The American Academy of Dermatology chose a transitional housing and homeless shelter in downtown San Diego for its 2012 volunteer event, Dermatology in Action.
Nearly 50 volunteers helped paint the hallways of the second floor of St. Vincent de Paul Village, part of Father Joe's Villages. The village houses roughly 1,000 people each night, and serves up to 4,000 meals a day, said Sister Patricia A. Cruise, President and CEO of Father Joe's Villages.
The event, which took place the day before the 70th Annual Meeting of the AAD kicked off, was a way to give back to the community and leave something behind, said AAD's immediate past president, Dr. William James.
"As a big convention, we have a wonderful time in the city and want to let them know that we care and appreciate all the hospitality," said Dr. James who organized last year's volunteer event in New Orleans.
-- Naseem S. Miller