Medical student volunteers, under the guidance of Aldo Trovato, M.D., a local dermatologist, Mohs surgeon, and adjunct assistant professor at the Whiddon College of Medicine, will screen patients for high-risk lesions of the visible areas of the skin to help detect areas of concern. They will also educate patients on skin cancer, the importance of sunscreen, and how to protect their skin throughout the year.
“Many of these patients have never had skin screening or are currently uninsured, so this is a great opportunity to serve a high-risk population who otherwise would not receive care,” said Hanna Bobinger, a second-year medical student, community outreach chair of the Dermatology Interest Group, and patient education coordinator for the SRFC.
Trovato and Harrison Howard, M.D., a surgical oncologist at the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute, have volunteered their services to provide follow-up care for any patients who require a shave or punch biopsy, dermatopathology, and/or excision. The Cancer Control and Prevention team from the MCI will supply forms, sunscreen giveaways and other tools used to conduct on-site screenings.
The SRFC and Dermatology Interest Group hope to host a skin screening each semester at both the Salvation Army and McKemie Place to ensure their residents receive a similar level of care as the general population.
