AAD’s teledermatology program allows you to connect with clinics virtually to deliver much needed care
June 27, 2023
The AAD’s teledermatology program gives members the chance to provide underserved populations with important dermatologic care — virtually. Through a partnership with MedWeb, Academy members and residents can volunteer their time to provide dermatology consults via the patient’s primary care clinician using store-and-forward technology.
The software is free to use, and you can commit as much time as you’re able — there is no minimum! Learn more about the program, apply to volunteer, or refer a clinic to the program at the AAD website.
In this exclusive DermWorld Academy Insider interview, Emily Baumrin, MD, Craig S. Hersh, MD, FAAD, David Lortscher, MD, FAAD, and Karolyn Wanat, MD, FAAD, dermatologists who have provided many consults using the AAD’s teledermatology program, provide insight and share their stories about the program, what it means to them, and why other members should participate.
DermWorld: What inspired you to volunteer for the teledermatology program?
Dr. Baumrin: I have always wanted to improve access to dermatology for patients who may not have access otherwise. In Philadelphia, we have a wonderful community health organization that provides primary care and other services to the Latinx community, many of whom are undocumented and do not have health insurance to access specialty dermatology services. While we do provide monthly in-person dermatologic care, the need for dermatologic consultation exceeds our in-person availability. We have met this need with the AAD teledermatology program. It has been wonderful to establish a relationship with the primary care physicians who care for these patients, educate them on common dermatologic conditions and treatments, and triage patients to in-person consultation when needed.
Dr. Hersh: I signed up for the teledermatology program after hearing Academy leaders encourage volunteering at our Annual Meeting and by being made aware of the inspiring work already being done by my colleagues.
Dr. Lortscher: I was inspired after seeing the health care deserts in New Mexico where it’s so difficult to access a dermatologist.
Dr. Wanat: I always have enjoyed volunteerism and felt fortunate to be part of dermatology where telemedicine helps facilitate taking care of people who would otherwise not have access to care. My mentors, William James and Carrie Kovarik, initially introduced the use of teledermatology to help support these patients, and I was hooked since that time! My colleagues, Shola Vaughn and Stephen Humphrey also are actively involved in the platform and help with the consults, which makes it even more fun!
DermWorld: Why do you believe other members should volunteer?
Dr. Baumrin: The AAD’s teledermatology program has been an incredible platform to provide invaluable care to underserved populations and educate primary care physicians so that services can be sustainable to the community served in the future. The program is easy to use and can be done from a phone or computer!
Dr. Hersh: This program provides a convenient, time-efficient way to improve the health of someone who otherwise would not be able to benefit from a dermatologist’s advice.
Dr. Lortscher: Since my everyday practice is around 0% general dermatology, the teledermatology program feels more like “fun” than “volunteering.” It’s an opportunity for people with atypical dermatology careers — or those who’ve subspecialized deeply — to exercise their general dermatology knowledge while helping patients and primary care clinicians.
Dr. Wanat: Volunteering and giving back provides joy and additional purpose to the work I do. I love taking care of patients with dermatologic needs, and I feel passionate about expanding that to individuals who cannot gain access to care in the traditional ways. The platform is easy to use, free, and helps connect primary care clinicians who are seeing these patients who cannot otherwise see us with dermatology — and that is pretty awesome.
DermWorld: Do you have any success stories from your time volunteering that you’d like to share?
Dr. Baumrin: We had a teledermatology consult for a young man with severe psoriasis. His rash and itch were so severe that he was not able to work. We walked the primary care physicians through initiating methotrexate from screening labs, to medication administration, to monitoring. The patient responded beautifully to treatment and was very happy. The primary care physicians learned how to prescribe methotrexate for psoriasis and have been able to do this for many other patients that we have consulted on.
Dr. Wanat: So many successes! We have been able to connect and form stronger relationships with our clinics serving patients in need. We have diagnosed and helped many patients — including those with complex diseases such as pemphigus, severe drug hypersensitivity reactions, and skin cancer. Having close communication and contact with primary care clinicians has allowed many patients to stay in their medical home and helped those who needed more advanced care to get to where they need to be.
