Bridging the Literacy Gap to Strengthen Dermatologic Care

“In pediatric patients, no one is talking to the pediatric patient. We talk to the adults in the room and we expect the parent or adult to translate what we’re saying to them, then to the child, who is the patient that’s having the problem,” Ken Korber, PA-C, MHPE, DFAAPA, said in an interview at the 2025 Elevate-Derm Fall Conference.

Korber, a physician assistant and clinical assistant professor of the Touro University PA Program in Chicago, Illinois, presented “The Art of Patient-Centered Communication” at Elevate-Derm Fall.¹

Korber emphasized that patient education and health literacy remain critical but often overlooked drivers of treatment success in dermatology. Although diagnostic accuracy, therapeutic selection, and appropriate follow-up are core strengths of most clinicians, Korber noted that meaningful engagement often falters during the brief window of a standard 10–15-minute visit.

He also noted that health literacy is routinely overestimated. Although many dermatology patients are adults, the average functional health literacy level aligns with that of a sixth grader. This mismatch requires clinicians to shift from technical language to plain, accessible explanations. He encouraged dermatology providers to consciously “translate” medical terminology—avoiding jargon in favor of simple phrasing that supports patient comprehension, adherence, and self-management.

Regarding tailoring communication to the needs of specific populations, cultural context, behavioral factors, and age-specific considerations shape each patient’s capacity to understand and act on medical recommendations. In pediatric dermatology, he noted a common pitfall: addressing the parent while neglecting the child who is actually receiving care. Speaking directly to pediatric patients, even at an age-appropriate level, fosters better understanding, reduces anxiety, and supports family-centered decision making.

With today’s use of social media and web searches, Korber addressed the reality of “Dr. Google,” explaining that while patients will inevitably seek online information, clinicians can guide them toward trustworthy, evidence-based resources. Redirecting patients to vetted educational sites not only reduces confusion but also reinforces therapeutic alignment.

Reflecting on the PA profession’s training and scope, Korber stressed the value of team-based care. PAs, NPs, and physicians collectively strengthen patient outcomes when they share knowledge, acknowledge uncertainty, and collaborate to fill gaps. He emphasized that PAs are taught to practice at the top of their training while also recognizing when specialist or supervisory input is needed.

Korber also integrates patient education into his academic and creative work. As a children’s book author, he develops stories that address pediatric wellness and dermatologic concepts, offering families a literacy-friendly supplement to the limited time available during clinic visits. This approach, he noted, has become an effective tool for extending education beyond the exam room.

Reference

1. Korber K. The art of patient-centered communication. Presented at: 2025 Elevate-Derm Fall Conference; November 12-16, 2025; Tampa, FL.