About the ODA

The Ohio Dermatological Association

Advocacy United

The Ohio Dermatological Organization is united in purpose—to advocate for the health of our patients, for the effective practice of dermatology, and for the advancement of science. We believe that by uniting our voices, we can focus attention on the most critical issues impacting Ohio residents.

Our Purpose

The Ohio Dermatological Association was formed in 1984.

Health care is changing rapidly in nearly every direction. Reimbursement, science, technology, delivery, legislation—even threats to skin health—are quickly evolving. Committed dermatology professionals came together to create a unified voice to protect both colleagues and patients. Through our efforts, we advise Ohio lawmakers on matters related to reimbursement, healthcare delivery, and skin health risk. We educate our members on current trends at both state and national levels. and keep the public abreast on skin care and potential dangers to skin health.

Our Vision

Excellence in Dermatology for Ohio

Our Mission

To unite, protect and strengthen the practice of dermatology in Ohio through education, research and advocacy to ensure quality patient care.

Our History

“Until the mid-1970’s, dermatology in Ohio had no dynamic unified statewide educational or political voice. The formation of such a group had been discussed as early as the early 1970’s when Jerry Pomeranz, M.D. suggested to a number of his colleagues that we really needed a statewide voice. Until that time, the political focus of dermatology within the state was confined to a smaller group of dermatologists representing their county medical societies as delegates to the Ohio State Medical Association (OSMA).

There were extensive educational organizations in the state focused most prominently in Cleveland with other active dermatology programs in Cincinnati and Columbus. The major educational activities that tended to coordinate the collegiality between the various training centers was through the Central States Dermatology Society that rotated through various centers, in Ohio and surrounding states. The formation of sections of dermatology in Toledo and in Dayton were still on the horizon…”

– Charles L. Heaton, M.D.
A History of the ODA

From those humble beginnings, the groundwork for the Ohio Dermatological Association was laid. Eventually, delegates to the OSMA worked to form a unified Section of Dermatology within the OSMA. While this worked well, the need for an independent organization continued to be felt, a way to make the voice of Ohio dermatologists stronger at the local, state, and national levels. Eventually, in 1984, the ODA became an independent organization.

The young organization had big ambitions. It had an educational mission as well as plans for philanthropic and political activities. Where to find the funding? In 1988, the Ohio Dermatological Foundation was formed as a core organization for developing excellence in education for the annual meeting, among other initiatives.

Today, the ODA has grown into an organization that has a significant impact on legislation such as controlling the use of ultraviolet light A in children and teenagers. It champions public policy that protects the people we serve and is a driving force behind the advancement of education in dermatology. Today we have participation in ODA by all of the medical schools in the state, their residents and faculty. We’re privileged to have esteemed scholars from around the United Stated and occasionally international participation in our annual meeting.

As we move forward, the ODA will expand its impact through our principal of advocacy united, thanks to the participation of members like you.

(Special thanks to Dr. Charles Heaton for historical information)