Community Connections

For a small group hailing from a big state, the Northern California Dermatology Society (NCDS) accomplishes a lot. The group started as an informal journal club among a handful of dermatologists in the Napa, Sonoma, and Solano counties, and has only had nonprofit status for a decade, making it a relative newcomer compared with larger organizations in the region. But the 60 to 70 active members more than make up for those numbers with their vast commitment to community outreach. 

“Public service, education, and collegiality are our three main focus points,” said Serena Mraz, MD, acting director and a dermatologist at Solano Dermatology Associates in Vallejo. “We have members [located in] San Francisco up to Davis, which covers a pretty broad geographic area, so we try to have one or two free skin cancer screening events at a rotating location each year.” One of those sites is the Vista Clinic in Santa Rosa, a clinic for indigent, uninsured and underinsured patients and a teaching facility where many NCDS members also have donated time for patient care and resident teaching over the past several years. (The clinic is currently closed due to damage from the Santa Rosa fire last year). 

“In addition to community outreach efforts, we have been commended on numerous occasions for our regular educational opportunities for members, including guest speakers, journal review, and case presentations,” Dr Mraz said. “We do this in a relaxed and collegial setting, which has promoted improved patient care as well as comradery among the participating dermatologists in our community.” 

The NCDS meets monthly with a variety of speaker events, journal review, and case discussions. Over the years, the NCDS has also collaborated with other nearby associations, including the San Francisco Dermatology Society and the UC Davis journal club. “We feel that opening thing ups to a broader group with weekend meeting options gives our members variety and interaction with the regional academic programs,” said Dr Mraz. “Our members have coordinated and provided cases for several of these combined meetings.” NCDS members also mentor students who are either applying to dermatology residency or medical school. 

Group members regularly fundraise for worthwhile causes, and past projects include helping raise funds for a shade structure for the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. Their current project is an annual drive to raise money for the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) with a charitable bike ride through Napa County. “We’re talking about a patient population with a lot of comorbidities and stigma, so we thought it was a great cause,” said Mraz, who participated in last year’s ride. “The idea is basically to have a good time and raise a little money for the NPF.” 

This year the ride, which is also open to the public, will be held on Saturday, June 8, at the Napa County Fairgrounds, with members competing in teams. There are 18- and 60-mile options depending on your fitness level, with refreshments served afterward. 

Group Stats: The NCDS 

Formed in: 2009 

Website: ncdsderm.com 

Members: 60-70 

Member perks: Monthly opportunities for education with a variety of venues, interaction with colleagues, mentoring, and community outreach events. 

Annual meeting: Varies by year. This year California Dermatology is hosting a second Napa meeting started in conjunction with the NCDS.