Demonstrating the value of dermatologic care to state legislators
Ask the Expert
By Victoria Houghton, Managing Editor, April 1, 2022
DermWorld spoke to Victoria Pasko, assistant director of State Policy for the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA), about the Academy’s participation in the National Conference of State Legislatures.
DermWorld: The AADA recently participated in the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) annual meeting in Tampa, Florida. Tell us about this event.
Pasko: The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Legislative Summit is a bipartisan gathering of state legislators, their staff, nonprofits, companies, and anyone with an interest in public policy at the state level for the purpose of connecting, collaborating, and sharing best practices to address common policy challenges. The event usually has over 7,000 attendees, and though the 2021 meeting was scaled down due to COVID with about 1,500 attendees, it allowed for a more intimate meeting and more face time with legislators.
DermWorld: The AADA had a booth at the NCSL event. What does that entail?
Pasko: Each year for over a decade, the AADA showcases the value of dermatologic care to state legislators as part of a joint exhibit with other members of the house of medicine called Physicians Advocating for Patients. The 2021 group included five other partners: the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association, the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants, the American College of Surgeons, and the Federation of State Medical Boards. As the biggest booth in the entire exhibit hall, we make an impression.
In years past, we have held a wildly popular skin cancer screening. In 2021, we substituted the skin cancer screening for UV damage analysis using technology that takes a picture of a person’s face and displays the underlying UV damage. The event was a huge draw, and legislators, staff, and other attendees satisfied their morbid curiosity to see the real-time effects of sun damage to their faces. It was clear that for many it was a wakeup call!
State advocacy
Learn more about the Academy’s state policy advocacy efforts.
DermWorld: AADA staff were joined by member dermatologists at the booth. Who joined you and what role do these volunteer physicians play?
Pasko: Dermatologist Lilia Correa, MD, FAAD, of Tampa, Florida, volunteered her time to explain each participant’s UV damage, provide advice on sun protection, and use that opening to share critical advocacy messages, including the need for step therapy reform and public policy that promotes skin cancer prevention.
DermWorld: Why does the AADA participate in this event every year?
Pasko: This annual event results in multiple benefits for the AADA. It’s an opportunity to influence state policymakers on the importance and value of dermatologic care. The impression that we make at this meeting carries over to the state capitols. It’s also an opportunity to engage local dermatologists who may not be otherwise involved in advocacy but want to take that first step at a fun, busy, and engaging event.
Many attendees feel compelled to come over and share their own personal story about skin cancer or a skin disease and how dermatology has impacted their own lives. Over the years of hosting skin cancer screenings at NCSL, our dermatologists have caught numerous melanomas and skin cancers, and that service has not gone unnoticed.
DermWorld: What key points/messages is the AADA advocating for when participating at NCSL?
Pasko: Our primary goal is to make a good and lasting impression on the state legislators and their staff. We always look for an opportunity to discuss with a state legislator a specific issue in depth, such as patient access to prescriptions, scope of practice, or truth in advertising. However, if that kind of time doesn’t present itself (attendees are very busy at these conferences), we want attendees to see that dermatology is a strong, focused voice and that we’re watching their state.
DermWorld: Why is it so important for dermatologists to join the AADA at the NCSL?
Pasko: Without our volunteer dermatologists, it would be impossible for us to make this impression. We couldn’t have the skin cancer screening, and we couldn’t give state legislators an opportunity to talk directly to dermatologists about the issues facing them and their patients. Our members are our best resource.
DermWorld: The 2022 NCSL event will be held in August in Denver. If local Academy members are interested in volunteering at the event, who should they contact?
Pasko: We plan to get back to hosting the popular skin cancer screening this year. Any Denver dermatologists interested in donating their time to this important (and fun!) meeting, please contact me at vpasko@aad.org.
AADA advocacy
Read more about the AADA’s advocacy priorities.
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