Memphis dermatologist and UTHSC clinical professor, Rex A. Amonette, MD, was presented with the American Academy of Dermatology’s highest award at its annual meeting in New Orleans on Sunday, February 20.
Memphis dermatologist and University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) clinical professor, Rex A. Amonette, MD, was presented with the American Academy of Dermatology’s highest award at its annual meeting in New Orleans on Sunday, February 20.
The Gold Medal award recognizes outstanding and exceptional service to the specialty of dermatology, as well as substantial impact on the future of the science, teaching and practice of cutaneous medicine. The award also honors exceptional national and international contributions to the specialty’s administrative aspects. In recognition of their dedication and life-long commitment to the organization and its mission, Gold Medal honorees are granted honorary membership in the Academy.
A past president of the Academy, Dr. Amonette currently serves as chair of the Academy’s development committee and co-chair of the National Coalition for Sun Safety. He is also a former president of the International Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology, and the Tennessee Dermatological Society. Locally, Dr. Amonette has served as president of the American Cancer Society, the Memphis Dermatological Society and the Memphis/Shelby County Chapter of the Tennessee Medical Society.
Over the course of his career, he has been recognized with numerous honors including the Public Service Award for Community Service by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the Distinguished Service Award by the American College of Mohs Surgery, and as the first recipient of the Meritorious Service Award and Medal from the United States Air Force.
Dr. Amonette received a bachelor’s degree from Hendrix College and his medical degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He completed an internship at Arkansas Baptist Medical Center, special training at the School of Aerospace Medicine at Brooks Air Force Base, residency training in dermatology at UTHSC, and a fellowship in skin cancer at New York University.
The founder of Memphis Dermatology Clinic, PA, he is in practice with Drs. Harvey Gardner, Frank Witherspoon Jr., Lee Allen, Gwen Beard and Robin Friedman. His daughter and son-in-law, Drs. Amy and John Huber, are also in practice with the group.
UTHSC Dermatology Professor William Rosenberg, MD, was the 1999 recipient of the Gold Medal. He and Dr. Amonette are among an elite group of 26 physicians to have been honored with this award. Dr. Rosenberg commented, “Dr. Amonette was one of the first individuals to learn the Mohs procedure, which is a special way for treating skin cancer. Over the years he has trained a number of individuals in this procedure, and he has many grateful patients. One patient was so grateful that he established a chair of excellence in his honor. Dr. Amonette is richly deserving of this award.”
UTHSC Chancellor Bill Rice stated, “It’s a tremendous honor for the UT Health Science Center to have two individuals affiliated with it who have been recipients of this award. Certainly that speaks well for the quality and commitment of our faculty.”
Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology is the world’s largest dermatologic association with a membership of more than 14,000 physicians internationally. Founded in 1938, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in dermatological clinical practice, education and research; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails.