ABOUT US
Sun Smart Pittsburgh is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that was started in 2016 by local dermatologists Drs. Christie Regula and Justin Vujevich. Both specialize in skin cancer surgery and treatment at Vujevich Dermatology Associates and wanted to make a positive impact on the prevention of skin cancer.
Skin cancer has reached epidemic proportions. Each year in the Unites States more than 5.4 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancers are diagnosed. This is in addition to the over 76,000 new cases of melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer.
Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. In fact, the United States Department of Health and Human Services has declared ultraviolet radiation from the sun and artificial sources as a known carcinogen. Sunscreen use is a vital component of sun protection. It prevents damaging sunburns and daily use has been shown to cut one’s risk of melanoma in half.
Our mission is to promote sun safety and skin cancer prevention by providing complimentary public sunscreen dispensers. There are many reasons why people may not use sunscreen while outdoors. Whether someone forgets to bring it or simply doesn't think to use it, we are passionate about making sunscreen use convenient and accessible to all.
Pittsburgh has not only been named one of the country's most liveable cities but also one with the best recreation. Sun Smart Pittsburgh is a perfect opportunity to promote a sun smart, responsible way to enjoy our parks, rivers, sports fields, and trails and provide education on skin cancer prevention.
"Sunscreen should be applied every two hours, public sunscreen dispensers make it easy to reapply which is crucial to its effectiveness.”
-Christie Regula, MD
OUR FOUNDERS
Christie Regula, MD
A native of Uniontown, Dr. Regula is a board-certified dermatologist and member of the American College of Mohs Surgery. She completed her undergraduate education at Duke University and her medical education and dermatology residency at Penn State College of Medicine. She then completed a fellowship in Mohs surgery and cutaneous oncology and in 2015 won the prestigious Theodore Tromovich Award for best original research in dermatologic surgery. She continues to author publications and speak nationally on skin cancer and dermatologic surgery.
Justin Vujevich, MD
Born and raised in Mt. Lebanon, Dr. Vujevich is a board-certified dermatologist and fellow member of the American College of Mohs Surgery. He completed his undergraduate and medical education at Northwestern University. He completed his dermatology residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and a fellowship in Mohs surgery and cutaneous oncology. Dr. Vujevich has served as president of the Pennsylvania Academy of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, authored numerous publications, and presented at national and international dermatologic surgery meetings.
OUR VOLUNTEERS
Sofia Vujevich
Sofia Vujevich is a junior at Mt. Lebanon High School. She is serving as the School and Community Coordinator for SunSmart Pittsburgh. Sofia helps facilitate the installation and maintenance of sunscreen dispensers in local schools and parks. Feel free to contact her at sofiavujevich@gmail.com if you have any questions.