The Skin Cancer Foundation Journal

MAY 2014

The 2012 edition of The Skin Cancer Foundation Journal features medically reviewed, reader-friendly articles such as tanning, the increasing incidence of skin cancer diagnoses among young women, & the prevalence of melanoma among white males over 50.

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77 American, Cuban Dermatologists Meet To Exchange Information on Skin Cancer Ronald L. Moy, MD I n early February 2014, 45 physician members of The Skin Cancer Foundation met with Cuban counterparts in Havana, Cuba, for a conference dedicated to the exchange of medical information on the prevention, detection, and treatment of skin cancer. The American doctors traveled to Cuba on a People-to- People license granted by the US Department of State. American and Cuban physicians made presentations on subjects such as "Mohs Surgery for Malignant Melanoma" and "Elements of Prevention of Skin Cancer," often with the help of Spanish-speaking American doctors who gra- ciously translated when necessary. Many of the most interesting exchanges took place in question and answer sessions: the American doctors were very interested to hear about cultural/medical issues such as how physicians choose practices (they are assigned to a particular geographic region, depending on where they are needed), how they are compensated (about $80 per month), and how long patients wait for an appointment (same day appointments are always available and free). In the afternoon, conference participants and their guests took in the sites of Havana, including the history and art museums, craft market, and La Finca Vigía ("Lookout House"), Hemingway's beloved Cuban home. They were also treated to delicious Cuban cooking, including the best chicken Creole and black beans and rice at El Aljibe in Havana. Salud indeed. Credits: Photographs by Karen Burke, MD, Penny Butler, Doren Pinnell, PhD, Brent Schillinger, MD 1. Forty-f ve dermatologists from the US met with 10 Cuban dermatologists for a three-day exchange of information on preventing, detecting and treating skin cancer. 2. Dr. Marcia Robbins-Wilf (center) hosted a special dinner for the 10 Cuban physicians who attended the conference. 3. Perry Robins, MD, President of The Skin Cancer Foundation, opened the conference, explaining the importance of exchanging medical information with physician counterparts around the world, which is the objective of the Foundation's International Dermatological Exchange Program, now in its 30th year. 4. At the farewell banquet, Ronald L. Moy, MD, proposed a toast congratulating Perry Robins, MD, on a successful conference. Salud! 5. Alfredo Abreu Daniel, MD (second from left), one of Cuba's highest-ranking dermatologists, addressed the group on "Dermatology in Cuba." 6. Maritza Perez, MD, spoke on "Skin Cancer in Skin of Color. 7. Amonette Circle member Karen Burke, MD In their free time, conference attendees and their guests toured Cuban historical sites, saw a tradi- tional Tropicana revue and visited museums, such as the Museo Nacional de la Revolución. International 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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