The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has named Jennifer Tan, MD, FAAD, a Patient Care Hero for making critical skin care and hygiene items easily accessible to individuals experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
Dr. Tan, a board-certified dermatologist, and her colleagues at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP) realized that those experiencing homelessness would face unique and difficult challenges during the pandemic, including lack of access to over-the-counter treatments and needed hygienic supplies.
Prior to the pandemic, Dr. Tan and colleagues had begun to distribute skin care kits to help those experiencing homelessness manage acne, eczema, and dry skin in order to minimize discomfort and prevent infection.
Jennifer Tan, MD
Through the support of corporate and individual donors, as well as staff and medical school volunteers, her team shifted program resources and assembled more than 1,000 COVID-19 care kits for people experiencing homelessness in Boston and Portland, Maine. “This project was spearheaded by Haya Raef, a third-year Tufts University medical student who has been deeply committed to caring for the homeless," said Dr. Tan. "These kits not only provide needed dermatologic supplies, but also remind patients that they are not forgotten during these difficult times.”
“For decades dermatologists have provided specialized care to patients in underserved communities. The level of innovation, agility and volunteerism I’ve seen in support of our peers and affected patients during the pandemic is inspiring,” said board-certified dermatologist Bruce H. Thiers, MD, FAAD, president of the AAD. “Dr. Tan and her team are shining examples of the dermatologist community’s contributions to the frontline response.”
