The SDPA is pleased to announce our most recent Diplomate Fellow Members!

SDPA Statement on Counterfeit Botox Reports

Alexandria, VA April 25, 2024 - The Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA) is deeply concerned about recent reports of the use of counterfeit botulinum toxin injections leading to multiple cases of patient illness across the country. The improper administration of medical injectables or the use of counterfeit botulinum toxin, commonly referred to as “Botox,” can lead to serious health consequences. Botox treatments should only be sought by patients in a medical setting from licensed and trained medical professionals including dermatology physician assistants/associates (DermPAs^TM).

Botox is a safe and effective treatment for medical and cosmetic conditions. The use of counterfeit Botox or the administration of any injectables by untrained individuals brings a serious risk of adverse health conditions including vision impairment, infection, and severe muscle weakness leading to difficulty swallowing or breathing. It is vital for patients to remain vigilant and to only seek these treatments by a trained and licensed medical professional who can properly inform them of these and other possible risks.

DermPAs^TM are highly trained medical professionals who provide excellent patient care in collaboration with a board-certified dermatologist. DermPAs^TM are committed to patient safety through proper training and compliance with national and state regulations governing patient care. 

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About SDPA
The Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA), founded in 1994, is a 501c6 non-profit professional organization composed of members who provide medical services with the collaboration of a board-certified dermatologist. With more than 4,700 members, the SDPA is committed to advancing the care of patients through the education and empowerment of DermPAs™. For more information, visit dermpa.org or follow the SDPA on Facebook, Twitter (@dermPA), Instagram (@derm_pa) and LinkedIn.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Kim Coghill
kcoghill@dermpa.org
Mobile: 202-374-7535
April 24, 2024

Noncompete Clauses:

FTC Final Rule Could Ban Agreements

Outcome could significantly impact Society's membership

Alexandria, VA April 24, 2024 - The Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA) is monitoring a final rule announced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that, once effective, may significantly impact the many SDPA members across the country whose employment agreements include a noncomplete clause. The rule bans all new and existing noncompete clauses except for those currently in effect for senior executives. Employers will be required to provide notice to their employees currently tied to a noncompete agreement that they will not be enforcing those provisions.

SDPA first notified its members about this new FTC rule after it was proposed in early 2023. According to the FTC’s statement, the commission received over 26,000 public comments during that period, with the vast majority in favor of the proposed rule.

The rule is expected to go into effect 120 days after its publication in the Federal Register, barring any delays from potential court challenges. SDPA will continue to monitor this new rule and inform our members of any major developments.

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About SDPA
The Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA), founded in 1994, is a 501c6 non-profit professional organization composed of members who provide medical services with the collaboration of a board-certified dermatologist. With more than 4,700 members, the SDPA is committed to advancing the care of patients through the education and empowerment of DermPAs™. For more information, visit dermpa.org or follow the SDPA on Facebook, Twitter (@dermPA), Instagram (@derm_pa) and LinkedIn.

At the age of 32, Hayley Arceneaux has achieved remarkable milestones, transcending both figurative and literal limits by not only reaching for the stars but actually journeying into space. Recognized as the esteemed Physician Assistant who assumed the role of chief medical officer on the groundbreaking Inspiration4 mission, Arceneaux's extraordinary story will be unveiled in San Diego at the SDPA Summer Dermatology Conference at 8:30AM, Thursday, June 6, 2024. Join us for an inspiring keynote address delivered by Arceneaux as she sets the tone for an exciting conference kickoff. Learn more about Arceneaux here.

Aiming High: What Do You Want to Achieve this Year?

Dear Colleagues,

Energy is high, and the year is off to a great start at the SDPA. We are buzzing with great ideas. Our volunteer leaders are strong, driven, and passionate about improving the professional lives of all DermPAs™. Fortunately, we are a healthy organization with creativity, ingenuity, and the drive to develop programming and resources to support the success of DermPAs™.  Our leaders recently convened and used our natural PA collaborative skills to brainstorm new initiatives. This diverse group of PAs was great for exchanging thoughts and ideas. Coming together as a team strengthened our relationships and empowered us to think creatively and be visionary about where we want our profession to go. Initiatives to continue the evolution of our practice include mentorship, professional development, the use of AI, employment legalities, and reimbursement advocacy, to name a few.

What is on our horizon? Our membership committee worked together to create the practice survey that you recently received. Many hours of thoughtful consideration went into creating the survey, hoping it will provide helpful information for you. This is another concrete way SDPA is pouring resources into advocating for you.   

Speaking of investing, through substantially reinvesting SDPA funds, our diplomate committee got the green light on the new, improved Diplomate program. They are updating the program to bring a more effortless, engaging learning experience to benefit new DermPAs™ and our patients.

Our distance CME is hosting a live webinar on recent key findings from the JAAD to engage members and support evidence-based practice. The bank of previous webinars remains available for later viewing including nail disorders, JAK inhibitors, and contract negotiation.

The legislative committee is focused on PA advocacy issues to augment your ease of practice. Please correspond with us regarding practice issues that are important to you. We also proudly announce the launch of the merchandise store to promote the DermPA™ brand. Please send photos of yourself wearing your PA proud shirts. Another launch happening this month is the new JDPA Winter issue published by Wolters Kluwer. This hallmark event marks the beginning of a substantial jump in PA scholarship opportunities.

As you can see, SDPA has started off the year making large strides toward our goal to serve DermPA™. SDPA is the only organization run by DermPA™, empowering and equipping DermPA™ to reach their goals.

Stay tuned with the SDPA as we aim high and move to the future.

Yours truly,

Currently, wound care clinics are run primarily by a variety of other specialties, including surgery, podiatry, plastics, vascular, and rheumatology. Despite this landscape, one could argue that no one is more well-versed in treating the integument than those specializing in dermatology. We see a great deal of wounds, and logically are a perfect fit to treat these patients. While we value our counterparts and understand that they are crucial to the healthcare team, involving dermatology could bridge gaps in care and aid the wound care centers from getting bogged down with conditions that we are capable of treating. Patients suffering from chronic wounds, superficial venous ulcers, mild diabetic foot ulcers, and post-op wounds are certainly within the dermatology wheelhouse. By committing to improving our education and clinical skills regarding wound care, discussing wound healing at conferences, and taking the lead among our colleagues, as a specialty we can become the front line for these patients in need.

In SDPA’s online Lower Extremity Wound Care Course featuring Andrew Rader, MD, we learn everything there is to know about wound care from a dermatology perspective, including intake, etiology, treatment of both acute and chronic wounds, shifting expectations, and approved products and techniques that can help persistent wound outcomes.

We learn that wound care can be gratifying. Some wounds heal quite easily with debridement and compression while others require follow up and patience. We will feel rewarded by saving our patients from long term antibiotic use and inpatient therapy. We will relieve hospital systems from longer stays and higher costs. We can work on a team of caretakers for a population whose wound care needs are increasing. There is tremendous growth opportunity, and as you pursue your niche in dermatology, I encourage you to consider the possibilities in wound care. Will you be the wound guru in your area?

Editor’s Note: The Lower Extremity Wound Care Course is available on SDPA’s Learning Center accessible here: http://tinyurl.com/yc5kat4h.

Career satisfaction, ample employment opportunities and attractive salaries associated with the Physician Assistant profession are among the reasons U.S. News & World Report ranked PA jobs 5^th in annual ranking of the top 100 U.S. jobs.

In the 2024 report recently released, PAs trail IT managers at number 4, software developers at number 3, financial managers at number 2, and nurse practitioners at number 1. For the third consecutive year, PAs ranked number 2 behind nurse practitioners in the individual healthcare sector listing.

“The PA consistently secures its position among the nation's top jobs, providing healthcare enthusiasts with the opportunity to apply advanced medical training and cutting-edge technology in assisting patients reach their healthcare objectives,” said SDPA Board of Directors President Laura Bush, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA. “With the escalating demand for accessible and high-quality healthcare, we anticipate a corresponding rise in the need for PAs. PAs play a crucial role in any medical team dedicated to delivering the quality healthcare that patients rightfully deserve.”

To calculate the Best Jobs, U.S. News & World Report draws data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to identify jobs with the greatest hiring demand. Jobs are then scored using five component measures: future prospects, wage potential, employment, job safety and stability, and work-life balance. For further details on how the rankings were calculated, see the methodology, a statement released by the company said.

2024 U.S. News Best Job Rankings

See the full list of Best Jobs here.

1. Nurse Practitioner
2. Financial Manager
3. Software Developer
4. IT Manager
5. Physician Assistant

Best Healthcare Jobs

1. Nurse Practitioner
2. Physician Assistant
3. Speech-Language Pathologist
4. Occupational Therapist
5. Veterinarian

Best Technology Jobs

1. Software Developer
2. IT Manager
3. Information Security Analyst
4. Data Scientist
5. Web Developer

Best Business Jobs

1. Financial Manager
2. Medical and Health Services Manager
3. Actuary
4. Statistician
5. Management Analyst

Additional information may be found on the U.S. News & World Report 100 Best Jobs website accessible here.

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About SDPA

The Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA) is a 501(c)(6) non-profit professional organization composed of members who provide dermatologic care or have an interest in the medical specialty of dermatology. A mission-focused membership organization, SDPA works to empower, educate, and advance the DermPA™ practice by providing high-quality educational and professional development opportunities, while advocating for a practice environment that advances patient care. Founded in 1994, the SDPA currently has over 4,700 members, making it the largest specialty organization within the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA).

Dear Colleagues,

Happy New Year to all my fellow DermPAs! As we ring in the new year, I would like to reflect upon our accomplishments and set goals for the new year. In setting my personal priorities for 2024, I realize the coming year brings countless opportunities for us individually, professionally, and as an organization. Now more than ever, DermPAs play a vital role in the American healthcare system. 

The SDPA is listening to its members and is primed and ready to provide the tools, tips, and expert advice for our DermPA members and their success in the evolving future of healthcare.  Our programming is set for creative and challenging tracks at the not-to-be-missed SDPA conferences in San Diego Jun 5-9, 2024, and Las Vegas at the new Fontainebleau Las Vegas, November 13-17, 2024. This year, the SDPA plans to increase advocacy efforts, broaden the reach and accessibility of our educational offerings, reinvest in and improve our creative learning platforms, and much more. 

This year will be an exciting time for PA authors as the JDPA will be published by Wolters Kluwer, expanding the reach of our journal to a larger audience. We are also developing new programming focused on immunology, disease states, professional development, and other topics key to our member's learning and advancement. In my experience, I have learned that the future is unpredictable, often presenting unexpected challenges. However, it is during these times that we adapt and grow. Rest assured, SDPA is your nonprofit organization helping to navigate the path for all DermPAs. 

Your voice and input are important to us as it shapes our decisions and actions for the SDPA. I want to emphasize that your support, guidance, and contributions directly benefit the DermPA community. May this new year bring us continued success, limitless inspiration, strength to overcome challenges, wisdom to view challenges as opportunities for growth, and the realization of our professional and personal aspirations. In closing,

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."  -  Aristotle

Stay healthy and take care,

Dear SDPA Family,

As we approach the holidays, life seems to get a little more hectic.  It is the time of year when our clinics are busy; there are many festivities and demands, and the days seem too short to get it all done.  My message to our colleagues is simple - stop to enjoy the people, events, and festivities. Most of all, cherish time spent with your family, for time is something you will never get back. Make the most of it because it's those memory-making moments that will be remembered. 

The work we do as caregivers is important, and it's equally important that we take care of ourselves, especially during this stressful time of year. This holiday season, I urge you all to prioritize your well-being. Unplug from the daily demands of life and enjoy some holiday traditions. My kids always loved having my homemade hot cocoa while decorating the tree. Pause and take time for yourself and your loved ones. This is a critical time for rest and rejuvenation. Time off from work over the holidays can boost your mental and physical health; it is a chance to recharge and refresh yourself and return to work with renewed energy and creativity.

As we reflect on the achievements of the past year, we can take pride in two successful conferences, eleven new distance education offerings, six online courses including Cosmetics, Zebras, and Dermoscopy, initiating an update of the Diplomate program, and showcasing our inaugural professional development workshop during the Nashville conference. The leadership team created leadership learning opportunities and broadened our leadership pipeline through the addition of many wonderful new volunteers. In addition, a DEI task force was formed and is ready to create initiatives to support our SDPA community. We also shared a public service initiative with our Nurse Practitioner colleagues on World Heart Day. But, perhaps our most notable accomplishment this year is the hallmark publishing agreement with Wolters Kluwer. We are blessed by our many volunteers at SDPA that work to support Dermatology PAs across the nation. Thank you for your time. If you want to be a volunteer, please reach out to us, and we will find a committee for your strengths and talents.

Your organization has been busy planning many exciting new programs and opportunities for learning in the coming year.  Please feel free to contribute your thoughts, talents, and ideas, as we value you and your input in achieving our collective success.

 As we look forward to the new year, let's remember the importance of our work as Dermatology PAs and the difference we make in our patients' lives every day. We at the SDPA are here to support you and your professional aspirations. Here's to a stress-free, restful holiday season and a prosperous New Year.

Stay healthy and take care,

Laura

Did you know that under current law, employees of the federal government who become ill or injured on the job cannot claim their workers' compensation benefits if their care is overseen by a PA or NP?

H.R. 618/S.131, "The Improving Access to Workers’ Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act," would modernize these rules to enhance patient access to health care while recognizing the high quality of care performed by PAs nationwide.

Use the link below to visit SDPA's Legislative Action Center today and send a message to your members of Congress to tell them that federal laws like this should be inclusive of the excellent care overseen by PAs across the nation every day.

A message has been prepared on your behalf and will take under two minutes to send to Congress with your help. Send your message!

Access the message here.

The changes are intended by the FDA to "minimize burden on patients, pharmacies, and prescribers while maintaining the safe use of isotretinoin."

These requirements include allowing increased flexibility on the policies governing pregnancy testing for patients who are prescribed isotretinoin. You can find more information on this change here.

For Immediate Release

Contact: Kim Coghill

kcoghill@dermpa.org

Mobile: 202-374-7535

Nov. 13, 2023

SDPA Celebrates Nurse Practitioners

November 12-18, 2023

Join us in celebrating the tremendous contributions

NPs make to patients and healthcare teams.

Alexandria, VA, November 13, 2023 – The Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants is honored to commemorate National Nurse Practitioner Week, November 12-18, 2023, by raising awareness about the profession and highlighting the NP’s significant role in enhancing patient care and outcomes. SDPA Board of Directors President Laura Bush, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, of Fayetteville, Georgia, released the following statement:

“Nurse Practitioners contribute critical expertise, knowledge, and dedication to the healthcare team, ensuring quality patient care. Through our collaborative efforts, patients gain greater access to healthcare services and the care they need, resulting in superior outcomes. This invaluable partnership is crucial, and we extend our appreciation to NPs not only during Nurse Practitioner Week, but throughout the year.”

“DermPAs and NPs play an important role within the expanding medical community, responding to the increasing demand for care driven by advancements in education, medicine, and the aging population. Our commitment extends beyond clinical practice, encompassing a relentless pursuit of knowledge and ongoing skill development essential to staying abreast of the dynamic landscape of medicine,” Bush said.

According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, there are more than 355,000 licensed NPs working in the U.S.

Estimates indicate there are more than 159,000 PAs working across all medical and surgical specialties in the U.S., with the dermatology specialty employing more PAs than any other field. Dermatology PAs evaluate, diagnosis and treat a broad variety of conditions including skin cancer, psoriasis, rosacea, eczema, acne, and other less common diseases.

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About SDPA

The Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA) is a 501(c)(6) non-profit professional organization composed of members who provide dermatologic care or have an interest in the medical specialty of dermatology. A mission-focused membership organization, SDPA works to empower, educate, and advance the DermPA™ practice by providing high-quality educational and professional development opportunities, while advocating for a practice environment that advances patient care. Its Fellow members are PAs who provide medical services with the collaboration of a board-certified dermatologist. Founded in 1994, the SDPA currently has over 4,700 members. SDPA is the largest specialty organization in the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA).

Dear Colleagues,
What a whirlwind of learning and fun. DermPAs from across the country came together in the vibrant music city of Nashville for the 21^st annual SDPA fall conference, where we celebrated our DermPA members, professional growth, and camaraderie. Many of you attended and not only learned the latest and greatest in Dermatology but also put on your boots, listened to great live music, and enjoyed the hot chicken and tasty barbecue.

The highlight of our gathering was the exciting welcome event held at the iconic Wildhorse Saloon (sponsored by Arcutis Inc.) Attendees had a blast learning how to line dance, boot scooting across the dance floor, and even summoning their inner cowgirl or cowboy by taking a daring ride on the mechanical bull. (To watch the video featuring the Boots Are Walking Welcome Event at the Wildhorse Saloon, click the picture below to the left.)

Beyond the festivities, the SDPA conference brought us together as a community of dermatology professionals with over 500 learners.  Over the five-day event, the halls were filled with enthusiastic providers for 20-plus hours of valuable sessions. Attendees learned practical clinical pearls from our expert speakers in subjects like dermoscopy, melanoma, lymphoma, pigmented dermatoses, challenging cases, and cosmetics, to name a few. Our conference was not just an opportunity for learning but also a chance to meet and discuss dermatology successes and challenges. From the latest research to practical clinical insights, we return home with a wealth of knowledge to apply in our practices.

Keynote speaker and author Carlos Whittaker spoke to us on How to Human, which has value and practical application in the clinic, with friends and family, and in everyday life.  His stories about interaction with family, children, and even strangers can have meaning for you and help you connect with others.  His message hit home for many of us and is useful to DermPAs in our daily interactions with our patients.

Our well-received professional development workshop filled our pre-conference day with engaging presentations on research, professional writing, speaking with polish, high-impact CVs, and compliance. Attendees gained valuable insights and strategies to explore intellectually rewarding roles outside traditional clinical care.  These perspectives offer us a path to diversify our careers.
The Dermatology PA Foundation (DPAF) in conjunction with DermPAs in Tennessee volunteered their skills to serve the staff of the Grand Hyatt hotel with skin cancer screenings. Many staff got their spots checked and several skin cancers were identified. Kudos to the Tennessee PA volunteers and DPAF for organizing this successful skin cancer screening. 

In addition to all the fantastic lectures, the conference was a place to expand our knowledge, connect with peers, and leave attendees excited about being a part of the DermPA community. The SDPA conferences have always been a source of inspiration and growth for me and my colleagues, and this one was no exception.

In case you were unable to boot scoot your way to Nashville, or you want to view the Professional Development topics from the Pre Conference day, these will be available on the learning management system (LMS). If you missed a lecture and want to watch it or rewatch it, the recorded lectures will be posted on the LMS shortly, allowing you to earn up to 32 hours total CME.

Please remember SDPA is more than just a meeting. The SDPA serves DermPAs with year-round education, distance learning, legislative action, scholarly JDPA journal articles, and philanthropic events through DPAF. These exclusive member opportunities are run by PAs for PAs.

As we approach the holiday season, let’s remember what we are thankful for: family, health, friends, peace, and the ability to help others are just a few of mine.  I wish each of you a wonderful Thanksgiving, and I want to close with how thankful we are to have you be part of our SDPA family.
Yours truly,
 
Yours truly,

Laura Bush, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA
President, SDPA Board of Directors

Pictured: Robert Higham, PA-C, Executive Director of Clinical Development, Arcutis Inc. 

The Ohio Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (OSDPA) invites Ohio DermPAs to join the state affiliate of the SDPA. OSDPA was created in 2008 by a group of dedicated PAs looking to provide a platform to network, exchange ideas, share the most current practice standards and novel information, and pursue valuable opportunities through membership. OSDPA offers a multitude of benefits and perks to its members. OSDPA offers CME pharmacology credit unique to dermatology. Currently, it is the only space in Ohio with dermatology specific pharmacology CME. There are also workshops, programs, and dinners where members can get to know each other and develop a sense of community. OSDPA sends out a monthly e-Newsletter to members keeping them up to date on dermatology both statewide and at the national level. With an active social media presence, we invite you to follow our Instagram (@ohioderm_pa), Facebook group (OSDPA), and LinkedIn page. Our website can be found at

Please reach out to our Board of Directors, ohiodermpa@gmail.com, with your name, e-mail, city, and place of employment to be added to our email list. Consider mentioning your interest in a leadership position as we are searching for regional directors and communications committee members. Regardless of the extent of involvement you seek, there is a place for you at OSDPA. Thank you for all you do for the dermatology PA profession!

The Patient Calendar feature will be re-introduced and display the patient’s upcoming treatment milestones. This feature will be available to the Patient, Prescribers, and Designees. Click here to access the correspondence from iPLEDGE REMS sponsors.

Kirsten Kuhn, MPAS, PA-C

Carbondale, Colorado

How long have you been in dermatology and what’s your favorite thing about it? I’ve been working in dermatology for seven years now, and I love it. It’s a great mix of skin checks, acute conditions, and procedures—and there’s always something interesting to keep me on my toes!

Tell us about your training? I trained at OHSU, Oregon’s academic health center, where I had the privilege of learning from an incredible group of dedicated professors and preceptors. They really instilled in me the importance of lifelong learning, and I’m very grateful for the education I received there. More recently, I returned to school at Princeton to earn a second master’s degree focusing on domestic policy and health policy. I hope to use this training to advocate for improved healthcare access and equity for all, as well advocating for the PA profession.

What advice would you give to a new Derm PA? Know what you don’t know, and read as much as you can! Find mentors who are happy to discuss cases with you and are excited about teaching--it’s so important to ask lots of questions and to have more experienced physicians or PAs to discuss tough cases with. If your clinic has a journal club, join it!

What’s your favorite single product? Sunscreen! My typical go-to is a tinted physical sunscreen with zinc oxide. That said, I went to France last summer and tried out several different chemical sunscreens, and I was very impressed! Europe has more options for sunscreen filters than the United States, largely due to how sunscreens are regulated here. Chemical UV filters like Mexoryl and Tinosorb are very effective against UVA rays but unfortunately aren’t available in the U.S. yet (hurry up on those approvals, FDA!). Needless to say, I stocked up and brought an absurd amount of sunscreen home with me.  

What do you do for fun? I love to get outside to ski, mountain bike, or trail run whenever I can. I also love reading, writing, and travel—but most of all, I love spending time with my three-year-old daughter. She’s the best.

Rosemary Son, MPAS, PA-C Director at Large SDPA Board of Directors

Why did you become a Derm PA?  Truth be told, I never set out to be in dermatology at all- I wanted to work in cardiology to use my dietitian background, but as luck would have it there was an opportunity in dermatology at UT Southwestern to work at the Parkland dermatology clinic. I've been there since I graduated. 

If you could interview one person (dead or alive) who would it be and why? I would really love to go back and meet Julia Child; I've never wanted to time travel before I read her memoir and biography and after that I wish I could audit her cooking classes in Paris in the 1950's.

What’s your Dermatology passion? I love being able to help people who would have no access to dermatology care otherwise and offering them life changing treatments that are cutting edge that improve their health and quality of life.

What do you like doing in your spare time? I discovered horses later in life and I'm obsessed with horseback riding. I ride as often as my schedule permits. I also love having dinner parties with friends and hanging out with my husband and our chickens in the backyard. Believe it or not they like to snuggle!

What would you tell your 13-year-old self? Girl, it gets better.  You don't have to be good at math to practice medicine.  Also, good job with wearing sunscreen, 40-something-me really appreciates that. 

Be Proud, Be a PA

Dear Colleagues,

Hello to all my fellow Derm PA colleagues. Happy PA week!

National PA Day was first celebrated on October 6, 1987, to honor the 20th anniversary of the first graduating class and the birthday of the program's founder, Eugene A. Stead, Jr., MD. Stead founded the physician assistant profession at Duke Medical Center in 1965 (coincidentally the year I was born) and look at where we are today! PA day eventually evolved into PA week, giving us a whole week to celebrate our accomplishments and profession.  

There is no more tremendous privilege than the opportunity to care for and positively impact the lives of our patients. As PAs, each of us carries a title that represents dedication, skill, and compassion - a title that we should be proud to use when interacting with those we serve.

The importance of stating your PA title when interacting with patients cannot be overstated. Our role as PAs makes us an essential part of the healthcare team. By confidently introducing ourselves as PAs, we convey a message of trust and assurance, assuring our patients that they are in the capable hands of highly trained healthcare professionals.

Some of us may have pursued advanced degrees, such as Doctor of Health Science, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), or Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc), myself included, earning the right to be addressed as "Doctor." While it is undoubtedly a significant achievement, we must remember the context in which we utilize this title. We should reserve the use of "Doctor" for academic and research settings, as it can otherwise cause confusion among patients and compromise the collaborative nature of our profession. However, in professional circles where it is appropriate, embracing this title celebrates our dedication to lifelong learning in specific healthcare fields.

Always remember the pride of being a PA. Our education, clinical training, and commitment to the well-being of our patients form the foundation of our success. By explicitly stating our PA title when seeing patients, we advocate for our profession's recognition and inspire confidence. We represent a force of compassion, empathy, and expertise, significantly impacting healthcare outcomes.

Some state laws dictate how you must address yourself when interacting with patients in a clinical setting. An example is a recently passed Georgia Code Title 43, Chapter 34, Article 4, stating Physician Assistants must identify themselves as such at every encounter with patients. Several other states have similar requirements, including wearing a nametag with your title visible to the patients.

Proudly carry your PA title. Strive for excellence, staying true to our core values of patient-centered care, collaboration, and continuous growth. With every interaction, we can shape a positive healthcare experience for our patients, fostering trust and building enduring relationships between the PA and patients.

Ultimately, it is not just about the letters after our names but the difference we make in the lives of those we serve. Stay proud, stay passionate, and let our PA title shine bright!

I am sure Dr. Stead would be proud of what he started and what we have accomplished. I wish each of you a happy PA week!

Yours truly,

Laura Bush, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA
President, SDPA Board of Directors

In recognition of World Heart Day on September 29, the Dermatology Education Foundation (DEF) and the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA) speak with one voice to emphasize the significance of caregiver health and underscore the importance of healthcare professionals prioritizing their cardiovascular (CV) fitness. (access the press release here)

“As nurse practitioners and physician assistants working in dermatology, our daily focus is on caring for the needs of our patients. Add in other responsibilities, such as administrative duties, caring for families and loved ones, and it’s easy to see how our own health may not be a priority. Cardiovascular disease is a comorbid condition to inflammatory diseases and dermatology conditions seen in our dermatology practices daily,” says Joe Gorelick, MSN, FNP-C, founder of the DEF.

“It’s ingrained in us as medical professionals to prioritize the health and well-being of others,” notes Laura Bush, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, President of the SDPA. “We certainly have heart. But the reality is that we can’t optimize care for others when our own physical and mental health are

compromised.”

The World Heart Federation says World Heart Day is, “an opportunity for everyone to stop and consider how to best use heart.” As part of a collaborative effort, SDPA and DEF encourage healthcare providers not only to look after their own health, but to show some heart for colleagues who may be struggling with health challenges. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) kill more than 20.5 million individuals every year, but 80% of premature deaths from CVD are preventable. To mark World Heart Day, DEF and SDPA urge PAs and NPs to stay vigilant about recognizing the signs of CVD and adopting heart-healthy strategies.

As non-profit organizations, both SDPA and DEF provide educational opportunities and additional initiatives intended to advance care and optimize patient outcomes in dermatology.

Both organizations are peer-led, uniquely enabling them to identify and effectively respond to the needs of PAs and NPs who are actively involved in dermatology patient care.

“We are excited to collaborate with the DEF on this important initiative. Since our inception, SDPA has focused on supporting DermPAs. By collaborating with DEF, we strengthen our collective voice to connect with NPs through a foundation that shares a common mindset, one that is

created by NPs and PAs for the benefit of NPs and PAs,” said Bush.

“This is one of many opportunities for our unique groups to work together.”

“NPs and PAs truly are at the heart of our organizations,” adds Gorelick. “Just as we encourage our colleagues to put their health needs first, we at DEF and SDPA--as individual organizations and in collaboration--will continue to put the needs of our peers first.”

DEF and SDPA share these tips from the WHF to lower the risk of CVD:

- Eat a healthy and balanced diet.

- Exercise regularly.

- Maintain a healthy body weight.

- Avoid tobacco use.

- Avoid alcohol.

- Know your numbers (blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar).

- Take medication as prescribed.

- Know the warning signs of heart disease.

About SDPA

The Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA) is a 501(c)(6) non-profit professional organization composed of members who provide dermatologic care or have an interest in the medical specialty of dermatology. A mission-focused membership organization, SDPA works to

empower, educate, and advance the DermPA(TM) practice by providing high-quality educational and professional development opportunities, while advocating for a practice environment that advances patient care. Its Fellow members are PAs who provide medical services with the

collaboration of a board-certified dermatologist. Founded in 1994, the SDPA currently has over 4,700 members. SDPA is the largest specialty organization in the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) with a mission to advance patient treatment through the education and

empowerment of dermatology PAs.

About DEF

The DEF is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) corporation founded to inspire dermatology nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) to achieve a professional balance between the art of healing, the power of diagnostic skills, and case-based assessment and training. DEF employs a case-based learning strategy that creates a practical and clinically relevant aspect to all of our programs. The annual 4-day DEF Essential Resource Meeting (DERM), the Clinically Relevant and Practical Case-Based Dermatology NP and PA CME Education Experience™, is the hallmark

national-level educational event and has grown to be the largest NP/PA CME event in the country. For more than a decade, the DEF has provided robust tools for the dermatology practice, as well as mentorship grants and other training resources for the dermatology NP and PA. Subscribers actively seek out the DEF podcasts, webinars, virtual training, videos, social media, and more.

Email: info@dermnppa.org

Paul Winnington

Dermatology Education Foundation (DEF)

+1 302-545-3770

paul@physicianresources.org

SDPA's Initiatives for Dermatology PAs"

In today's fast-paced world, where work occupies a significant portion of our lives, Annie Dillard's words resonate: "How we spend our days is how we spend our lives." With an average of 90,000 work hours in a lifetime, our jobs profoundly influence our quality of life. As a seasoned PA with over three decades of service, I can attest to the immeasurable hours invested in patient care and medical education.

When you consider the significance of our profession in each of our individual lives, it becomes apparent that derm PAs must come together and collaborate to drive positive change for our profession. The SDPA recognizes the impact of Dermatology PAs on the healthcare system and has set forth a series of projects to enhance our members' value and strength. As president, I prioritize vision, values, and action. A solid organization will strengthen our members' offerings, positively impacting their profession and daily lives. As fall approaches, the SDPA volunteers are working on several projects to enrich the experiences of its members. A few of these include expanding distance education, rolling out our practice survey, engaging our advocacy partners, and broadening our reach to all derm PAs.

The SDPA's distance education team transforms learning in the digital era by offering webinars, online courses, and virtual resources. We recognize the importance of staying current with dermatology advancements and trends. Through distance education and our new, improved learning management system, we offer a multitude of educational resources that you can access from anywhere.

Our membership committee has given countless hours and meticulously crafted our Practice Survey. The backbone of any organization lies in understanding its members' needs, preferences, and expectations. The data from this survey serves as a resource for the SDPA, guiding its decisions and actions in alignment with the members' collective voice.  The compensation and clinical practice data will also be available to our members, providing data for research and advancing our profession.

Our benefits—networking, resources, and professional development—increase as our SDPA community grows, enriching our collective knowledge and influence within dermatology. Strength lies in numbers, and we recognize the importance of expanding our community.

Advocacy partnerships underscore the SDPA's commitment to collaboration. Our Board of Directors is opening lines of communication with patient advocacy groups. This alliance amplifies the SDPA's voice, raises awareness, and equips us with valuable resources to guide policy decisions for the betterment of clinicians and patients.

Leveraging a fresh approach through the communications committee, the SDPA hopes to connect with a broader audience, spotlighting dermatology PAs' significance. The SDPA will continue to raise awareness about dermatology-related issues and include more dermatology PAs through social media campaigns. Watch for posts and engage with our organization, leaders, and fellow members.

In summary, SDPA's impactful initiatives—Distance Education, Practice Survey, Advocacy Partnerships, and Broadening Our Reach through enhanced communication—fuel dermatology PA’s growth, reaffirming its commitment to its members. Through these endeavors and many others, SDPA will cultivate a stronger and more united community of dermatology PAs, enriching patient care and professional advancement.

We look forward to seeing you in Nashville!

Yours truly,

Laura Bush, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA

Andrew Baker, MBA, MPAS, PA-C

Director at Large

SDPA Board of Directors

During my 11 years working as a PA, I’ve accrued more than six years of experience in dermatology. My career started at an academic cancer hospital working in reconstructive plastic surgery. This opened my eyes to skin surgery and began my pursuit to work in dermatology. My two biggest passions are detection and treatment of inflammatory skin diseases and skin cancer. With the amount of innovative treatment options available, it is crucial to seek out appropriate resources to foster a comprehensive understanding to best care for patients. I strive to increase my collaborative efforts with medical science liaisons and other pharmaceutical professions to stay up-to-date on the most innovative diagnostic and treatment options to make me a better DermPAs™.

I have performed over 10,000 skin surgeries independently and currently excise about 30 skin cancers per week. I work closely with a Mohs surgeon and function heavily with Mohs closures. I am constantly trying to improve my skill set and solidify myself as one of the most experienced DermPA™ skin cancer excisionist! I am actively working with other national experts to create a comprehensive, on-demand course to better educate and train DermPAs™ to perform skin surgery.

In 2020, I graduated with my Masters of Business Administration (MBA). Over the first six years as a PA, the realization of having little understanding or education on the business of medicine was evident. I found myself growing as a clinician, but still with a large knowledge gap on how PA professionals can integrate into business and entrepreneurship. This education further shaped my ability to function within the business of medicine and become more efficient and productive as a DermPA, and beyond! I have been recently published in the Journal of Dermatology for PA. I am the founder of PA 4 Finance, a financial literacy resource for PAs. It is my biggest career goal to help as many patients and healthcare providers as possible!

I won a seat on the SDPA Board of Directors in 2023. My goals are to:

• Advocate for DermPAs.
• Grow the DermPA profession.
• Be more involved in this great organization.
• Show my dedication to my profession.

Margaret McKernan, MPAS, PA-C

Apex Dermatology

Cleveland, Ohio

How long have you been in dermatology and what's your favorite thing about it? I have been in dermatology for four years. My favorite thing about dermatology is the blend of medicine and procedures. We get to do a little bit of everything and it makes the day fun! I also love helping patients get results they can SEE! I love when they feel good in the skin they are in.

What’s your dermatology passion? I certainly have my favorite diagnoses in dermatology, but I would say my passion for being a PA stands out the most. I am deeply passionate about our profession and the significant changes we bring about in our patients' lives every day. The importance of advocating for our profession at both the state and national level cannot be overstated. As the current president of the Ohio Society of Dermatology PAs, chief delegate of the SDPA HOD, and vice chair of the SDPA CME committee, I've found value in attending key events like the AAPA Leadership and Advocacy summit and the AAPA House of Delegates meeting. As a leader committed to service, I am hopeful that my efforts will pave the way for the future generation of PAs. I encourage fellow PAs to join their state organizations, SDPA, and AAPA to actively partake in these essential legislative initiatives.

What is your advice to PA students or new PA graduates interested in dermatology? If you have an interest in dermatology, express that interest early! Be sure to tell your preceptors your interest and network, network, network. Do your elective rotations in dermatology and learn as much as you can. Upon graduation, rely upon your established network to secure your desired position. If you can, be flexible on location and you will have greater success achieving the goal. If you do not begin your career in dermatology, take the time to grab the dermatology cases that come through your practice. Dermatology touches so many specialties. You’ll see cases in primary care, urgent care, gynecology, emergency medicine, plastics, etc. By bolstering your dermatology experience, you can showcase your skills to a potential dermatology employer. Last by not least, join the SDPA and continue to network with your peers who can help you get that coveted dermatology job!

What’s your favorite thing to do? Or what do you do in your spare time? In my spare time I enjoy crafting educational sessions for annual conferences. It is an exciting process that allows me to share my knowledge with others in the field. Since completing my studies, I’ve have been fortunate enough to have presented at 2 state and 1 national conference, with another lecture for the SDPA pharmacology course and OAPA pharmacy conference forthcoming! Additionally, I love playing volleyball. Currently my husband and I enjoy playing twice a week. It’s not just the sport, but the camaraderie and laughter that makes it such a blast!

_____________________________

Maggie is currently the SDPA chief delegate for the AAPA House of Delegates and a SDPA CME committee vice chair. In addition to these roles, she is the Ohio Society of Dermatology PAs president. She serves the greater Cleveland, Ohio, area at the Apex Dermatology Skin and Surgery Center. She earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania. She is honored to have the opportunity to work closely with the SDPA on advancing the DermPA™ profession through both education and advocacy.

Contact: Kim Coghill

kcoghill@dermpa.org

Mobile: 202-374-7535

Sept. 6, 2023

Alexandria, VA Sept. 6, 2023 - SDPA Board of Directors President Laura Bush, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, announced that Krista Bower, MPA, CAE, has joined SDPA as the Executive Director, effective immediately. Bower has an impressive background in association management with a strong financial acumen, recognized organizational and business development skills, and demonstrated success in strategic planning and volunteer/staff development.

“SDPA’s values, mission, and the role itself align with my professional commitment to deliver meaningful results that benefit membership and the overall profession. With vision and dedication, my goal is to cultivate innovative programs designed to expand the SDPA and enrich the minds to DermPAs™,” Bower said. “I look forward to continuing the effective management that positioned SDPA as a world-class organization recognized as the go-to resource for ongoing education for DermPAs™ who deliver superior patient care.”

During her career, Bower has held several statewide and national executive leadership roles, including most recently as the CEO of the American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification, Inc. (ABPANC).

“Krista Bower is the visionary Executive Director SDPA needs to lead and inspire our journey of transformation and innovation that will shape our future. We celebrate Krista’s arrival as it marks a new chapter for our association that works to empower, educate and advance DermPAs™,” Bush said. “Her commitment to superior ongoing educational programming and cultivating strong working relationships with members, leadership and staff will be the cornerstones of our progress.”

Bower replaces Interim Executive Director Harvey Tillipman, MBA, MSW, who served for one year. “During his year with SDPA, Tillipman guided us through a transition period marked by success and a renewed focus on education and membership. We appreciate Harvey’s commitment and dedication to SDPA and wish him well in his future endeavors.”

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About SDPA

The Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA), founded in 1994, is a 501c6 non-profit professional organization composed of members who provide medical services with the collaboration of a board-certified dermatologist. With more than 4,700 members, the SDPA is committed to advancing the care of patients through the education and empowerment of DermPAs™. For more information, visit dermpa.org or follow the SDPA on Facebook, Twitter (@dermPA), Instagram (@derm_pa) and LinkedIn.

Ride to raise your heart rate!  Ride to raise awareness!  Ride to raise money for DPAF! If you missed this event in Boston, you will definitely want to make sure you are ready to participate in Nashville. Register today for this exclusive event with limited space. Here are the details:

WHAT:  DPAF Cyclebar Fundraiser Ride
WHEN: 6:00AM on Friday, Oct. 27, 2023
WHERE:  Cyclebar The Gulch Studio
1004 Division Street, Nashville TN (a 10-15 minute walk from the conference hotel)
COST: $25 per ride (includes bike, shoe rental, and towels)

Maximum capacity is 47 riders.  Register early before this special event sells out!

If you have already registered for the conference, you may modify your registration to include the cycling option. Here are the instructions: 

1. Visit the registration website - https://www.sdpaconferences.org/Nashville2023
2. Click the “Already Registered?” link and enter the email address you used to register. You will also need the confirmation number SDPA provided via email when you originally registered. 
3. Click the “Modify Registration” button and select the event/session you want to add.
4. Submit the payment and you are all set!

Register here: https://www.sdpaconferences.org/Nashville2023