Derm Dispatch: SDPA President-Elect Andrew Baker, MBA, MPAS, PA-C, Shares His Vision

At the SDPA Fall Conference, host of Derm Dispatch Renata Block, DMSc, MMS, PA-C, sat down with Andrew Baker, MBA, MPAS, PA-C, the newly elected president-elect of the Society of Dermatology Physician Associates, for an engaging discussion on leadership, professional growth, and the future of the organization. Baker, who will assume the presidency in July 2026, expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve and emphasized his commitment to listening, learning, and fostering inclusivity within the profession.

Baker described his preparation for the role as an ongoing process of mentorship and reflection. Drawing from the experiences of past SDPA leaders, he seeks to understand what lessons they learned and what they might have done differently. In addition to his clinical training, Baker highlighted the value of his MBA in shaping his leadership approach—particularly his focus on emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and understanding the SDPA as both a nonprofit organization and a dynamic professional community.

When asked about his leadership style, Baker emphasized collaboration and inclusivity. He stressed the importance of ensuring every member’s voice is heard and that feedback is translated into actionable goals.

“We need to have a good listening ear and find a way to implement that into our current strategy,” Baker said. He underscored that as non-physician providers, dermatology PAs must work collectively to amplify their voices and advocate for meaningful progress within the field.

Block and Baker also discussed the realities of time commitment and volunteerism within the SDPA. Baker encouraged colleagues to “just start somewhere,” whether attending conferences, engaging with leaders, or volunteering in small capacities. He emphasized that networking and relationship-building within the SDPA are invaluable to both personal and professional growth.

Both PAs agreed that member engagement through initiatives like surveys, dialogue, and shared experiences, remains essential for the SDPA’s continued success. Baker acknowledged that the challenges facing early-career PAs differ from those of previous generations, reinforcing the need for an adaptable, empathetic leadership approach.

As Block concluded, she commended Baker’s collaborative vision and dedication, noting that his presidency will build upon the SDPA’s strong foundation of mentorship, unity, and innovation.