The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) last month presented Ian A. Maher, MD, of St. Louis with the ASDS Award for Outstanding Service. The award is given annually to one member who has volunteered his or her time for multiple Society projects or initiatives. In an effort to recognize younger volunteers, award recipients must be in their first 10 years as an ASDS member.

The award was presented to Dr. Maher during the recent 2015 ASDS Annual Meeting in Chicago. Naomi Lawrence, MD, nominated Dr. Maher for the ASDS Award for Outstanding Service. The two became acquainted through their mutual participation with the Future Leaders Network.

Dr. Maher is the founder of the ASDS Sun Safe Soccer program, developed through the ASDS Future Leaders Network. Sun Safe Soccer is a skin cancer prevention program that asks coaches to help create a culture of sun protection in soccer – one of the most-played sports by children ages 4 to 19 in the United States. Dr. Maher spearheaded the program as a 2010-11 mentee in the Future Leaders Network, which helps groom the next generation of leaders in dermatologic surgery by pairing them with mentors and providing hands-on leadership and project management opportunities.

To promote the program at the 2013 National Soccer Coaches Association of America convention, Maher shared podium time with John O’Brien, a star of the US Men's National Team in the 2002 World Cup. Mr. O’Brien told the story of his own experience of having skin cancer as part of his introduction of Dr. Maher. In addition to his Sun Safe Soccer work, Maher represents the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association on the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, which provides a united voice to reduce skin cancer incidence, morbidity and mortality through awareness, prevention, early detection, research and advocacy.

Dr. Maher also has participated in several ASDS Work Groups and is chair of the Public Service Work Group and the Quest Engagement Work Group. The Public Service Work Group oversees the Choose Skin Health Program, which offers free skin cancer screenings and is the winner of a 2015 Power of A Gold Award for “helping to make the world a better place.” In 2011, Maher was one of the program’s top regional volunteer screeners. The Public Service Work Group also directs the Sun Safe Soccer, Sun Safe Surfing and Hair Stylists Against Skin Cancer programs.