2023-11-05 09:55:00
One of the reasons for continuing the functions of the organization is the gratitude of each person who receives timely care and to be able to contribute to the quality of life of those who suffer from a dermatological condition on the island.
By: Mariana Mestizo Hernandez
November 05, 2023
The Skin Foundation of Puerto Rico was created in 2016 by Dr. Jorge Sánchez and currently has a board of directors made up of several dermatologists, focused on providing help with free clinics, continuing education for health professionals and soon, they plan to be able to give scholarships in dermatological research. In fact, the most recent success of the first free dermatology clinic in Lajas together with the Medicine and Public Health Magazine on Saturday, November 4, set a precedent and had a strong impact on the community as more than 500 people received dermatology, immunization, pharmacy and others.
The three fundamental axes of the Piel Foundation: education, service and research
“I am a dermatologist, from the Western Area, from Lajas and this foundation that we have, deals with the education of doctors, the service to patients for free and from research to dermatology, are the three facets we have. Its mission is to help educate, to raise awareness of how important dermatological diagnosis is to the medical community in general,” said Dr. Luis Ortiz Espinosa, dermatologist and president of the Skin Foundation from Puerto Rico.
For her part, Dalia Morales, representative of the Skin Foundation In an exclusive interview for our media, he expressed: “Our clinics are 360, it includes what is the evaluation, consultation, we provide if the patient needs any procedure, we make our operating room, so to speak, and we also provide medications, that is totally free for the population,” he said
Dalia Morales, representative of the Skin Foundation from Puerto Rico. Photo: Medicine and Public Health Magazine
Accessibility limitation is a reason to serve Puerto Ricans
Morales also expressed that one of the big reasons why the foundation holds this type of events is due to the limited scope of dermatology specialists for all the inhabitants of Puerto Rico: “We try to look for towns where the number of dermatologists is lower. , to be able to take these patients the service”.
Likewise, he mentioned that one of the reasons for continuing the functions of the foundation is the gratitude of the people because “this includes medical students, doctors, private companies and the media who have supported us a lot in these initiatives.” .
He even highlighted that when there is an unfavorable prognosis for a patient, the organization provides follow-up to these people because “being able to have dermatologists, who give them the priority and the urgency that this patient needs so much, it is nice and comforting to have them.” those allies who always say yes to you,” Morales added.
The importance of dermatology in health
The relevance of this specialty becomes evident when considering conditions such as skin cancer, including melanoma, which can be fatal in many cases. Recognizing the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment in dermatological care, Dr. Ortiz emphasizes the need to be aware of these issues to ensure the health and well-being of patients. patients: “The majority of doctors do not receive adequate training in this part of dermatology and for that reason, we have this function of trying to help in that, so that they are not so much unpainted, but rather that they do not have the detail of the basics to be able to make appropriate decisions with the patients who have living conditions,” he concluded vehemently.
Continuing education in dermatology for Puerto Rican professionals
The Skin Foundation It has continuing education programs on updated dermatology topics that are offered to health professionals such as primary doctors, family doctors, pediatricians, internists, generalists, among others. In addition, they have a considered amount of volunteering and “in fact, anyone can become a volunteer for our foundation, doctors from other specialties, companies and not just companies, in general, everyone who is willing to support these efforts to to be able to support each other,” added the prestigious doctor.
Prevalence of dermatological diseases in Puerto Rico
Morales emphasized that skin cancer in Puerto Rico is seen more in the eastern and coastal areas of the island: “It depends on the area since there are particular conditions that we have a greater concentration than in others.” Along these lines, he highlighted that basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of cancer in the population, despite not being as aggressive as melanoma, which requires special care.
On the other hand, it cannot be omitted to mention that there are numerous patients Puerto Ricans with quite prevalent dermatological diseases such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, alopecia, among many more and that is why it is key for people to seek professional dermatological help when they experience changes in their skin.
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