Valerie Stern, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C

Valerie Stern, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, argues that dermatology conferences offer APPs something CME alone can't — a community that understands the specific professional pressures of the role.

From case reports to conference presentations, Stern outlines a practical path APPs can follow to build a profile beyond their day-to-day clinical role.

As one of California's first derm PAs, Stern discusses the mentorship-driven private practice model that launched her career and its near-disappearance today.