2016 Medical Professional Award Winners

This award honors highly meritorious efforts by health professionals in the field of psoriatic disease education. The educator has been chosen for their significant, long-term national or international contributions to psoriatic disease education.

Alice Gottlieb, M.D., Ph.D., Chair of the Department of Dermatology at Tufts Medical Center

Dr. Alice Gottlieb is chairwoman of the Department of Dermatology at Tufts Medical Center and an internationally recognized educator in the field of psoriatic disease. Dr. Gottlieb is a board-certified dermatologist and rheumatologist and brings this expertise to educating dermatologists and rheumatologists around the world. Dr. Gottlieb’s outstanding educational endeavors include presentations at nearly 300 dermatology and rheumatology conferences in Europe, Asia and the United States.

Dr. Gottlieb’s numerous accomplishments include several terms on the NPF Medical Board and the founding of IDEOM, the International Dermatology Outcomes Measures organization, which, in conjunction with NPF, has been instrumental in leading efforts to develop outcome measures in psoriasis. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Gottlieb’s research efforts have led to some of the most important outcomes in psoriatic disease, including the role of lymphocyte in the development of psoriasis, which has led to the development of modern biologic therapy.

The Outstanding Physician-Clinician award recognizes a physician for outstanding achievements in improving psoriatic disease clinical practice and who has played a major or lasting role with national impact in improving the quality of life of patients and their families. The winner of this award is actively involved in the clinical care of patients with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis and has an outstanding track record of sharing their expertise with other health care professionals as documented by presentations and/or authorship of books, articles and reference materials.

Jerry Bagel, M.D., Director of the Psoriasis Treatment Center of Central New Jersey

Dr. Jerry Bagel is director of the Psoriasis Treatment Center of Central New Jersey and has devoted his professional life to the care of psoriasis patients. He has written more than 50 articles and conducted many clinical trials, many of which are related to psoriasis. Dr. Bagel is also an excellent resource for his fellow clinicians and has helped co-manage many patients with other leading physicians.

Dr. Bagel’s commitment to the NPF mission does not stop in the clinic. He developed the NPF President’s Council, a group of over 100 medical professionals who support the Foundation’s research and advocacy efforts. He has also championed Team NPF events, including chairing the inaugural cycle event in 2015.

The NPF Health Professional Volunteer of the Year award recognizes a health care professional who has promoted NPF’s mission of improving the life for people with psoriatic disease through exceptional contributions to key initiatives of the Foundation. The winner has been actively involved in the NPF at the affiliate, local or national level within the last five years, and has a history of contributions to NPF goals and objectives.

Wilson Liao, M.D., Associate Professor of Dermatology at the University of California - San Francisco School of Medicine

Dr. Wilson Liao has supported the National Psoriasis Foundation since he was a medical student at Harvard University.  Since continuing his career as Associate Professor of Dermatology at the University of California - San Francisco School of Medicine, Dr. Liao has played an active role in the Northern California Division of the Foundation. He has brought his talents in roles such as the Honorary Medical Chair for the Walk to Cure Psoriasis, Physician Advisor for the division, patient education speaker, and Honorary Medical Chair for the Commit to Cure Gala honoring Dr. John Koo. He has raised over $20,000 as a Top Walker in the Team NPF Walk in San Francisco.

Dr. Liao has also dedicated his time to giving back to the psoriatic disease community in other ways. Dr. Liao was a panel speaker for World Psoriasis Day, and joined a panel of patients to discuss the impact of psoriasis on quality of life. He has also joined Psoriasis Meet up Groups in Northern California and graciously gave his time to speak individually with members about their concerns. In addition to all of his other activities, Dr. Liao runs a monthly free Dermatology Clinic at University of California – San Francisco.

The Outstanding Allied Health award recognizes an allied health professional for outstanding achievements in improving psoriatic disease clinical practice and who has played a major or lasting role with national impact in improving the quality of life of patients and their families. The winner is actively involved in the clinical care of patients with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis and is well-known nationally or internationally for exceptional clinical knowledge and expertise.

Abby Jacobson, PA-C

Abby Jacobson, PA-C is a physician assistant in private practice in Pennsylvania. Ms. Jacobson was the first physician assistant nominated to the National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board and is a current member of the Emeritus Board at NPF. Ms. Jacobson is also a past president of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants and has been involved in leadership roles at both the local and national levels.

Ms. Jacobson is recognized for outstanding efforts on behalf of her patients. Ms. Jacobson is knowledgeable about psoriatic disease and assists her patients in navigating the often overwhelming world of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Ms. Jacobson is recognized as a leader in the allied health field, often sharing her expertise with other providers through speaking engagements.