When you hear the word "SDPA," what comes to mind? For many of us, it’s our incredible conferences, where we gather twice a year to share educational content, connect with peers, and have a blast doing it. That’s certainly one of the SDPA’s highlights—but the organization is so much more than that.

SDPA is your membership society. It’s your professional home. It’s where like-minded Derm PAs come together to support each other, learn and grow, inspire and challenge one another, and build lasting professional relationships with colleagues from across the country.

I’m incredibly honored to be stepping into the role of your president this July. Somehow, I’ve found myself following in the footsteps of Amber Blair, whose list of achievements truly raised the bar during her tenure. Admittedly, unlike many of our past presidents, I’m not someone who gravitates toward self-help or leadership books (though I do love reading—seriously, if you ever want to talk books, pull me aside!). My approach to leadership has always been observational. I love watching how different individuals lead—what works, what doesn’t—and learning through real-world experiences. I’m more of a visual, hands-on learner, and I know many of you are too. That’s why SDPA’s expansive educational offerings are so valuable.

From our newly updated Diplomate Program, now on an interactive learning platform, to the Learning Center packed with past CME and non-CME lectures, articles, podcasts, and more—the amount of content available to members is truly impressive. And the best part? Most of it is completely free to you as a member. Whether you’re attending conferences or learning at your own pace, SDPA meets you where you are. And if you haven’t been to a conference lately, you’re missing out on something truly special.

As president, one of my key goals is to help every Derm PA realize the full value of SDPA membership. Beyond conferences, we offer a merchandise store so you can wear your Derm PA pride loud and proud. We’re also revamping our member discounts to add even more value. The Diplomate Program is now in its second version adapted to reflect Bolognia’s Dermatology Essentials 2nd edition, and features a fully interactive learning platform. The emerging scholars program helps new to dermatology PAs get mentorship, a robust knowledge of a disease state and camaraderie.  

We’ve supercharged our advocacy efforts—and the results are already making waves. At our June conference in Washington, DC, we took the Hill by storm. Our team actively pushed for game-changing legislation for Medicaid to cover treatments for Vitiligo and Alopecia Areata, lower copays with the HELP Copays Act, and improve Medicare reimbursement; all which will deliver real tangible benefits for our patients. This is just the beginning—momentum is on our side, and we’re not slowing down.

As we step into this next chapter together, I hope you’ll feel empowered to take full advantage of everything SDPA has to offer—and inspired to contribute in new ways. Whether you’re seeking education, looking to connect, hoping to lead, or eager to give back, there’s a place for you here, your professional home. I’m excited for what we’ll accomplish in the coming year and beyond, and I’m deeply grateful to serve as your SDPA president. Let’s make it meaningful, let’s make it memorable, and most of all, let’s continue to make it ours.

Very sincerely, 

Sarah Vicari, MMS, PA-C