"The current rule is inconsistent with the long-standing ideal of the citizen-legislator and creates an unfair burden on physicians by not allowing them to maintain their professional skills," said dermatologist Clay J. Cockerell, M.D., president of the American Academy of Dermatology Association. "The rapid pace of scientific, clinical and technological changes in today's medical profession means that physicians cannot just leave the medical field and pick up where they left off when returning to the private sector."

The letter stressed the need for practicing physicians to be involved with the legislative process because they have a unique understanding of the impact of numerous federal programs on the well-being of their constituents. The letter also emphasized that physicians should not have to choose between caring for patients and serving in Congress.

"National healthcare spending is at an all-time high, and a record number of Americans lack health insurance," Dr. Cockerell continued. "The need for medical expert perspective in Washington has never been greater. Changing this rule will encourage physicians to run for and serve in the Congress."

The letter, which was addressed to the Honorable Trent Lott, Chair of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee and the Honorable Christopher J. Dodd, Ranking Member of the Committee, also was signed by the following medical associations, representing more than 295,800 physicians: American Association of Neurological Surgeons, American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American College of Emergency Physicians, American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, American College of Physicians, American Society for Therapeutic Radiation and Oncology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, American Urological Association, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, National Association of Spine Specialists, and The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association (Academy Association) is the resource for government affairs, health policy and practice information for dermatologists, and plays a major role in formulating socioeconomic policies that can enhance the quality of dermatologic care. The Academy Association is the sister organization of the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 14,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, visit the Academy Association's Web site at http://www.aadassociation.org/ .

Source: American Academy of Dermatology Association

CONTACT: Jennifer Allyn, +1-847-240-1730, jallyn@aad.org , Aisha Ansari,
+1-847-240-1735, aansari@aad.org , or Lisa Doty, +1-847-240-1746,
ldoty@aad.org , all of American Academy of Dermatology Association

Web site: http://www.aadassociation.org/