Happy June, SDPA members. June always brings a season of transitions—moving from spring into summer, wrapping up one school year and looking ahead to the next. And for me this year, it also means transitioning out of being your president.

I could never have imagined what it would feel like to lead a society like ours. Active, engaged members. Work that is deeply rewarding and, yes, sometimes exhausting. I truly can’t believe this is my last column. So many of you have told me you read these each month, which always means more than you know—especially because half the time I’m literally talking into my phone as I write them. Maybe that’s why they’ve always felt conversational. In my mind, I’m talking directly to you. What you see is what you get with me, and I hope you’ve felt that throughout my presidency: Midwest‑nice, approachable, and willing to listen. And if you’ve ever met me in person, you know I’m known for my hugs—they’re kind of my trademark.

Serving as your president has reminded me again and again why this organization matters. We show up for each other. We push our profession forward. And we do it for the betterment of our colleagues and patients. 

I also want to take a moment to thank my fellow board members, committee chairs, and committee members. Working with you over the years has been one of the greatest privileges of my time on the SDPA Board. I’ve learned something from each of you—real, tangible lessons I’ll carry forward. When I look back at where we were when I joined the Board and where we are now, I’m proud of the growth—not just in numbers, but in confidence, in advocacy, and in the way we support one another.

And to our SDPA staff: thank you for taking our “wouldn’t it be fun if…” ideas and turning them into reality. Seeing those ideas come alive at conferences, events, and webinars is something I’ll always appreciate.

I’ve always said our members are the fifth pillar of SDPA, and I mean it. You’re the energy, the momentum, and the reason this organization feels like home.

But before I’m no longer your president we have one more big moment together: our Denver Summer Conference.

It’s shaping up to be one of our best yet. I’m incredibly proud of this meeting and grateful to have Dr. Whitney High as our Medical Director. Our CME team has been working tirelessly since San Antonio, and it’s exciting to see the results of their hard work coming together.

I’m especially excited for our Welcome Event, complete with hair tinsel from a fellow Denver DermPA (and a few other surprises we’re keeping under wraps). It’s going to be such a fun way to kick off the week and ease into conference mode together.

Then we have our VIP Diplomate event at the brand‑new F1 Racing Arcade. High‑energy, interactive, and just plain fun.

And this year, we’re adding something truly special: our first‑ever Convention of States. This has been a dream in the making, and I can’t wait to bring DermPAs together from across the country to talk about state‑level advocacy, chapter development, and how we strengthen our profession from the ground up. We’ll also be crowning a new DermCast team member, which will be an exciting addition to the week and a great way to welcome fresh talent to the team.

My boys have grown up watching me pour my heart into this organization, and they know how special this community is to me. At this point, SDPA has become part of our family’s everyday conversation.

If you haven’t been to a conference in a while, Denver is an easy flight and a perfect opportunity to plug back in. At the end of the day, our conferences are about people—connecting with colleagues who share your passion for patient care, staying sharp, and preparing for what’s coming next. I love knowing about a new drug before it hits the market so I can hit the ground running, and that’s exactly why staying current matters. Holding your daily practice up against evolving standards makes you a stronger clinician.

And let’s be honest—if you don’t use your CME money, you lose it. So come learn, grow, and spend time with your people.

As for the presidency, I’m excited to hand the ball to the next pitcher: Andrew Baker. Andrew and I love to talk baseball, and I can’t wait to see what his version of SDPA leadership looks like. I know he’ll do a fantastic job.

So yes—this is my last presidential column. But it’s not goodbye. It’s see you later. I’m stepping out of the president role, but I’m not stepping away. You’ll still find me in the front row at sessions, laughing with friends in the hallway, and cheering on everything SDPA becomes next.

SDPA will always be my professional home, and you’ll see me at our conferences for many years to come. This is our home—yours and mine. Make sure you take advantage of every opportunity it gives you.

 

Warmly,

Sarah Vicari,

SDPA President