Dermatology Times 2025 Year in Review: Derm Dispatch

In 2025, Dermatology Times introduced Derm Dispatch, a video and podcast series led by Renata Block, DMSc, MMS, PA-C. Block is a board-certified physician assistant and instructor at Rush University in Chicago, Illinois, a Dermatology Times editorial advisory board member, and the past president of the Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) and the Illinois SDPA.

A Message From the Host

Derm Dispatch Throughout the Year

In over 30 episodes, Block sat down with dermatologic clinicians, patient advocates, and other industry leaders, holding honest, thoughtful, and collaborative conversations on the past, present, and future of our field. We also held special editions of Derm Dispatch at the SDPA Fall meeting, filmed live and on-site for the first time ever, which you can find here.

To catch up on all of the insightful Derm Dispatch discussions from this year, keep reading.

Derm Dispatch: A Comprehensive Guide to Managing Eczema with Integrative Medicine

In the first Derm Dispatch episode, Block and Peter Lio, MD, discuss integrative approaches to managing eczema, including the use of holistic treatments.

Derm Dispatch: Discussing Early Detection and Education With a Melanoma Survivor

A melanoma survivor shares her journey, emphasizing the importance of sun safety and regular skin exams to prevent skin cancer.

Derm Dispatch: Advocating for Skin and Nail Health to Spread Melanoma Awareness

A melanoma survivor shares her journey, emphasizing the importance of early detection and regular skin exams for skin cancer awareness.

Derm Dispatch: Melanoma Doesn’t Wait—Neither Should You

Block speaks with patient advocate Brittanny Groover on her experience, how to educate young patients, and understanding the psychosocial impact of melanoma.

Derm Dispatch: Pre-Med Student Champions Sun Safety Through Advocacy and Education

UC Berkeley’s Broc Vargo shares how growing up in tanning salons inspired his passion for dermatology, sun safety, and public health advocacy.

Derm Dispatch: Creating Equitable Access in Underserved Communities Through Teledermatology

Block speaks with Adam Friedman, MD, FAAD, on innovative teledermatology initiatives in Washington, DC, addressing health care disparities and enhancing care.

Derm Dispatch: Navigating Benzoyl Peroxide Safety and Acne Treatment Advancements

Explore insights on benzoyl peroxide and benzene risks in acne treatment from experts Block and John Barbieri, MD, MBA.

Derm Dispatch: Physician Assistants Advance Clinical Trial Research

Block interviews Andrew Baker, PA-C, MBA, to discuss his role as a sub-investigator in Castle Biosciences’ UTILISE study for cSCC.

Derm Dispatch: Amy Snow, PA-C, on Turning a Non-Compete Setback Into a Mission That Changes Lives

Block interviews Amy Snow, PA-C, who shares how she transformed career roadblocks into a mobile dermatology clinic delivering free care and hope across Oregon.

Derm Dispatch: Cutting Costs, Not Care with Jacki Kment, PA-C, MPAS, DFAAPA

With longer visits and flat-rate pricing, Kment’s practice provides personalized dermatologic care to both insured and uninsured patients.

Consulting, Care, and the Direct Pay Future with Jacki Kment, PA-C, MPAS, DFAAPA

Jacki Kment, PA-C, MPAS, DFAAPA, shares how she built a successful direct pay dermatology practice to prioritize patient care and professional balance.

Derm Dispatch: Navigating Industry, Health Care, and Career Transitions as a PA

Explore career transitions in healthcare as PAs Block and Jessica Dell'Aquila, MS, PA-C, share insights on professional growth and evolving roles in dermatology.

Derm Dispatch: Adam Friedman, MD, FAAD, Unpacks the Science Behind CBD’s Role in UV Protection

Block interviews Adam Friedman, MD, FAAD, about his research into cannabidiol’s photoprotective potential, clinical trial design, and future directions.

Derm Dispatch: Mentorship as the Future of Dermatology

Strong mentorship provides resilience for young clinicians navigating evolving challenges in practice.

Derm Dispatch: How Biologic Coordinators Like Ioana Coman, MSc, RN, CNA, Bridge the Gap in Patient Care

Discover how biologic coordinators streamline dermatologic care through detailed protocols, clinical documentation, and patient advocacy to improve access to life-changing biologic therapies.

Derm Dispatch: Exploring GLP-1s’ Role in Inflammation and Skin Disease

GLP-1 receptor agonists may indirectly affect dermatologic outcomes by targeting inflammation and metabolic comorbidities.

Derm Dispatch: EczemaWise App and its Role in Patient-Centered Care

Block and Isabelle Thibau, MPH, of the National Eczema Association discuss how the EczemaWise app integrates patient-reported outcomes, validated tools, and real-world data.

Derm Dispatch: Unpacking Topical Steroid Withdrawal

This episode explores the controversy and lack of clear diagnostic criteria for TSW.

Derm Dispatch: Integrating Lifestyle Medicine Into Dermatology Practice

Derm Dispatch host Renata Block, DMSc, MMS, PA-C, and Buchi Neita, MCMSc, PA-C, discuss how to revolutionize dermatology with lifestyle medicine, enhancing skin health and overall well-being.

Derm Dispatch: Interpreting Clinical Trial Data Beyond the Abstract

Explore insights from Renata Block DMSc, MMS, PA-C, and James Del Rosso, DO, on interpreting clinical trial data in dermatology for enhanced patient care and outcomes.

Derm Dispatch: Lessons From the Eczema Community

The episode underscores the clinical value of listening to patient advocates who bring firsthand understanding of disease impact.

Derm Dispatch: A Lifelong Journey with Eczema and the Power of Compassionate Care

Chava Wald shares her inspiring journey with AD, advocating for patient empowerment and compassionate care during Eczema Awareness Month.

Derm Dispatch: What 'Free to Be Me' Means to Tori Spelling and Stella McDermott

Tori Spelling and Stella McDermott share their journey with eczema, promoting the Free to Be Me campaign and discussing innovative treatments like roflumilast.