Two long years
From the Editor
Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of DermWorld.
By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, February 1, 2022
Some days, it does not seem possible that almost two years have elapsed since we first heard about this worrisome new virus. Other days, it is hard to believe that the pandemic has been going on for only two years. Most days, it feels like an eternity, but I chalk that up to COVID fatigue. It is intriguing to consider how the pandemic has altered our way of life and to imagine how things might look in the future. This month, in the spirit of optimism, and with continued hope that we WILL soon defeat this plague, DermWorld Assistant Editor Emily Margosian considers some of these changes in our practices, both as they are now and how they might be going forward. Asking your employees to wear masks seems relatively straightforward; however, can you require that they also be vaccinated? The answer may depend on which state you live in. However, both CMS and OSHA have proposed regulations addressing this, and depending on the size of your practice, their rules may apply to you. Learn more about these regulations (and where to find additional information), as well as the many other ways COVID may have changed your practice, in this informative article.
If you have read any of my earlier columns, you may have heard me touting the AADA’s advocacy efforts, through which involved members and dedicated staffers work together to further our specialty’s many diverse interests. There is another face of advocacy with which many of us interact, that of patient advocacy groups. The National Eczema Association, the National Psoriasis Foundation, and the Global Vitiligo Foundation are a few of the many dermatology-focused patient advocacy organizations that exist to support patients suffering from a variety of skin conditions, ranging from common disorders such as psoriasis to much more rare genetic conditions. Patient advocacy organizations exist to serve patients and their families — providing education, helping fight barriers that might impede access to care, and helping to connect patients with others sharing the same disease experience. For some, these connections are invaluable. The Academy collaborates with our sister organizations in the Coalition of Skin Diseases to advocate on behalf of individuals with skin diseases, and together have shared many legislative successes over the years. It is amazing to see how much the impact of some of these organizations has grown over the past 20+ years, thanks largely to the ready availability of online resources. Information is up-to-date and readily accessible to almost everyone. In turn, social media has given every patient a potential voice. Learn more about these vitally important patient advocacy groups this month from some of our colleagues who are involved. Perhaps they will inspire you to join in the fun!
Our final feature this month looks at updates in treatment of hirsutism. As dermatologists, we recognize the importance of hair and the impact that abnormal hair growth, whether too much, too little, or just “not where you want it” can have on an individual’s quality of life. Fortunately, our armamentarium for treating hair disorders continues to grow, providing us with more ways to help our patients.
Here’s to a wonderful February, with lots of chocolate for Valentine’s Day (or any day, for that matter…)! Looking forward to seeing you soon in Boston!
