By Allison Sit
An Arizona dermatologist is named an AAD Patient Care Hero after making a life-saving recommendation. Christopher Bengson, MD, MHS, FAAD, with the Indian Health Service in Phoenix and a commander in the U.S. Public Health Service, received the award for helping prevent a heart attack in a psoriasis patient. According to a news release, patient Roger Richards shared during a dermatology check-up that he was having minor chest pains and was concerned that his blood pressure medication was no longer effective. After performing a brief exam, Dr. Bengson recommended Richards go to the Arizona Heart Hospital immediately.
“Health disparities in Native American communities are significant, so I’m invested in the overall health of my patients and try to provide guidance beyond their dermatologic conditions,” said Dr. Bengson. “Because of my familiarity with Roger’s medical history, and the relationship between psoriasis and cardiovascular disease, I knew he needed emergency care immediately.”
Richards had two stents placed in his left anterior descending artery, and was told that, if not for this treatment, he may have had one of the deadliest kinds of heart attacks.
“I felt comfortable discussing my chest pains with Dr. Bengson because I know he truly cares about every aspect of my health,” Richards said. “Dr. Bengson’s relationship with me goes beyond dermatology, and his investment in my well-being saved my life.”
The National Eczema Association’s EczemaWise app is earning national recognition. The eHealthcare Leadership Awards recently honored the app with the highest-level Platinum prize in the categories of Best Care/Disease Management and Best Mobile App. EczemaWise allows adult patients and caregivers of young children to track eczema symptoms, triggers and treatments, log photos and read up on the latest eczema news and tips, according to a news release. EczemaWise also facilitates shared decision making between patients and physicians with tools that help patients prepare for a doctor’s visit and keep track of their eczema between visits.
NEA developed EczemaWise with input from the eczema community and physicians to help patients manage their eczema and improve their quality of life. EczemaWise is free and available as a web app as well as a mobile app through the Apple App Store and Google Play.
A San Francisco dermatologist now holds one of the California Medical Association’s (CMA) top posts. Lawrence Cheung, MD, was elected vice speaker of the CMA House of Delegates, which will also place him on the CMA Executive Committee. Dr. Cheung is a dermatologist in private practice and volunteer dermatology preceptor at St. Mary’s Medical Center in San Francisco. He has been a member of the CMA Board of Trustees since 2020, and is also a member of the American Medical Association, American Academy of Dermatology, and American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.
