The Derma Care Access Network (DCAN), a national non-profit coalition advocating for patient access to optimal dermatological care, is recognizing Adam Friedman, MD with its inaugural Advocacy Leadership Award for his work as a passionate advocate and innovator in the field of dermatology for more than 10 years. The award, which will be presented at a live award ceremony later this year, recognizes his contributions and leadership in advocating for better patient-centered care, access, and education in the field of dermatology.  

The DCAN Advocacy Leadership Award is awarded to someone who demonstrates relentless dedication and commitment to DCAN’s mission to promote better skin health through advocacy and public policies. These include:

• Encouraging the advancement of dermatological science and innovation
• Supporting the education of patients, health care providers and other stakeholders
• Promoting the development of improved means of preventing and treating skin disease
• Furthering access to appropriate prevention and treatment options for all patients.

“The Derma Care Access Network has been an incredible vehicle for working with colleagues both in dermatology and industry to achieve a unified goal: Ensuring that patients can receive the treatments their health care providers prescribe. The struggle is real, one we must fight and invest in daily. I am honored to be recognized for this work," Dr. Friedman says.

Mike Walsh, DCAN Executive Director adds, “Dr. Friedman is a dedicated advocate who works tirelessly to ensure patients can access the tailored treatment they deserve. His passion and dedication to proactively improving access to patient-centered dermatological care provides the spark that galvanizes the derm community to address policy barriers.”

Dr. Friedman is currently the chair of the Dermatology Department at the George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences and also oversees its residency program. His academic accomplishments also include roles as director of translational research and director of the Supportive Onco-Dermatology Program at George Washington University. He serves as president of the medical advisory board of DCAN and has been involved in the organization’s strategic development since its launch in 2017.  He is also a member of Practical Dermatology® magazine's editorial board.

Photo:Dr. Adam Friedman speaks at a November 2018 DCAN Capitol Hill policy panel on step therapy. Courtesy of DCAN.