San Diego, CA (PRWEB) April 30, 2015

Dr. Kimberly Butterwick, cosmetic dermatologist with Cosmetic Laser Dermatology of San Diego, was elected to the Board of Directors for the American Academy of Dermatology. The American Academy of Dermatology promotes leadership in dermatology and excellence in patient care through education, research, and advocacy. It was founded in 1938 and represents 18,000 dermatologists in the U.S., Canada, and around the world.

Dr. Butterwick’s election was the culmination of a rigorous nomination process, which included a detailed application and written essays covering her experience, and her goals and objectives as a leader of the organization; followed by a vote of the membership.

“With the changing healthcare environment, we face increasing challenges. The Academy must remain proactive and nimble in order to advise policy makers and government from the physician’s perspective about funding institutional research, fair reimbursement for services, and dangerous scope of practice issues that impact the quality of patient care,” said Dr. Butterwick.

Dr. Butterwick said she plans to focus on three areas:

Education of Academy members, the public, the news media, and legislators  

Advocacy to ensure medical practices are protected from increasing governmental regulations; and to ensure funding for research continues and that patient care is not compromised

Communication between members and the public including legislators and the news media on important messages including the detection of melanoma (skin cancer) and avoiding tanning salons.   

Dr. Butterwick added that she wants to attract and inspire new generations of both academic and clinical dermatologists to strengthen membership and ensure our future.

“All of this boils down to ensuring that dermatologists continue to recognized as the experts for the health and beauty of the skin,” said Dr. Butterwick.  “It is important to me to have a leadership role because I can represent thousands of dermatologists through my work with the AAD. I am at a point in my career where I can make a difference and give back to the AAD, an organization that has always supported me.

“It is part of my responsibility as a physician to do whatever I can to inform the public and the media about important dermatologic issues, reinforcing the scientific evidence and sharing our expertise as providers for the health of the skin, hair and nails,” said Dr. Butterwick.

“I’m pleased and honored to have this position in the largest organization of dermatologists in the country,” said Dr. Butterwick. Dr. Butterwick assumes her term in 2016.

Kimberly J. Butterwick, M.D. received her specialty in Dermatology at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 1989, and is today recognized as one of the most renowned skin care experts in the country. As a board certified dermatologist and Diplomate of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, she is considered a leading authority in injectables, filler technology, lasers, and liposculpture.

Dr. Butterwick lectures frequently on new techniques and technology in dermatology. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society of Liposuction Surgery, and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.

Dr. Butterwick previously served on the boards of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery and the Women’s Dermatologic Society. She is a Fellow and has been an active member of the American Academy of Dermatology for over 20 years. Read San Diego cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Butterwick’s full biography here.

Dr. Butterwick is a resident of La Jolla. She is an avid distance runner.