PHOENIX DERMATOLOGIST & ONCOLOGIST HONORED FOR PROVIDING COLLABORATIVE CARE TO PATIENT WITH RARE CANCER

Rosemont, Ill. – The American Academy of Dermatology has named board-certified dermatologist Lindsay Ackerman, MD, FAAD, and hematologist/oncologist Craig Reeder, MD, as Patient Care Heroes for their collaborative, multidisciplinary treatment of a patient’s rare cancer.

For six years, Phoenix resident Victoria Perez had discolored spots resembling bruises across most of her body. She saw dermatologist Dr. Ackerman who performed a skin biopsy that revealed cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, a rare type of cancer that starts in the white blood cells and attacks the skin. Dr. Ackerman brought Dr. Reeder in to help devise a treatment plan.

“I was shocked, scared and worried the cancer would spread. But as Dr. Ackerman talked with me about the diagnosis and the treatment plan, her calm presence and optimism made me feel much better,” said Perez. “I will need UV therapy and topical chemotherapy treatments for the rest of my life, but I can do them from home. With this team of physicians behind me, I won’t let cancer stop me from living my life.”

Some cancers, like Perez’s, require lifelong treatments to keep them in check. Despite vigilant weekly care, after eight years of remission, Perez found out during a checkup that her lymphoma had returned. Drs. Ackerman and Reeder collaborated again, successfully treating Perez’s recurrent lymphoma.

“Dermatologists have the unique privilege of working with other appropriate specialists to connect the dots and better serve patients like Victoria,” said Dr. Ackerman. “We enjoy collaborating with other physicians with various areas of expertise to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”

Dr. Reeder echoed that sentiment. “Dermatology is a complex area of medicine with serious diagnoses for many patients. Working across specialties not only improves patient outcomes, but that interaction makes it very rewarding,” he said.

The AAD created the Patient Care Heroes program to recognize physicians who transform patients’ lives by utilizing their expertise and collaborating with other physicians to treat serious skin disease.

 “Patients like Victoria receive the best care when their physicians work together across specialties,” said board-certified dermatologist Bruce H. Thiers, MD, FAAD, president of the AAD. “Dr. Ackerman and Dr. Reeder’s comprehensive approach demonstrates how multidisciplinary care teams can develop effective treatment plans that provide quality patient experiences.”

To learn more about how Drs. Ackerman and Reeder worked together, visit https://www.aad.org/skinserious/stories-victoria-perez.

 

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About SkinSerious

SkinSerious is a campaign by the American Academy of Dermatology that highlights dermatologists’ role as partners in the health care system, providing expert care for serious conditions. To learn more, visit SkinSerious.org.

About the AAD

Headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 20,000 physicians worldwide, the AAD is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the AAD at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or aad.org. Follow the AAD on Facebook (American Academy of Dermatology), Twitter (@AADskin) or YouTube (AcademyofDermatology).

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