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BOSTON – CeraVe, the leading-recommended skincare brand in the United States, and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system, today announced the establishment of the L'Oréal Dermatological Beauty/CeraVe Endowed Chair in Global Health Dermatology.
This groundbreaking initiative will significantly improve access to dermatological care for underserved populations worldwide, underscoring CeraVe's (a brand within the L'Oréal Dermatological Beauty Division at L'Oréal) dedication to its "Care For All" social impact mission. The inaugural incumbent of the chair is Dr. Esther Freeman, a highly recognized leader in the rapidly growing field of global health dermatology, currently serving as the Director of Global Health Dermatology at Mass General and an Associate Professor of Dermatology at Harvard Medical School.
Acknowledging the urgent global skin health crisis, where skin disease is the fourth leading cause of disability worldwide, with a particularly devastating impact on underserved populations, CeraVe's establishment of the Endowed Chair in Global Health Dermatology is a major commitment for change. This collaboration with MGH will provide Dr. Freeman and future leaders the resources to spearhead vital mentorship, research, training programs, and advocacy. These efforts will position MGH to improve the skin health and quality of life for countless individuals globally, while cementing CeraVe’s commitment to provide access to skin health for all through its Care for All program.
"At CeraVe, we believe everyone deserves access to skin health care and resources," said CeraVe Global General Manager Melanie Vidal. "This endowed chair exemplifies our commitment to increasing skin health access for communities who need it most. By supporting Dr. Freeman's vital work at Mass General, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of many by improving access to essential dermatological care in under-resourced settings and promoting the importance of skin health on a global scale."
Since 2003, Dr. Freeman has been working to improve health care access around the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, she continues to work as a physician-scientist performing epidemiological research in HIV, Mpox, COVID-19, cancer, infectious disease, and global health dermatology, while collaborating with the World Health Organization on skin disease guidelines, outbreaks, emerging infections, and policy.
“I am honored to be the inaugural L'Oréal Dermatological Beauty / CeraVe Endowed Chair in Global Health Dermatology," said Dr. Freeman. "This support will be instrumental in expanding our reach, training more healthcare workers, and improving skin health outcomes for vulnerable populations around the world. The CeraVe Endowed Chair will allow us to build and support sustainable solutions for accessible skin health globally and to mentor the next generation of leaders in global health dermatology."
David E. Fisher, MD, PhD, Chair of Dermatology at Mass General stated “This magnificent initiative represents an investment in the delivery of skin care to patients in need, while simultaneously supporting the academic mission of studying and innovating in this crucial domain of health care. We are delighted that Dr. Freeman will be the inaugural incumbent of the Chair, and anticipate that this investment will impact our research and patient care for many years to come.”
Key outcomes of the CeraVe Endowed Chair include the provision of up to 20% of protected time for Dr. Freeman to focus on increasing access to dermatologic care in under-resourced settings worldwide, including time dedicated to research, policy, training/mentoring and advocacy. Additionally, the Chair provides the flexibility for Dr. Freeman to address urgent needs in global dermatology. Given the endowed chair is linked to a strategic vision around access to care rather than one specific project, it allows adaptability for the incumbent to continue to work on the most pressing needs in any given time period.
CeraVe and Mass General share a common vision of improving lives through accessible skincare and skin health. The establishment of the L'Oréal Dermatological Beauty / CeraVe Endowed Chair in Global Health Dermatology signifies a lasting commitment to that vision.
