in dermatology; provide a forum for developing relationships and
the exchange of ideas and research relevant to women's issues; and promote
the highest possible standards of ethics, research, patient care and
education, as well as public education.