Press Release - Dr. Amy Taub, MD Presented “Integrating PDT into Daily Practice”
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CONTACT: Suzanne Lombardo, Business Director
(847) 459-6400 slombardo@advdermatology.com
Lincolnshire, IL – March 2008 – Local board-certified dermatologist, Amy Forman Taub, MD of Lincolnshire, IL, presented at the South Beach Symposium “Integrating Photodynamic Therapy into Daily Practice.” The presentation was aimed at helping doctors who have not yet adopted PDT into their practice move forward with this more advanced method of therapy for the common skin condition actinic keratoses.
Dr. Taub reported that photodynamic therapy is now becoming a more mainstream treatment for actinic keratoses that are pre-skin cancers effecting thousands of sun-damaged individuals. Although the drawbacks of cost and reimbursement are big issues as a barrier to adopting PDT into practice, Dr. Taub finds that the benefits of PDT: its effectiveness, preservation of cosmesis, ease of technique (once training and light source are in place), and its excellence for patients outweigh the drawbacks. She advises that there are seven essential elements to effectively integrating PDT into office practice; a light source, a photosensitizer (20% aminolevulinic acid), trained staff, treatment protocols, post op care, billing, and clinical follow-up. Dr. Taub notes that 20% aminolevulinic acid, Levulan® Kerastick®, is currently the only FDA-approved photosensitizer for this indication in the United States. Other methods of therapy result in long periods of downtime or the possibility of white spots or scars on the face. PDT is just as effective but only requires 2-4 days of social downtime, treats the entire face or area and not just spots, and improves the cosmetic appearance of the skin.
Dr. Amy Forman Taub is a board-certified dermatologist who founded Advanced Dermatology, Skinfo® Specialty Skincare Boutique and SKINQRI in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Advanced Dermatology is a state-of-the-art medical and cosmetic dermatology practice nationally recognized for excellence in dermatologic care. Skinfo and skinfo.com, a professional skincare website, offer physician-dispensed and cosmeceutical-grade skincare products and product information to the public. In 2006, Dr. Taub founded SKINQRI, Advanced Research in Dermatology. SKINQRI collaborates with pharmaceutical and laser companies to test the safety and efficacy of new treatments and evaluate new protocols for current treatments. Dr. Taub's practice philosophy is one of active collaboration with her patients. While she likes being on the cutting edge of technological and medical innovations, Dr. Taub carefully evaluates the scientific principles and safety of new treatments and procedures she makes available to her patients.
Born and raised in the Chicago area, Dr. Taub graduated from Northwestern University Medical School in 1985 and completed her internal medicine internship and dermatology residency at its affiliated hospital, Northwestern Memorial, in 1989. Dr. Taub is currently an Assistant Clinical Professor at Northwestern University Medical School. Prior to opening Advanced Dermatology, Dr. Taub was the Medical Director for the Division of Dermatology of Northwestern Memorial Physicians Group.
As a consultant to leading laser and drug companies, Dr. Taub also educates and trains physicians from all over the country to provide cosmetic and laser procedures. Dr. Taub is a member (Fellow) of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), the American Society for Laser Surgery and Medicine (ASLMS), the Chicago Dermatologic Society, and the Illinois State Dermatologic Society. Dr. Taub is also a Charter Board of Director for the American Society of Photodynamic Therapy (ASPDT), a member of the Leaders Society to the Dermatology Foundation, on the Advisory Council of the Skin Cancer Foundation, and on the Research Committee for the ASDS.
Advanced Dermatology, LLC
275 Parkway Drive Suite 521 Lincolnshire, IL 60069
(847) 459 6400
www.advdermatology.com
slombardo@advdermatology.com
