Marlborough Dermatologist Honored For Vaccinating School Nurses

MARLBOROUGH, MA — A Marlborough doctor who donated his surplus coronavirus vaccine supply to school nurses from across the region was honored recently as a "patient hero" by a medical group for dermatologists.

Here's more from an American Academy of Dermatology press release:

Local board-certified dermatologist Louis Kuchnir, MD, FAAD, was honored as an American Academy of Dermatology Patient Care Hero for establishing a COVID-19 vaccination site in Marlborough for school nurses at a time early in the vaccine rollout when vaccines were in short supply.

After receiving more COVID-19 vaccinations than his dermatology staff needed, Dr. Kuchnir acted quickly to ensure the vaccines were utilized by public health professionals, which was a state mandate at that time. Coordinating with local superintendents, Dr. Kuchnir organized a vaccination site at his dermatology office to make the vaccine available for school nurses who were eligible in Phase 1A of the state’s distribution plan.

"When I realized I had a surplus of COVID-19 vaccines I knew I couldn’t let them go to waste," said Dr. Kuchnir. "It was rewarding to contribute to school safety and show how dermatologists in a small community can be a resource for others."

The clinic remained open two evenings in early January to vaccinate school nurses from eight local school districts including Grafton, Marlborough, and Waltham, who returned weeks later for their second doses.

"School nurses found it difficult to receive the COVID-19 vaccines needed to do our critical work safely," said Julia McCoskery, RN, a nurse for Westborough Public Schools who received her vaccination at Dr. Kuchnir’s vaccination site. "I am grateful to Dr. Kuchnir for donating his time, clinic, and extra vaccines to ensure school nurses can continue keeping our communities healthy."

The AAD created the Patient Care Heroes program to recognize physicians who transform patients’ lives by utilizing their expertise and collaborating with other physicians.

"Dermatologists care deeply about the health and well-being of their communities," said board certified dermatologist Ken Tomecki, MD, FAAD, president of the AAD. "Our profession has risen to the challenges of this pandemic in so many ways, including efforts like this to protect all who are involved in caring for our communities."

To learn more about the work of Dr. Kuchnir, visit www.aad.org/skinserious/stories-derick-kuchnirAmerican Academy of Dermatology.