National Psoriasis Foundation Honors Dr. Bagel

(September, 2007) Dr. Jerry Bagel, a Senior Attending Physician at the University Medical Center at Princeton, has been honored by the National Psoriasis Foundation for his work in fund raising and medical consultation. Since 2001, Dr. Bagel has served as advisor to the Psoriasis Foundation Board of Trustees, its CEO and staff, providing medical guidance, editorial review of publications, speaking at professional meetings and working to identify issues and opportunities of critical importance to the group.

At this summer’s national conference in Las Vegas, Dr. Bagel addressed the group on the latest developments in addressing psoriasis treatment, with emphasis on the new use of biologicals with psoriasis patients.

He has been involved in a fundraising campaign that raised more than $500,000 for education, advocacy and research for the organization. He has referred more patients to membership in the Psoriasis Foundation than anyone else in the United States. Dr. Bagel is the only physician to be listed as a finalist for the 2007 Volunteer of the Year Award which honors the initiative, sustained commitment, and results that these volunteers bring to the Foundation. He was recognized at the conference and awarded a certificate of appreciation.

Dr. Bagel is a board certified dermatologist and a nationally recognized expert in the treatment of psoriasis. He is the founder and medical director of the Psoriasis Treatment Center of Central New Jersey, located in East Windsor. (www.psoriasiscare.com) The Center is New Jersey’s first complete facility for advanced therapies formerly available only through university hospitals in major cities. He earned his MD from Mt. Sinai School of Medicine and completed a residency in dermatology at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University. He is a medical editor for Practical Dermatology and the author of that publication's monthly column on psoriasis. He is the principal investigator in a clinical study examining the impact of diet on psoriasis treatment. In addition, Dr. Bagel is a Clinical Assistant Professor of dermatology at the medical schools of both Columbia University and Drexel University.

More than seven million Americans have psoriasis. Although there is no cure for psoriasis, many effective treatments are available. In selecting an appropriate treatment method, the dermatologist will consider the location and severity of involvement along with the patient’s medical history.

The mission of the National Psoriasis Foundation is to improve the quality of life of people who have psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. Through education and advocacy, the organization promotes awareness and ensures access to treatment and supports research that will lead to effective management and ultimately a cure. The organization's headquarters is in Portland, Oregon.