I’m writing this month’s newsletter as we sit under a -20° windchill here in the Midwest, while much of the rest of the country is buried under feet of snow. At this point, it’s officially “too cold to snow” in Wisconsin—something I’m still not sure is good news or bad news. And as we brace for yet another round of winter weather, I can’t help but think of Groundhog Day… because let’s be honest, some of our clinic days can feel a little like that too.

February is Black History Month, and at SDPA, this is far more than a calendar observance. It’s a reminder of why our IDEA Committee—Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access—is not just an initiative but a long-term investment in the future of our profession. Dermatology demands a deep understanding of the full spectrum of human skin and hair. Differences in skin of color, ethnic hair, and the ways various conditions present across diverse populations are not “special topics”—they are essential competencies for every clinician who sees patients in this field.

This month offers an opportunity to spotlight the dermatology pioneers and trailblazers whose contributions have shaped our understanding of skin of color. Their work laid the foundation for more equitable care, and it challenges us to continue pushing forward. It also invites us to acknowledge the persistent disparities in dermatologic access, diagnosis, and treatment that disproportionately affect patients of color. As PAs, we are uniquely positioned to help close these gaps—through patient access, education, advocacy, and the everyday choices we make in our exam rooms.

SDPA remains committed to supporting culturally competent care, and our IDEA Committee continues to build resources that help our members grow in this space.  As part of the IDEA Committee, we are developing a dermatology skin of color training program for healthcare providers. We are also working on creating cultural competency educational programs and resources for dermatology providers. Whether it’s expanding your knowledge of conditions that present differently in darker skin tones, learning more about textured hair care, or exploring the social determinants that shape dermatologic health, there is always more to discover.

So I encourage each of you to learn something new this month. Read an article you’ve been meaning to get to,. I recommend from the JDPA Winter 2025 article, "Racial disparities in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa: effects on diagnosis and quality of life," or from the Summer 2023 journal the "Current Resources for Skin of Color Dermatology and Cultural Competency Training for Physician Assistants" article. Attend a webinar. Or simply take a moment to reflect on how you can make your practice more inclusive and accessible.

Even in the deep freeze of February, there is warmth in the work we do—and in the community we continue to build together.

Warmly (in front of my heater),

Sarah Vicari 

President, SDPA