American Skin Association’s SPOTS Program Is Honored

The American Skin Association (ASA) recently announced that its Sun Protection Outreach Teaching by Students (SPOTS) program has been recognized by the International Awards for Social Responsibility in Dermatology as one of five top projects”in North America. For five years ASA and SPOTS have partnered, educating young people about sun awareness and safety.
 
Both the World Congress of Dermatology (WCD), the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS), and L’Oréal partnered to release awards that recognize dermatologists leading high-impact projects within three categories: education and prevention on skin health; improved quality of life and self-esteem for people with skin issues; and access to care coverage and surgery. 
 
Five winners are recognized overall, and five top projects are selected from each geographic region (North America, South and Central America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, and Asia Pacific). There were 193 project submissions from 66 representative countries.
 
“ASA is proud to announce SPOTS’ well-deserving recognition as it continues to dual-purpose mission of educating students to be better health care providers, along with its community outreach and focus on skin of color,” ASA Chainman Howard P. Milstein commented.
 
SPOTS is overseen by Dr. Sofia Chaudhry of St. Louis University and Drs. Laurin Council and Lynn Cornelius of Washington University in St. Louis, MO. This community outreach program strives to educate preschool through high school students about early detection and prevention of skin cancer.
 
“Education about sun safety is the key to a world with less skin cancer and the SPOTS team is paving the way for success in prevention,” said ASA President Dr. David A. Norris.
 
More than 40 medical schools have incorporated the SPOTS program, with positive results for medical students, teens and children who protect themselves better from the sun. Medical students engage with children through activities, sharing personal stories and a focus on skin of color. 
 
“Dr. Chaudhry and her team work tirelessly to educate school-aged children about sun protection and skin cancer prevention,” said Humberto C. Antunes, Co-chair of ASA’s Education Council. “It only seems fitting that SPOTS should be selected as one of the five “Top Projects” in its region. Increasing awareness of behaviors and education of the consequences of sun exposure are the heart of the mission of the American Skin Association.”
 
The ASA and the SPOTS team has also produced a public service announcement which can be viewed here.