UNM News:

The UNM School of Medicine Department of Dermatology and UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center will offer free skin cancer screening events tomorrow, Saturday, March 7, 2026 at two different locations:

Schreiber Family Medicine
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
630 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Suite 125, Taos, New Mexico 87571

Taos Ski Valley Taos Tent
2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
7 Thunderbird Rd, Taos Ski Valley, NM 87525

These events are FREE, and everyone arriving during event hours will be seen. The public is encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity for skin cancer screening without needing a doctor’s appointment or referral to a dermatologist.

Screenings will be conducted on a first come, first served basis. UNM School of Medicine students will assist at both events the events and provide in-depth skin cancer education to everyone who attends. Attendees will be given a report detailing their exam findings and, if necessary, options for follow-up appointments with providers in the state, including those at the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center and other locations.

This free screening is sponsored by the Ryan F. Daniell Memorial Fund, the Shannon J. Shaw Memorial Cancer Fund, UNM Department of Dermatology, UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center and American Academy of Dermatology.

Background

Up to 90% of skin cancers are caused by exposure to ultraviolet sun rays. Having regular skin cancer screenings can help detect potential cancerous cells before they become cancerous. New Mexico faces a significant shortage of practicing dermatologists, which can make it challenging for some residents to get the screenings and care they need. That’s why the public is encouraged to take advantage of events like this one.

For more information about this event, please contact Jaclyn Gallegos at 505.272.9824.

John Durkin, MD, FAAD, UNM associate professor of Dermatology, leads these skin cancer screening events throughout the state.