Giving back provides joy and purpose

Karolyn Wanat, MD, FAAD, loves that she can volunteer using telemedicine.

Dr. Wanat's story

Volunteering and giving back provides joy and additional purpose to the work I do. I love taking care of patients with dermatologic needs, and I feel passionate about expanding that to individuals who cannot gain access to care in the traditional ways. That’s why I participate in the AAD’s teledermatology program.

The platform is easy to use, free, and helps connect primary care clinicians who are seeing patients who cannot otherwise see us with their dermatology concerns — and that is pretty awesome. I truly believe all AAD members should volunteer.

I always have enjoyed volunteerism and felt fortunate to be part of dermatology where telemedicine helps facilitate taking care of people who would otherwise not have access to care. My mentors, Drs. William James and Carrie Kovarik, initially introduced the use of teledermatology to help support these patients, and I was hooked since that time! My colleagues, Drs. Olushola “Shola” Akinshemoyin Vaughn and Stephen Humphrey, also are actively involved in the platform and help with the consults, which makes it even more fun!

We have had so many successes. We have been able to connect and form stronger relationships with our clinics serving patients in need. We have diagnosed and helped many patients — including those with complex diseases such as pemphigus, severe drug hypersensitivity reactions, and skin cancer. Having close communication and contact with primary care clinicians has allowed many patients to stay in their medical home and helped those who needed more advanced care to get to where they need to be.