News
President's Column | April 2026
Somehow it’s already April, and spring is popping up in those little surprise moments that always make me smile — tulip bulbs pushing up through the dirt, longer days finally settling in, and baseball season just about to start. It’s the little signs that spring is coming to the Midwest and winter is finally going away that make me feel like it’s my own re‑emergence from hibernation.
Do you find quirky holidays fun? My boys sure do in our house. Here are a few for April that caught my eye and feel especially fitting for our SDPA community.
April 7 is World Health Day, which is a lovely reminder of the impact each of you makes every single day in your clinics. Whether you’re educating a patient, supporting a colleague, or advocating for better care, you’re part of something bigger — and it matters.
Then, on a lighthearted note, April 10 is National Hug Your Dog Day. I will absolutely be participating — Zeus, my labradoodle, will be getting an extra hug. Consider this your official reminder to take a moment to appreciate the joy and comfort our pets provide us.
And as we wrap up the month, we get to celebrate April 27: National Sunscreen Day (National SPF Day). It’s the perfect warm‑up act for Melanoma May — and a great reminder to talk to your patients about wearing their daily SPF, not just on this one day. You would not believe how many of my Wisconsin patients think sunscreen is only for the summer. Education is a must!
Speaking of education, I have Puerto Rico on my mind! We would genuinely love to see you there at the end of the month. Many of you remember that we planned to gather there back in 2017, but Hurricane Maria had other plans. This year’s ITCH Conference is all about thinking and learning outside the box — digging into the causes of itch, exploring new treatments, and challenging ourselves to look at this topic from every angle. Don’t forget to toss your favorite sunscreen in your suitcase on National SPF Day!
Do you find quirky holidays fun? My boys sure do in our house. Here are a few for April that caught my eye and feel especially fitting for our SDPA community.
April 7 is World Health Day, which is a lovely reminder of the impact each of you makes every single day in your clinics. Whether you’re educating a patient, supporting a colleague, or advocating for better care, you’re part of something bigger — and it matters.
Then, on a lighthearted note, April 10 is National Hug Your Dog Day. I will absolutely be participating — Zeus, my labradoodle, will be getting an extra hug. Consider this your official reminder to take a moment to appreciate the joy and comfort our pets provide us.
And as we wrap up the month, we get to celebrate April 27: National Sunscreen Day (National SPF Day). It’s the perfect warm‑up act for Melanoma May — and a great reminder to talk to your patients about wearing their daily SPF, not just on this one day. You would not believe how many of my Wisconsin patients think sunscreen is only for the summer. Education is a must!
Speaking of education, I have Puerto Rico on my mind! We would genuinely love to see you there at the end of the month. Many of you remember that we planned to gather there back in 2017, but Hurricane Maria had other plans. This year’s ITCH Conference is all about thinking and learning outside the box — digging into the causes of itch, exploring new treatments, and challenging ourselves to look at this topic from every angle. Don’t forget to toss your favorite sunscreen in your suitcase on National SPF Day!
As spring keeps unfolding, I hope you find small moments of joy, rest, and reconnection — with your work, your people, and yourself. Thank you for everything you bring to the SDPA. I’m grateful for each of you.
Warmly (hopefully),
Sarah Vicari
President, SDPA
