Alexandria, VA – March 10, 2025
The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) proudly recognizes the dedication and impact of Tina Bhutani, M.D., MAS, Cheri Frey, M.D., FAAD, George Han, M.D., Ph.D., and Mona Shahriari, M.D., FAAD, as medical professionals doing exceptional work to improve the lives of those living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).
These individuals represent the wide range of professionals who contribute to the advancement of the care, treatment, clinical research, and medical education needed to effectively manage and treat psoriatic disease. They join NPF in the mission to drive efforts to cure psoriatic disease and improve the lives of all those affected.
“Each year we honor some of the leading medical professionals who have made a great impact on the psoriatic disease community,” said Leah M. Howard, J.D., the President and CEO of NPF. “On behalf of this community, I offer our highest levels of appreciation and gratitude for the work of these remarkable professionals.”
Award recipients were nominated by medical professionals and NPF team members. NPF Medical Professional Award winners are recognized at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). 2025 winners were honored on March 8, 2025, at AAD in Orlando.
Advocacy in Action Award
This award is given to a health care provider (HCP) who is also an advocacy hero. They have demonstrated an impact on their community on local issues related to psoriatic disease. Individuals who advocate for legislative and regulatory solutions that help ensure access to life-changing psoriatic disease therapies for all were encouraged to apply.
Tina Bhutani, M.D., MAS, Synergy Dermatology, San Francisco, CA
Dr. Bhutani has been a tireless advocate for psoriasis patients, working to improve access to care, reduce stigma, and amplify patient voices. As a member of the NPF’s Scientific and Medical Advisory Boards, she has played a key role in shaping national strategies to support those living with this chronic disease. Her advocacy extends beyond research and clinical care to include mental health, where her research has helped to address the profound psychological impacts of psoriasis. This year she served on a medical panel at NPF’s Take ACTION for Psoriatic Disease event in San Francisco, where she helped patients advocate for their care at a local level.
Dr. Bhutani has also worked to ensure equitable access to treatments worldwide, including her role as Director of Education for the UCSF-Kenya Phototherapy Center, which brought innovative therapies to resource-limited settings for the first time. Through her leadership in organizations such as the American Academy of Dermatology’s Psoriasis Expert Resource Group and NPF, she continues to champion patient-centered policies, striving to create a future where psoriasis care is accessible, holistic, and stigma-free.
Excellence in Collaborative Care Award
This award is given to an HCP who has gone above and beyond to ensure their patients have access to a full network of skilled providers. This person has created a streamlined referral system, ensuring that patients are cared for beyond their psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis diagnosis or implemented training programs for precise diagnosis and evidence-based care.
George Han, M.D., Ph.D., Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, NY
As the Director of Teledermatology at Mt. Sinai Beth Israel Health System, Dr. Han has significantly enhanced access to dermatology and rheumatology services for patients in rural and resource-limited communities. A dedicated advocate for comprehensive care, he focuses on improving access for those living with psoriatic disease. Dr. Han collaborates closely with primary care providers in underserved areas, ensuring patients receive the specialty care they might otherwise lack. Additionally, he has played a vital role in developing and launching NPF educational programs designed for collaborative learning and case-based discussions, inspired by the successful Project ECHO tele-education model.
Elevating Equity in Health Care Award
This award is given to an HCP who has elevated care for underserved communities, not only working to enhance access and care but creating tailored support systems within those communities. This individual has a passion for working with those with skin of color, children/youth, those who live in rural areas, those who are eligible for Medicare/Medicaid, or other underserved populations.
Cheri Frey, M.D., FAAD, Howard University Department of Dermatology, Washington, DC
Dr. Frey is a board-certified dermatologist, assistant professor of dermatology at Howard University, and Chair of the dermatology section of the National Medical Association. Dr. Frey practices medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology at Howard University in Washington, DC. Dr. Frey is well-known to NPF. She lectured on “Clinical Considerations for Psoriasis in Skin of Color” at NPF in Washington, D.C. in October of 2023. On a regular basis she lectures and trains residents on diagnosing and managing the treatment of psoriasis.
Mona Shahriari, M.D., FAAD, Central Connecticut Dermatology, Cromwell, CT
Dr. Shahriari has made a profound impact on the psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis communities by advocating for greater access to care, reducing health disparities, and amplifying the voices of underserved populations. Through her tireless efforts in education, policy reform, clinical research, and patient support, she has advanced health equity, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background or socioeconomic status, receive the care and resources they need to manage their psoriasis effectively. She is truly passionate about this mission!
About the National Psoriasis Foundation
The National Psoriasis Foundation has served the community of people impacted by psoriatic disease since 1967 with patient support, advocacy, research, and education. The mission of NPF is to drive efforts to cure psoriatic disease and improve the lives of more than 8 million individuals in the United States affected by this chronic immune-mediated disease. Learn more at psoriasis.org.