Aaron Sookhoo, PA-C, and Andrew Mastro, PA-C, Unveil the Vision for the Inaugural NDLS

Aaron Sookhoo, PA-C, a physician assistant (PA) based in Tampa Bay, Florida, and vice president of the Florida Society of Dermatology PAs, and Andrew Mastro, PA-C, a PA from Chicago, Illinois, and vice president of the Illinois State PA group, discussed the vision and development of the first National Dermatology Leadership Summit (NDLS). With over a decade of combined leadership experience, both clinicians share a deep commitment to advancing education, collaboration, and advocacy within dermatology’s advanced practice provider community.

The NDLS was conceived as a platform to unite dermatology state societies nationwide, fostering collaboration and the exchange of ideas among PAs and nurse practitioners (NPs) in leadership roles. Sookhoo emphasized the summit’s mission to empower both established and emerging state societies by providing the tools and guidance needed to grow and thrive. Mastro added that the goal is to create a strong national network, encouraging best practices, supporting philanthropic and educational initiatives, and strengthening relationships with industry partners—all while enhancing the professional and organizational capacity of individual states.

Attendees can expect an interactive, high-energy environment designed for networking, idea-sharing, and leadership development. Both leaders noted that while virtual collaboration has its place, the in-person setting offers an irreplaceable sense of community and momentum. They view the NDLS as a crucial step toward uniting PAs and NPs under shared goals of education, advocacy, and professional empowerment.

Organizing the inaugural summit has posed logistical challenges, particularly coordinating across multiple time zones and leadership groups. However, both Sookhoo and Mastro described the experience as highly rewarding, citing the overwhelming enthusiasm from colleagues nationwide as a testament to the need for such an event.

Looking ahead, they identified advocacy and professional networking as two of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—for dermatology PAs and NPs. Through the NDLS, they aim to bridge silos, build a cohesive national network, and amplify the collective voice of PAs and NPs to drive meaningful progress for the profession and the patients they serve.

The National Dermatology Leadership Summit, presented by the Florida Society of Dermatology PAs, will take place in April 2026. Interested in learning more? Reach out to Aaron Sookhoo (asookhoo.fsdpa@gmail.com) and Andrew Mastro (amastro81@gmail.com) for more information.