On Monday, March 27, the American Skin Association (ASA) celebrated its 30 years anniversary by presenting awards to three honorees who have made a significant impact in the areas of skin health and research. The ASA and its affiliates have funded more than $50 million in grants to support the work of more than 300 promising young scientists. In addition, the organization works to educate the public on skin health through its ASA Education Council. Monday night's honorees included:
David I.E. Pyott, who received the ASA’s 2017 Humanitarian of the Year Award for his philanthropic commitments. The David E.I. Pyott Foundation has pledged millions of dollars to medical education and research. During his 17 years at Allergan, Pyott helped transform a small eye-care business with $1 billion in sales into a global specialty pharmaceutical and medical device company, with sales over $7 billion. In his first year at Allergan, he helped to create their foundation with a mission to lend philanthropic support and involvement to organizations working hard to make the lives of individuals healthier and happier and to make their communities better places to live, now and in the future.
Pearl E. Grimes, MD, FAAD received the 2017 Lifetime Achievement in Dermatology Award. Dr. Grimes is a pioneer and leading international authority on vitiligo and pigmentary disorders. She is a clinician, researcher and highly sought-after speaker. Patients travel from all over the world to benefit from her expertise and her comprehensive and compassionate approach in treating these disorders. She is a clinical professor of dermatology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and an accomplished author, having written more than 100 professional articles, abstracts and two textbooks. In 2006, she founded CARRY (Coalition for At-Risk Restoring Youth), a non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk and foster care youth through a variety of innovative programs including: pro bono dermatology clinics and other programs designed to enhance self-esteem, self-worth, self-sufficiency and long-term success. The organization serves more than 400 youth annually.
Martin McMahon, PhD received the 2017 Leadership in Melanoma Research Award. Dr. McMahon is the Cumming-Presidential Professor of Cancer Biology and senior director for preclinical translation in the department of dermatology and Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah. Dr. McMahon's translational cancer research program focuses on the mechanisms underlying the development of metastatic melanoma, lung and thyroid cancer. He is a highly sought after speaker in national and international forums, giving dozens of invited lectures in recent years, both nationally and internationally.
