(October 30, 2013) – Andrew Krakowski, M.D., pediatric dermatologist at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego was awarded a $10,000 grant to support his project “MissionSkin.org”, his innovative Internet-based platform that allows physicians to share knowledge about scar treatment. Dr. Krakowski is the first recipient of the Dermatologist from the Heart program in the United States, launched in partnership with La Fondation La Roche-Posay.
“I’ve met hundreds of children who have been physically scarred,” said Dr. Krakowski. “I want nothing more than to give them easy access to treatment options that will relieve them of the physical reminders of their traumas and ultimately, make them feel better about themselves.”
Dr. Krakowski was recognized for his achievement at the American Society for Dermatological Surgery annual meeting in Chicago in October. He was chosen out of a pool of applicants who submitted proposals outlining projects aimed at enhancing patients’ quality of life. A five-member panel reviewed each submission and selected Dr. Krakowski’s project.
The inspiration for this project came about when Dr. Krakowski observed the significant lack of open discussion regarding scar treatment. This area of medicine has historically been overlooked and under-appreciated, given that scars are often viewed as an expected consequence of injuries.
“The goal of MissionSkin.org is to be the first and only web portal dedicated to directly improving our knowledge of scar treatment and revision,” said Dr. Krakowski. The benefit of the unique website is two-fold: Scar patients will be connected with local experts in their region, and additionally, dermatologists, burn surgeons, reconstructive surgeons and primary care physicians will have a forum to consult with and educate one another regarding scar treatment options.
About Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego:
Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego is a 475-bed pediatric care facility providing the largest source of comprehensive pediatric medical services in San Diego, Southern Riverside and Imperial counties. Rady Children’s is the only hospital in the San Diego area dedicated exclusively to pediatric healthcare and is the region’s only designated pediatric trauma center. In June 2013, U.S. News & World Report ranked Rady Children’s among the best children’s hospitals in the nation in all ten pediatric specialties the magazine surveyed. For more information, visit www.rchsd.org and find us on Facebook, Twitter, Vimeo and YouTube.