President's Message | November 2020

Nov 24, 2020

Dear Colleagues -

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I am reminded to be grateful for all the things that have actually gone right this year. If you’re like me, initially you may have scratched your head, wondering “what in the world has gone right this year?!?” But when you really think about it, I’m certain, like me, you will have a few, if not many, things to be grateful for. Isn’t that so true with life- when we focus on the good things, we realize that there are lots of them. As the saying goes “What you focus on magnifies.”

Here at SDPA headquarters, we have a lot to be grateful for. We have leaders who have adapted quickly & creatively to change. For example, this year we weren’t able to have a live, in-person “leadership mixer” at our fall conference. During this mixer, all fellow conference attendees are invited to meet with current SDPA leadership to network and get involved within our organization. Instead of saying “well, let’s table that reception for next year”, the Nominations Committee has launched a virtual “Cocktails & Conversation” hour.   This is a time when all SDPA fellow members are invited to join us to learn more about leadership opportunities. Our next and final session is on Wednesday, December 2nd at 8 pm EST. I hope to “see” you there!

It’s great for leaders to have a determined attitude to accomplish new things in new ways for the SDPA. But, all of our creative thinking would be wasted if it weren’t for the staff who take our ideas & make them a reality. There are only five staff members for our over 4,000 members! They accomplish so much for our organization, from simple things like sending you this electronic newsletter to large projects like launching new Distance Education programs, our staff handles all the nuts to bolts. Thank you SDPA staff!

Most importantly, I would be remiss not to mention YOU! Yes, YOU-our dedicated members. Whether you just joined or have been a member for years, thank you for continuing to partner with the SDPA. By partnering with us, you have helped magnify and advocate for DermPAs nationwide. Together, we continue to make great strides in broadening the reach of our profession. I hope to see you become a part of future SDPA leadership!

In closing, as many of you know, December 1st marks “Giving Tuesday”. This is a day intentionally set aside in the madness of the holiday shopping season to give back to organizations that exist to help their communities. If you aren’t already aware of the Dermatology PA Foundation (DPAF), I encourage you to pay them a visit at https://dermpafoundation.org/. Please consider making a donation of any size to support DPAF as they continue to shine a light on the great work Derm PAs are doing for our communities.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Warmly,
 

Archana Sangha, MMS, PA-C
SDPA President