Oregon Dermatology Society

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