Media Coverage
Mobile, Ala. (April 21, 2023)
MAY IS SKIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH:
PROTECT YOUR SKIN & REDUCE YOUR RISK WITH IMPORTANT TIPS FROM LOCAL MEDICAL PRACTICE:
SUNRISE DERMATOLOGY & SKIN CANCER SURGERY CENTER
Mobile, Ala. (April 21, 2023) — As the summer months approach and more people begin to spend time outdoors, Sunrise Dermatology, with office locations in Daphne and Mobile, is urging individuals to prioritize their skin health and safety.
May is recognized as National Skin Cancer Awareness Month, an important time to raise awareness about the dangers of skin cancer and the steps individuals can take to protect themselves all year long. According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the US, with more than five million cases diagnosed each year.
“Skin cancer is a serious and potentially deadly disease, but it’s also highly preventable,” said Dr. Scott Freeman, board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon with Sunrise Dermatology. “By taking simple steps to protect your skin and getting regular skin checks, you can reduce your risk of developing skin cancer and catch it early if it does occur.” (photo: Scott Freeman, M.D.)
Skin cancer can occur anywhere on the body, but it is most commonly found on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, arms and hands. The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, but it is also highly preventable with proper sun protection and screening.
According to Dr. Ryan Ramagosa, board-certified dermatologist with Sunrise Dermatology, it was his personal experience with skin cancer that led him to pursue a career in dermatology.
“I was diagnosed with melanoma at the young age of 22 during my first year of medical school. It was among the scariest times in my life and was the number one deciding factor in my choice of specialty,” Ramagosa said. “Since my first diagnosis, I have had a second melanoma and over a dozen skin surgeries. I’ve quite literally been in my patient’s chair, and I think it helps me to empathize with them on a deeper level than some others can. I try to treat every one of my patients like they are a member of my extended family.” (photo: Ryan Ramagosa, M.D.)
In addition to both general and cosmetic dermatology, Sunrise Dermatology’s fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons, Freeman and Dr. Vernon Forrester, also treat skin cancer patients who may need reconstructive surgery at the Sunrise Skin Cancer Surgery Center located at the main office complex in Mobile.
“We opened the Skin Cancer Surgery Center in 2019 with the goal of better serving our patients by providing specialized reconstructive services that often follow skin cancer surgery in a safe outpatient surgery setting,” said Freeman, who also serves as medical director of the Surgery Center. “Here at Sunrise, what sets us apart from most other practices in our area is the comprehensive nature by which we are able to take care of so many different types of medical problems for dermatologic patients, including being able to offer Mohs surgery.”
A highly specialized technique in dermatologic surgery for treating skin cancer, Mohs surgery has a 99% cure rate even for cancers that have been previously treated using other methods.
“Like Dr. Ramagosa, skin cancer is an issue that hits close to home for me as well,” Forrester said. “Several of my family members have dealt with skin cancer over the years and that’s what really inspired me to go into dermatology. My goal is to be an advocate for my patients and to make sure they receive the treatment they need.”
(photo: Vernon Forrester, M.D.)
To reduce the risk of skin cancer, the physicians at Sunrise Dermatology recommend the following skin safety tips:
- Wear protective clothing, including long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses.
- Apply sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 and reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.
- Seek shade during peak sun hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Avoid indoor tanning beds, which can increase the risk of skin cancer.
- Conduct regular self-exams and schedule annual skin cancer screenings with a dermatologist.
By taking these simple steps, you can reduce your risk of skin cancer and enjoy the outdoors safely. During Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Sunrise Dermatology encourages everyone to spread awareness and share these important safety tips with their friends and family.
For more information or to schedule your annual skin exam, visit sunrisederm.com or call 251. 289.1786.
ABOUT SUNRISE DERMATOLOGY
Since 2011, Sunrise Dermatology has remained dedicated to providing the highest level of comprehensive, personalized dermatologic care for patients of all ages in south Alabama and along the Gulf Coast. They are a full-service dermatology practice specializing in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. With two fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons on staff, patients receive on-site diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer, including melanoma, and Mohs reconstructive surgery at our Sunrise Skin Cancer Surgery Center. Office locations are in Mobile and Daphne, Ala.
From common conditions like acne, eczema, or psoriasis, or concerns about risks for skin cancer, the practice goal is to create a customized plan to resolve issues and to ensure the overall health and well-being of each patient’s skin for a lifetime. To learn more visit sunrisederm.com or call 251. 289.1786.
Media Coverage
July 19th, 2022
GulfCoastMedia.com – Forrester joins Sunrise Dermatology’s Daphne office
DAPHNE — Sunrise Dermatology is pleased to announce the addition of fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon Dr. Vernon Forrester to its Daphne clinical team.
Forrester completed his fellowship training in Micrographic Surgery & Dermatologic Oncology from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and has been at the forefront in the development of the latest and most advanced dermatological treatments and techniques.
“Several of my family members have dealt with skin cancer over the years and that’s what really inspired me to go into dermatology. My goal is to be an advocate for my patients and to make sure they receive the treatment they need,” Forrester said.
Forrester graduated from the University of Virginia with a Distinguished Major Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. He received his medical doctorate from the VCU School of Medicine and completed his residency in dermatology at UVA Health Systems.
With the addition of Dr. Forrester, Sunrise Dermatology has grown to provide the expertise of two Mohs surgeons, allowing them to now offer leading-edge skin cancer treatment full time at both its Daphne and Mobile locations.
“I’ve seen firsthand the patient-centered care that Sunrise Dermatology is known for, as well as the camaraderie among the team, and I look forward to working with them to expand that excellence in care to more communities along the Gulf Coast,” said Forrester.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.sunrisederm.com or call (251) 289-1786.
Media Coverage
July 1st, 2022
BayBusinessNews.com – SUNRISE DERMATOLOGY ADDS MOHS SURGEON
Sunrise Dermatology recently announced the addition of fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon Dr. Vernon Forrester to its Daphne clinical team. Forrester completed his fellowship training in Micrographic Surgery & Dermatologic Oncology (Mohs) from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and has led the development of advanced dermatological treatments and techniques. Forrester graduated from the University of Virginia (UVA) with a Distinguished Major Bachelor of Science in biochemistry. He received his medical doctorate from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and completed his residency in dermatology at UVA Health Systems. With the addition of Forrester, Sunrise Dermatology now has two Mohs surgeons, allowing for this precise surgical skin cancer treatment to be available full-time at both its Daphne and Mobile locations.
Sunrise Dermatology Welcomes Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon To Daphne, Al Office Location
Daphne, AL (June 6, 2022) – Sunrise Dermatology is pleased to announce the addition of fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon Dr. Vernon Forrester to its Daphne clinical team.
Forrester completed his fellowship training in Micrographic Surgery & Dermatologic Oncology (Mohs) from the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic Foundation and has been at the forefront in the development of the latest and most advanced dermatological treatments and techniques.
“Several of my family members have dealt with skin cancer over the years and that’s what really inspired me to go into dermatology. My goal is to be an advocate for my patients and to make sure they receive the treatment they need,” Forrester said.
Forrester graduated from the University of Virginia with a Distinguished Major Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. He received his medical doctorate from the VCU School of Medicine and completed his residency in dermatology at UVA Health Systems.
With the addition of Dr. Forrester, Sunrise Dermatology has grown to provide the expertise of two Mohs surgeons, allowing them to now offer leading-edge skin cancer treatment full time at both its Daphne and Mobile locations.
“I’ve seen firsthand the patient-centered care that Sunrise Dermatology is known for, as well as the camaraderie among the team, and I look forward to working with them to expand that excellence in care to more communities along the Gulf Coast,” states Forrester.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.sunrisederm.com or call (251) 289-1786.
ABOUT SUNRISE DERMATOLOGY
Since 2011, Sunrise Dermatology has remained dedicated to providing the highest level of comprehensive, personalized dermatologic care for patients of all ages in south Alabama and along the Gulf Coast. They are a full-service dermatology practice specializing in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. With two fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons on staff, patients receive on-site diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer, including melanoma, and Mohs reconstructive surgery at our Sunrise Skin Cancer Surgery Center. Office locations are in Mobile, Daphne and Chatom, Al.
From common conditions like acne, eczema, or psoriasis, or concerns about risks for skin cancer, the practice goal is to create a customized plan to resolve issues and to ensure the overall health and well-being of each patient’s skin for a lifetime. To learn more visit sunrisederm.com.
