Norfolk dermatologist recognized for increasing accessibility for patients

Eastern Virginia Medical School Dermatology’s Dr. Abby Van Voorhees receives national honor from the American Academy of Dermatology

Rosemont, Ill. – The American Academy of Dermatology has honored board-certified dermatologist Abby Van Voorhees, MD, FAAD, as a Patient Care Hero for her leadership at the Rapid Access Clinic at the Eastern Virginia Medical School Dermatology Practice in Norfolk, Va.

Patients can walk in without an appointment each weekday to see a dermatologist for an immediate concern like a rash or new or changing mole. Norfolk resident Kate Gleason walked into the clinic with a rash, which a dermatologist examined and biopsied. She was diagnosed with eczema and prescribed topical and oral treatments, and with continued treatment remains symptom-free.

Gleason had recently moved to the area. “I didn’t have a local dermatologist. The Eastern Virginia Medical School Dermatology practice allows anyone with a skin condition to walk in and be seen immediately,” Gleason said. “If the clinic hadn’t offered walk-in appointments, I might have gone to a convenient care clinic, where I don’t think I would have gotten the same level of care and expertise.”

Experts say patients benefit from early detection of skin conditions and quick treatment. Early diagnosis is critical for many dermatologic conditions, such as melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. If melanoma is detected early, the five-year survival rate is 98 percent. If melanoma spreads to other organs, the five-year survival rate drops to 23 percent. Research shows those survival outcomes can be even worse in patients with skin of color as they are often diagnosed at a later stage.

“Patients with a new or changing skin condition are often worried, uncomfortable and in pain,” Dr. Van Voorhees said. “By offering walk-in visits every day, our team can quickly diagnosis and treat skin conditions so patients can be symptom free and return to their day-to-day routines.”

The AAD created the Patient Care Heroes program to recognize physicians who transform patients’ lives by utilizing their expertise and collaborating with other physicians to treat serious skin disease.

“Because so many skin conditions appear without warning or change rapidly, it is critical for patients to see a board-certified dermatologist,” said board-certified dermatologist George J. Hruza, MD, MBA, FAAD, president of the AAD. “Dr. Van Voorhees’ clinic is a good example of how doctors can offer quick and accurate quality care, providing peace of mind and immediate treatment.”

To learn more about Dr. Van Voorhees’s work, visit https://www.aad.org/skinserious/stories-kate-gleason.

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About SkinSerious
SkinSerious is a campaign by the American Academy of Dermatology that highlight dermatologists’ role as partners in the health care system, providing expert care for serious conditions. To learn more, visit SkinSerious.org.

About the AAD
Headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential and most representative of all dermatologic associations. A sister organization to the Academy, the American Academy of Dermatology Association is the resource for government affairs, health policy and practice information for dermatologists, and plays a major role in formulating policies that can enhance the quality of dermatologic care. With a membership of more than 20,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to excellence in the diagnosis and medical and surgical treatment of skin disease; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education and research in medical dermatology, surgical dermatology and dermatopathology; and supporting and enhancing patient care to reduce the burden of disease. For more information, contact the Academy at (888) 462-DERM (3376) or aad.org. Follow the Academy on Facebook (American Academy of Dermatology), Twitter (@AADskin), Instagram (@AADskin1) and YouTube (AcademyofDermatology).

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Norfolk dermatologist recognized for increasing accessibility for patients

Eastern Virginia Medical School Dermatology’s Dr. Abby Van Voorhees receives national honor from the American Academy of Dermatology

Registration begins today at 12 pm noon (CT) for physician members, life members, and honorary members.