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American Academy of Dermatology Announces Awards and Lectureships For 68th Annual Meeting

MIAMI (Mar 5, 2010) — LILA GRUBER MEMORIAL CANCER RESEARCH AWARD
Awarded to: Michael R. Stratton, MB BS, PhD, joint head of Cancer Genome Project, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom, and professor of cancer genetics, Institute of Cancer Research, London
Presentation: Evolution of the Cancer Genome. Dr. Stratton will discuss how whole cancer genome sequences will form the foundation of the understanding of cancer causation, prevention and treatment in the future
Award Specifics: The award is presented annually to a “scientist whose contribution in the field of cancer research has been outstanding in practice and distinction.” Established in 1972 by Murray Gruber in memory of his wife, the award recognizes and supports cancer research and provides a forum for the enrichment of knowledge of dermatologists in this important scientific endeavor.

CLARENCE S. LIVINGOOD, MD, AWARD AND LECTURESHIP
Awarded to: James J. Leyden, MD, FAAD, emeritus professor of dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia
Presentation: An Inconvenient Truth: Comprehensive Medical Insurance Is the Problem, not the Solution. Dr. Leyden will explain why he believes comprehensive insurance is wasteful and increases costs. He will show why health savings accounts, coupled with catastrophic insurance, deserve support.
Award Specifics: The lectureship was established in 1993 by Settlor and Doris Giddey who were both patients and friends of Dr. Clarence S. Livingood. The lectureship highlights dermatology issues, including organizational aspects, socioeconomic issues, ethics, professionalism and the “art” of dermatology.

MARION B. SULZBERGER, MD, MEMORIAL AWARD AND LECTURESHIP
Awarded to: Andrzej A. Dlugosz, MD, FAAD, Poth Professor of Cutaneous Oncology and professor in the departments of Dermatology and Cell & Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Mich.
Presentation: Tackling Hedgehog to Treat Cancer. Dr. Dlugosz will speak about the Hedgehog pathway, which normally controls hair follicle growth and development, but when deregulated, leads to the formation of basal cell carcinomas. Dr. Dlugosz will provide an overview of Hedgehog pathway signaling in skin and preview possible new treatment approaches for patients with basal cell carcinoma and other Hedgehog-activated cancers.
Award Specifics: The award, part of the Lila Gruber Fund Award of the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), was established in December 1983 by Murray Gruber as a living memorial in honor of Dr. Sulzberger. Chosen by a committee of the Academy, recipients are recognized for their significant contributions to the understanding of clinical medicine through basic research.

Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 16,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org.