New – ODS Members now have access to presentations from ODS monthly meetings. Log in to the “MEMBERS ONLY” section and find presentations from prior meetings.
National Psoriasis Foundation Names New Medical Board Members.
PORTLAND, ORE. (Jan 2011)—In recognition of their commitment to people with psoriasis—a chronic disease of the immune system that appears on the skin—and psoriatic arthritis, a related joint condition, dermatology nurse practitioner Lakshi Aldredge and physician assistant Abby Jacobson have been named to the National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board. In their new roles, they will provide guidance and leadership to the Psoriasis Foundation on medical issues related to psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
“As nurse practitioner and physician assistant, Lakshi and Abby bring critical knowledge of patient care to our medical board,” said Randy Beranek, National Psoriasis Foundation president and CEO. “They bring more than 20 years worth of combined experience in working directly with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patients that will be instrumental in helping the Psoriasis Foundation remain the leading advocate for people with psoriatic disease.”
Lakshi M. Aldredge is a dermatology nurse practitioner with the Portland Veteran Affairs (VA) Hospital in Portland, Ore., with more than 11 years of nursing experience. She received her Bachelor of Science and her Master of Science in nursing from the University of Portland. Aldredge is the 2010 president of the Dermatology Nurses’ Association and a current member of its board of directors, as well as a member of both the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the Oregon Dermatology Society.
Abby A. Jacobson brings a decade of experience as a physician assistant in dermatology and has a private practice in Lancaster, Pa. She received her Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Science in physician assistant studies from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Jacobson is a guest lecturer at Salus University in Elkins Park, Pa., and an adjunct faculty at Drexel University in Philadelphia. Currently, Jacobson is the president of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants.
The National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board facilitates access to quality care by advocating for better clinical research tools, promoting medical education, identifying and promoting medical professionals who most effectively treat psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, and assisting in the development of information related to disease pathophysiology and disease management.
To learn more about the Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board, visit www.psoriasis.org/medicalboard.
About Psoriasis
Psoriasis is the most prevalent autoimmune disease in the country, affecting as many as 7.5 million Americans. Appearing on the skin most often as red scaly patches that itch and bleed, psoriasis is chronic, painful, disfiguring and disabling. Up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, a related joint disease. There is no cure for psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.
About the National Psoriasis Foundation
The National Psoriasis Foundation is the world’s largest nonprofit organization serving people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Our mission is to find a cure for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and to eliminate their devastating effects through research, advocacy and education. For more information, call the Psoriasis Foundation, headquartered in Portland, Ore., at 800.723.9166, or visit www.psoriasis.org.
Noe Baker
Public Relations Manager
National Psoriasis Foundation
6600 SW 92nd. Ave., Suite 300
Portland, OR 97223
Direct: 503.546.8413. Fax: 503.245.0626. nbaker@psoriasis.org
Dr. Bert Tavelli is acknowledged for selfless contributions to ODS.
Dr. Diane Baker named Dermatology Foundation Practitioner of the Year
Dr. Diane Baker was presented with the Dermatology Foundation Practitioner of the Year Award on Saturday, March 6th, at the DF annual meeting, held at the Hotel InterContinental during the AAD annual meeting in Miami. In presenting the award, Fran Storrs said…
her choice as the Dermatology Foundation’s Practitioner of the Year couldn’t be more appropriate. No matter how incredibly busy Diane has been, the cutting-edge care of her patients has always been foremost in her mind. Not only does she utilize the most current information in caring for them, she has also supported basic dermatological research in various ways—which is the source of progress in patient care.
Dr. Diane Baker
ODS Receives 2010 American Academy of Dermatology Association Model State Award
Mary Olhausen
The Oregon Dermatology Society was awarded the 2010 American Academy of Dermatology Association Model State Award, based on our outreach and development activities and other recent achievements. ODS was recognized at the State Society Leadership Breakfast on Friday, March 5th, at the AAD annual meeting in Miami. Mary Olhausen, our new Executive Director, instrumental obtaining the award, was on hand to accept it.
Dr. Scott Collins receives a Presidential Citation
Dr. Scott Collins received a Presidential Citation from AAD President David Pariser, MD, at the 2010 Recognition Luncheon on Friday, March 5th, at the AAD annual meeting. The award was presented…
“In recognition of your service on the Ad Hoc Task Force on Mohs Coverage Payment Policy, and for the contribution the AHTF made in creating an invaluable foundation upon which to build further research and educational materials for addressing ongoing Mohs utilization and payment issues.”
Oregon Dermatology Society Hires New Executive Director
Mary Olhausen
ODS is delighted to announce the hiring of Mary Olhausen as our new Executive Director, following the retirement of our longtime ED Sondra Gleason. Most of you have already met or heard from Mary, who comes to us with great credentials and valuable experience in all facets of her new job. She has been managing specialty societies for 13 years, in addition to working with physicians in many capacities at her previous day job at OHSU. She has already used her experience to reorganize our financial records and take over the complex task of organizing the CME. She is a member of Meeting Planners International and the Oregon Society of Association Management. When not working she enjoys sailing in the summer, skiing in the winter (she has been running the annual Far West Ski Association annual ski meeting and auction for years), traveling, and gardening. Please take a moment to introduce yourself to Mary and thank her for all the great work she has done already with so many ODS projects and changes.
ODS Awards Inaugural Scott. A.B. Collins Service Award
At a ceremony during its 2009 annual summer meeting in SunRiver, Oregon, the Oregon Dermatology Society presented the inaugural Scott A.B. Collins Service Award to our own Scott Collins. In considering the thousands of volunteer hours Scott has logged on our behalf in many capacities over the past decade and more, the executive committee felt it was fitting to recognize this achievement by originating a society service award to be named in his honor. Scott’s countless hours as a member of the RUC, his legislative and advocacy activities, and duties as an ODS officer have set a new standard for society volunteerism. On hand for the award were his wife, Kristan Collins, and his parents, Pat and Don Collins.
Don, Pat, Kristan & Dr. Scott Collins