President's Column | August 2026

Aug 7, 2026

More Than They Expect

As I reflect on my first month as your SDPA President and on the incredible conversations at our Leadership Summit in Portland, Maine, I find myself returning to an idea that has shaped my leadership: There is remarkable power in giving people more than they expect. That philosophy isn't about doing more for the sake of doing more. 

It's about being more intentional. Intentional about listening before leading. Intentional about making people feel they belong. Intentional about building systems that outlast any single president or Board member.

One message emerged repeatedly throughout our Leadership Summit: SDPA is more than two conferences each year. Our conferences will always be foundational, but our members deserve a professional home 365 days a year. That means creating opportunities to learn, connect, volunteer, lead, and advocate throughout the year not just only when we are together in person.

It also means rethinking hospitality. Hospitality isn't simply welcoming someone at registration. It's designing an organization where members, volunteers, industry partners, and future leaders consistently feel heard, valued, and connected. Those experiences don't happen by accident. They happen by design.

As the only national professional Dermatology PA organization, SDPA also has a unique responsibility to advocate for our profession. Advocacy certainly includes legislative efforts, but it also means developing leaders, strengthening state affiliates, building partnerships across dermatology, preparing our members for emerging technologies and therapies, and ensuring Dermatology PAs have a voice in shaping the future of patient care.

Perhaps what inspired me most in Maine wasn't a strategic plan or a presentation. It was watching leadership emerge. Experienced volunteers intentionally created space for new voices. Committee chairs thought beyond their own committees. Conversations shifted from solving today's problems to building tomorrow's organization.

That's the culture I hope we continue to build together. One where belonging is more important than bureaucracy. Where we develop leaders and not simply just programs. Where community matters as much as conferences. Where we prepare our profession not just for today's practice, but for tomorrow's opportunities.

As we build that future together, I would also like to share a reflection from someone who just completed her year of service as SDPA President.

Leadership Reflection by Sarah Vicari, MMS, PA-C, Immediate Past President

August always has a special place in my heart. With my birthday landing on the very first day of the month, the rest of August has always felt like mine to reflect—a quiet stretch of time as summer winds down and we begin looking toward what's next. This year, that reflection has centered on my year as SDPA President, the lessons that only come from lived experience, and the privilege of now watching my friend Andrew step confidently into the role.

Some experiences simply have to be lived to be understood. You can prepare, plan, and anticipate, but leadership will always present moments you never saw coming. My presidency was rewarding, challenging, and full of growth I didn't know I needed. I learned to trust myself more than ever before. I learned that if I kept our members at the heart of every decision, I could move forward with confidence. And I learned that leadership isn't about having every answer—it's about knowing when to pivot, when to stand firm, and when someone else's idea is simply better.

One of the greatest joys of the year was watching friends grow into leaders. It happens quietly at first, and then all at once. Leadership has a way of finding you in the moments that stretch you, surprise you, and challenge you to rise.

As I continue to transition into the role of Immediate Past President, I have the privilege of watching Andrew lead with his own strengths, style, and steady confidence. It has been exciting to see him begin this next chapter for SDPA, and I look forward to watching our organization continue to grow under his leadership.