What are the health care providers learning and talking about regarding Melanoma?

I am a family nurse practitioner who's good friend lost his mother to melanoma.  He was nine years old and his mom was in her early thirties.  Despite this family history and my friend's objections, his two daughters (both in their 20's) regularly tanned both on the beach and in tanning booths.   Their parents dragged them in to a dermatologist during their late teen years, who neither discussed their family history, suntanned skin, nor UV radiation exposure; and who told them to come back for another skin check in 5 years.

I am a family nurse practitioner who's good friend lost his mother to melanoma.  He was nine years old and his mom was in her early thirties.  Despite this family history and my friend's objections, his two daughters (both in their 20's) regularly tanned both on the beach and in tanning booths.   Their parents dragged them in to a dermatologist during their late teen years, who neither discussed their family history, suntanned skin, nor UV radiation exposure; and who told them to come back for another skin check in 5 years.  Needless to say, my friend and his wife were filled with dismay.  

I am also a board member of the National Academy of Dermatology Nurse Practitioners, because it is clear that melanoma is optimally  treated when detected early…and, primary care nurse practtioners and their patients are the people who need to detect melanoma in its earliest stages.  Because 41% of  patients in the U.S.A. lack access to dermatology specialist care, it is imperative that the public and primary care providers know everything possible about melanoma detection and treatment.  

There is no reason that only dermatology specialists should limit information to generalists or the patients and their families.  For this reason I invite everyone who wishes to learn more about current Melanoma treatment options, dermoscopic surveillance for skin cancers, treatments of other skin cancers, and Melanoma research to come to our conference in Clearwater Beach, Florida.  You do not have to be a nurse practitioner or medical provider to attend.  We welcome you to become empowered, check out the program and consider taking an educational trip where you can hear what leaders in the Melanoma treatment world say to other healthcare providers about Melanoma and other skin cancers.  Here is the web address: http://www.nadnp.net/conference-overview.html

I look forward to meeting you at this wonderful conference on the beach in Florida….Sunblock and Sunblocking Clothing required.