News

President's Column | October 2025

When October rolls around, many are swept up in all things autumn, like pumpkin spice lattes and cozy fall vibes. But in the PA world, October means something more—PA Week, our time to be recognized and celebrated as the vital force we are in medicine. We expand access, bridge gaps, and keep healthcare moving forward with compassion, expertise, and grit.

 

PA Week isn’t just about recognition—it’s about reflection. It’s a moment to honor the journey we’ve taken, the patients we’ve served, and the peers who’ve lifted us along the

New Grad? New Membership Category.

Now that you’ve graduated, remember that you qualify to upgrade to either Associate or Fellow membership.

SDPA & AAPA Respond: JAMA Dermatology Study Fundamentally Flawed

JAMA Dermatology Study Fundamentally Flawed: SDPA & AAPA Respond... Read the full response on Dermcast.tv

AAPA Leadership and Advocacy Summit Recap & the Importance of Donating to the PA PAC

The PA PAC is a bipartisan political action committee of the AAPA. It is the only federal PAC that is dedicated to advancing the PA profession. The mission of the PA PAC is to allow individual PAs to share in the opportunity to support federal candidates for Congress who have demonstrated their belief and understanding of the principles to which the PA profession is dedicated.

Wrapping Up My Year as President & Looking Ahead | Jane Mast

As my year as SDPA President ends, I am grateful for your dedication advancing our profession despite a challenging year. Now is the time for all of us to stay involved and defend dermatology PAs to protect and propel our profession forward.

AAD/SDPA Leadership Meeting Recap

Last month, SDPA leaders journeyed to San Diego for our annual meeting with the leadership of the AAD, and for the first time in many years, the AAD was adequately represented by their board of directors. In most recent years, these meetings have been attended by only a few individuals and seemingly lacked momentum to make progress in our common goals. 

The SDPA Celebrated PAs with a Special Reception at AAD 2018!

On Friday evening February 16, 2018, the SDPA held a reception honoring dermatology PAs during the AAD Annual Meeting in San Diego, California.

UPDATE: SDPA Doctorate Task Force

The SDPA has elected to dissolve the recently appointed SDPA Doctorate Task Force due to changes in the education offerings available to PAs who wish to advance their education and credentials. Based upon the announcement of two Doctor of Medical Science degree programs for PAs, the relevance and need for the Task Force was reconsidered.

Looking Forward to the New Year

In 2018, the SDPA aims to advance opportunities for dermatology PAs while countering misinformation and advocating for team-based care. We look forward to strong representation, educational growth, and highlighting the vital contributions of dermatology PAs nationwide.

Correcting Coldiron MisTruths, Again

The recent Dermatology News article "We have met the enemy and he is us" highlighted a problem the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants has been aware of for some time: Some practices appear to put profit above the needs of the patients they serve. It should be noted that there is an incorrect assumption in this article, as with previous similar articles, that PAs billing for dermatological procedures using their own NPI are without supervision.