The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association (ASDSA) honored the recipients of its 2017 Patient Safety Hero awards at the 2017 ASDS Annual Meeting in Chicago.

Aaron Mangold, MD, was honored with the ASDSA State Patient Safety Hero Member Award, which is given to a member who has contributed significantly to a successful campaign centered on patient safety in their state legislative or regulatory arena.

Dr. Mangold championed ASDSA’s SUNucate initiative in his home state of Arizona. Governor Doug Ducey signed SUNucate into law last spring, making Arizona one of the first states to pass SUNucate model legislation.

“Dr. Mangold’s instrumental support commenced the great success of the Society’s SUNucate initiative, which was signed into law by seven states in 2017,” said ASDSA Immediate Past President Thomas E. Rohrer, MD. “With five other states’ bills pending and two additional states interested in the legislation, SUNucate is well positioned for 2018.”

Arizona Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery Society (ADDSS) received the ASDSA State Dermatological Society Patient Safety Hero State Society Award. This honor is given to a state dermatological society that has worked effectively on behalf of the specialty and patient safety.

By working with ASDSA, multiple health care organizations and patient groups, ADDSS showed legislators the need for SUNucate legislation and the importance of protecting children from skin cancer by allowing them to use sunscreen at school and day camps.

“ASDSA is greatly appreciative of ADDSS’s involvement with the realization of SUNucate legislation in Arizona,” said Dr. Rohrer. “Because of their dedication, Arizona’s youth is now able to access sunscreen at school and camp, which will make a real impact in helping prevent skin cancer.”