Second Opinion: Psoriasis on WXXI-TV

Pictured: Second Opinion host Dr. Peter Salgo

Psoriasis is a common auto-immune condition that can affect more than just a patient's skin.

No one knows exactly what causes psoriasis. However, it is understood that the immune system and genetics play major roles in its development. To learn more tune into Second Opinion: Psoriasis airing Friday, January 27 at 10 p.m. on WXXI-TV/HD (DT21.1/cable 1011/11).

This season includes a diverse group of topics, including the controversy over whether sugar is bad for your health, psoriasis, medical radiation, autism, and pneumonia – which was the series’ 100th episode. Each panel consists of three specialists, a primary care physician, a patient diagnosed with the condition, and an expert in doctor-patient communication. Panelists are not allowed to review the case file before the cameras roll, which keeps the conversation authentic — mirroring the doctor-patient exchanges that occur across America every day.

The series’ principal medical advisor is Dr. Roger Oskvig, an acknowledged leader in Gerontology and associate professor of medicine at University of Rochester Medical Center, and the inaugural recipient of the 2011 WXXI President’s Award. The award is given to a community partner that exemplifies the spirit of collaboration toward the WXXI mission, makes a contribution to WXXI programming and demonstrates exceptional commitment, creativity and leadership. Second Opinion’s executive producers are Elissa Orlando and Elizabeth Brock. Fiona Willis is the series producer. Second Opinion is endorsed by both the American Hospital Association and the Association of Academic Health Centers.

In addition to the weekly broadcast, Second Opinion engages and educates viewers online through a comprehensive web site at www.SecondOpinion-tv.org. The site includes short companion "webisodes" on many of the episodes, plus in-depth background on numerous diseases and conditions. Second Opinion also sends out program highlights via Facebook and Twitter.

The series has earned five Communicator Awards, eight Bronze Telly Awards, a Gold Award from the World Wide Web Health Awards for Patient Education Information, and a Gold Aurora Award. The series is distributed by American Public Television.

Second Opinion is made possible in part by support from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), which has been the major funder since the series’ inception in 2004.