Spring 2020 Newsletter

PDP Finding Stability In the New Normal

Dear Patient:

I want to share an update about the steps we are taking to safely address your medical needs during the coronavirus pandemic as we move forward.

Since March, our caregivers have rapidly and continuously adapted the way we provide care to maximize social distance and reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in our facilities. Key among the changes have been reducing patient volume, eliminating waiting rooms, sanitizing all touchable surfaces, and requiring masks on all staff and patients when in the office. For your convenience, we have provided masks to hundreds of patients and offer hand washing sinks or sanitizer upon entry into each of our offices.

We will continue to keep abreast of public health developments as shared by the World Health Organization, the CDC, and members of our regional medical community.

For many of you who come in for routine checkups, you have rightly delayed these appointments as the pandemic started its spread in the region. For patients with chronic conditions, skin cancers and other concerns which cannot wait, we will continue to treat each of you with the highest degree of care and professionalism. Now with increased opening of Pennsylvania on the horizon, it is more important than ever to identify and hold to careful and safe practices so that we can continue to provide you with the dermatology services you need.

All PDP offices are now open at least on a limited basis and will remain open for important medical and surgical services. If you are not ready to be seen in person, we will continue to offer telemedicine as a safe alternative to evaluate any concerns you may have.

If you have any questions or want to review any of our safety procedures, please give us a call at 877-895-DERM. Our customer service specialists will address any concerns you have and help you find the right method of care from within our practice.

Now, more than ever, we are here for you and all of your dermatologic concerns. Feel free to reach out, and we will look forward to caring for you soon.

Sincerely,

Andrew Frankel, COO, Pennsylvania Dermatology Partners

Andrew Frankel, COO, PDP

PDP Continues Growth - West Chester and Exton Offices Opening Soon!

PDP is looking forward to an active summer as the burgeoning network plans to add two more practices, expanding its presence to 16 offices in the Greater Philadelphia region and Lehigh Valley. As highlighted in our previous patient newsletter, Brandon Rowe, MD, will be leading the new Exton, PA, office, and Sarah Todd, MD, will be heading up the new West Chester, PA, site. The offices will open July 20, 2020 and September 1, 2020, respectively. With the addition of these offices, PDP is able to further its vision of offering top level care throughout the region.     

Sarah Todd, MD                                 Brandon Rowe, MD                 

Dr. Daniel Shurman Featured in the Philadelphia Business Journal

Daniel Shurman, MD, was featured in an article on the benefits of telemedicine in a recent edition of the Philadelphia Business Journal. "It's a great way to keep in contact with patients," Dr. Shurman said in the article. "You can get a good assessment and can help a lot of people." Dr. Alexander Vararro, president of the Philadelphia-based Rothman Institute, was also featured in the article.

Daniel Shurman, MD

Almost Summer- Remember the Sunscreen!   

Summer is just about here and there is a lot to look forward to. The temperatures are higher, the days are longer, and the sun is brighter. Summer brings a multitude of recreational activities to choose from and, overall, a more relaxed way of living a while.

However, it is also important to understand that suncreen alone is not enough to protect your skin. It is also essential to practice smart sun safety habits, whether at home or while on vacation, and to take care not to burn. Remember: Sunburn is a clear sign that the DNA in your skin cells have been damaged and, overtime, this can lead to skin cancer. The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention recommends:

• Seek shade when the sun is strongest
• Wear sun-protective-clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat 
• Wear sunglasses
• Avoid sun exposure in the heat of the day, from 10 am to 2 pm when the UV exposure risk is at its highest 

So, while the summer affords us more time in the sun, make sure to protect yourself and your family from the potential dangers. Remember, sunscreen and shade are your best defense against dangerous UV rays that cause cancer.