Avvo to Donate $5 to Melanoma Research Foundation for Every Doctor Review Submitted to its Site During National Skin Cancer Awareness Month in May

SEATTLE, May 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In support of National Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Avvo (www.avvo.com), the world's largest online ratings directory for doctors and lawyers, announced that it will donate $5 to the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) for every doctor reviewed on its site over the month. MRF is the largest independent, national organization devoted to melanoma research, prevention and treatment in the U.S.

"We're thrilled to partner with the MRF to help raise funds and awareness for skin cancer research," said Avvo founder and CEO Mark Britton. "By donating $5 for every Avvo doctor review, we hope to get one step closer to a cure for all skin cancers.  We also hope that, by reviewing their doctors, the Avvo community will spread the word about the best doctors - whether it's a skin care specialist or a general practitioner – to help us all take better care of our skin."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S., with more than two million reported cases every year.  

"Avvo's support of the MRF will mean more research directed at finding treatments urgently needed by people with melanoma," said Melanoma Research Foundation executive director Dr. Timothy Turnham. "We hope people will see the opportunity here to support an important cause while also helping one another by sharing reviews about the doctors in their lives.  The MRF's mission is to not only advance skin cancer research but to also educate people on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the disease and advocate for better care."

To write a review of a doctor on Avvo, users can search for a doctor by name and then rate their interaction across several variables and submit a written review about their experience. Once the review has been approved by Avvo, it will become part of the doctor's profile on the site.

In addition, for information and advice from experienced doctors regarding skin cancer and skin care, people can ask a question in Avvo's free question and answer forum or read the free Health Guides written on the topic.

Avvo's free doctor directory is changing the way consumers find information that impacts their healthcare by allowing them to interact with physicians online. The site, which contains ratings and profiles for 90 percent of licensed doctors in the U.S., offers detailed information about a doctor's background, experience and disciplinary record, as well as an editorial Avvo Rating for every doctor, and patient and peer ratings, all in one place. In addition, Avvo features a free medical question and answer forum where certified doctors answer consumers' health-related questions.

About Avvo

Avvo is the largest and only free website that empowers consumers to handle medical and legal matters with confidence. Avvo offers free ratings and profiles for 90 percent of practicing lawyers and 90 percent of licensed MDs in the US. This includes the editorial Avvo Rating, patient and client reviews and peer endorsements as well as experience, background information, industry achievements and disciplinary records. Avvo also offers a free Question and Answer forum, where consumers can ask questions and receive certified answers from certified doctors and lawyers.  Additionally, Avvo Legal Guides and Avvo Health Guides are free research tools, written as how-to articles covering everyday issues authored by certified lawyers and doctors. Founded in early 2006 and launched in 2007, Avvo is privately held, with funding from private investors, Benchmark Capital, Ignition Partners and DAG Ventures. For more information, visit www.avvo.com

About Melanoma Research Foundation

The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest independent, national organization devoted to melanoma in the United States.  Committed to the support of medical research in finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, the MRF also educates patients and physicians about prevention, diagnosis and the treatment of melanoma.  The MRF is an active 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.  

SOURCE Avvo