Making a DifferenceThe 2009 Donald L. Levin, MD, Lectureship in Dermatology  | Antoinette Hood, MD |
On April 1, as part of the Department of Dermatology Grand Rounds—an educational day well-attended by doctors and residents—Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine hosted the annual Donald L. Levin, MD, Lectureship in Dermatology. This year’s lecture was presented by Antoinette F. Hood, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Dermatology at Eastern Virginia Medical School. Entitled “Dysplastic Nevi: The Evolution of a Concept,” Dr. Hood’s lecture explained the history and continually evolving diagnoses of “funny-looking moles,” i.e. the precursors to melanoma. Encouraged by Dr. Hood, doctors in attendance shared the varying methodologies preferred to diagnose these moles, with some cautiously monitoring patients over a several-month time span, and others performing immediate biopsies. Posing the question likely on the minds of many in attendance—should there be a national standard for dealing with dysplastic nevi—Dr. Hood emphasized that education was the key to doctors making informed decisions in their patients’ best interests. At the beginning of her talk, Dr. Hood also emphasized the importance of alumni contributions to medical schools. “I always tell my students to remember these five words: Make a difference. Give back,” she said, going on to describe Dr. Levin as the epitome of this role model. The Donald L. Levin, MD, Lectureship in Dermatology was established in 2006 and continues to serve as an educational tool for trainees and faculty who specialize in treatment and research in dermatology. Dr. Levin attended Northwestern University’s Honors Program in Medical Education, earning his bachelor’s and medical degrees from the University. He remained at Northwestern for both his medicine and dermatology residencies. Upon completion of his training, he entered private practice in Syracuse, New York, where he also serves as an attending physician at State University of New York Upstate Medical University, and a medical expert for the New York State Board for Professional Medical Conduct. 
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