News & Press
MRF Welcomes Rebecca Hartman, MD, MPH, Michelle Henry, MD, FAAD and Patty Pophal to the Board of Directors
Washington, DC (January 9, 2025) – The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors including, Rebecca Hartman, MD, MPH, Michelle Henry, MD, FAAD and Patty Pophal. Each have been longtime advocates for the melanoma community and have contributed tremendously to the MRF’s mission to eradicate melanoma through research, education and advocacy.
Rebecca Hartman, MD, MPH is dedicated to patient care, clinical innovation, research and education with a focus on skin cancer, including melanoma and keratinocyte carcinomas (KCs, basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas). She presently spends time in outpatient clinical activities as well as clinical research, education and administration. Dr. Hartman currently has clinical sessions at Dana Farber Cancer Institute (“DFCI”) and the VA Boston Healthcare System (“VABHS”). She has been actively involved with the MRF’s Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) and the Dermatology Alliance Council (DAC). Her dedication to melanoma research is evident as she received a Career Development Award for her research on the “Impact of Covid-19 on Melanoma Patients”.
Michelle Henry, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon renowned as an international speaker, trainer and author. She is the CEO and founder of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan and the founder of The Henry Research Group. Dr. Henry also serves as a Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. She completed her dermatology residency at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, where she served as Chief Resident, followed by a fellowship in cutaneous oncology, Mohs Micrographic and reconstructive surgery at Harvard Medical School. Her clinical focus includes high-risk skin cancer treatments, cosmetic surgery, hair loss solutions and skin rejuvenation techniques, particularly for diverse skin types. She was critical in helping establish the MRF’s Skin of Color Institute. In 2022, the MRF was honored to recognize Dr. Henry at the 21st Annual New York Gala with the Excellence in Prevention and to have her leadership as a Gala Co-Chair for 2023 and 2024’s events.
Patty Pophal is a Senior Accountant at KMSH, an accounting firm in Beachwood, Ohio. She has extensive experience providing accounting and tax services to small privately held companies and individuals. She is a graduate of Notre Dame College of Ohio with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting. Patty has been involved with the MRF since 2017. Her daughter, Grace, was diagnosed in 2015 with Stage IV melanoma and sadly passed on July 7, 2023. Patty continues her involvement with the MRF as chair of the Cleveland Miles for Melanoma 5k run/walk event, additionally helping to make connections within the medical community in Cleveland.
Read their full bios here.
The Board of Directors has a true passion and dedicated interest in the eradication of melanoma either as a physician or researcher involved in the treatment or research of the disease, or as a patient, family member or friend of a melanoma patient.
The Board works collaboratively with the Foundation’s leadership and staff helping to chair committees and lead strategic oversight of the MRF’s vision, mission and values.
About the Melanoma Research Foundation
The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest independent organization devoted to melanoma. Committed to the support of medical research to develop effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, the MRF also educates patients and physicians about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous melanoma and the melanoma rare subtypes. The MRF is a dedicated advocate for the melanoma community, helping to raise awareness of this disease and the need for a cure. The MRF’s website is the premier source for melanoma information seekers. More information is available at www.melanoma.org.
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