Dermatology Times 2025 Year In Review: NP & PA Insights

As 2025 comes to a close, Dermatology Times is taking a look back at the unique insights and updates shared by nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs). From practical approaches to managing chronic inflammatory skin disease to conversations around professional identity, mentorship, and advocacy, our coverage this year reflected the real-world challenges and opportunities facing dermatology NPs and PAs today.

Horizons in Advanced Practice Meeting

Dermatology Times’ 2025 Horizons in Advanced Practice meeting highlighted the evolving role of NPs and PAs in dermatology, with a focus on practical disease management, therapeutic decision-making, and collaborative care models. Sessions addressing complex atopic dermatitis (AD), additional type 2 inflammation diseases, psoriasis, chronic hand eczema (CHE), and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) emphasized real-world topical strategies, patient adherence, and treatment personalization—reinforcing the essential role advanced practice providers play in managing complex, chronic skin disease across diverse practice settings.

Reviewing Type 2 Inflammation Through a Different Lens

Omar Noor, MD, led NP and PA attendees through 3 complex cases of atopic dermatitis, prurigo nodularis, and chronic spontaneous urticaria.

Practical Approaches to Managing Atopic Dermatitis With Topical Therapies

Douglas DiRuggiero, DMSc, MHS, PA-C, reviewed the 3 latest non-steroidal topicals for atopic dermatitis.

New Perspectives in Chronic Hand Eczema Care

Lakshi Aldredge, MSN, ANP-BC, DCNP, discussed key symptoms of CHE, the function of the JAK-STAT pathway, and key data from the DELTA trials evaluating delgocitinib cream.

Op-Eds and Contributed Perspectives

This year’s opinion pieces and contributed articles created space for critical dialogue around professional identity, scope of practice, advocacy, and career development for dermatology NPs and PAs. From examining the meaning of “advanced practice provider” to exploring mentorship, peer learning, rural access, and non-clinical career pathways, these perspectives underscored the growing influence of NPs and PAs in shaping the future of care.

Should “Advanced Practice Provider” Represent Both PAs and NPs?

Uniting all professions should be the goal as it concerns the patient and the access to care, according to Renata Block, DMSc, MMS, PA-C

The Power of Peer Learning: How NPs and PAs Are Key to the Future of Dermatology

As we celebrated National APP Week, Melodie Young, MSN, A/GNP-C, highlighted the evolution of dermatology NPs and PAs, emphasizing their vital role in patient care and ongoing professional development.

PDPA 2025: Exploring Non-Clinical Career Opportunities for Dermatology PAs and NPs

Discover non-clinical career paths for PAs and NPs at the 2025 PDPA Keystone Conference, featuring insights from Shanna Miranti, MPAS, PA-C, and Lauren Miller, PA-C.

Closing the Gap: Why Rural Dermatology Access Must Be a Priority

Rural patients face critical delays in dermatology care, highlighting the urgent need for expanded access and support for NPs and PAs in underserved areas.

Technology, Advocacy, and Peer Support: How PAs and NPs Are Shaping Modern Dermatology

Explore how dermatology PAs and NPs are transforming patient care through technology, advocacy, and peer education with Andrew Baker, MBA, MPAS, PA-C.

Joseph Gatti, DMSc, MPAS, MBA, PA-C, on Optimizing Collaboration and Mutual Respect Between PAs and Dermatologists (Vid)

Joseph Gatti, DMSc, MPAS, MBA, highlights the importance of collaboration between PAs and dermatologists, emphasizing mutual respect and the role of PAs in enhancing patient care.

Leadership in Advanced Practice Dermatology

Leadership coverage in 2025 spotlighted the individuals driving progress within NP and PA organizations, professional societies, and educational platforms. These stories highlighted career journeys, organizational vision, and community impact, celebrating leaders who are expanding opportunities, elevating voices, and strengthening representation for advanced practice providers across dermatology.

Andrew Baker, MBA, MPAS, PA-C, Shares Vision for SDPA Leadership

Strengthening interdisciplinary relationships remains a central part of Baker’s focus.

A Podcast by PAs for PAs: SkinSync Elevates Dermatology Voices

Members of Elevate-Derm Alliance and the SkinSync podcast discuss the inspiration behind the podcast and how it best serves dermatology clinicians.

From Patient to President: Amanda Caldwell, MSN, APRN-C, And Her Journey with SDNP

Amanda Caldwell, MSN, APRN-C, is promoting accessibility, education, and relatability as the newly inducted president of the Society for Dermatology Nurse Practitioners.

From Clinic to Conferences: How Heather Gates, PA-C, Blends Patient Care, Education, and Entrepreneurship in Her New Role

Heather Gates, PA-C, brings her dermatology expertise into a conference management business to enhance education for professionals of all levels.

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

Discover how the National Dermatology Leadership Summit will unite PAs and NPs to enhance collaboration, education, and advocacy in dermatology.

Douglas DiRuggiero, PA-C, DMSc, Recognized at the Elevate-Derm Fall Conference

Douglas DiRuggiero received the prestigious Stead Silver Ford Honorary Award, celebrating his dedication and impact in dermatology and medical education.

Celebrating a 30 Year Legacy: Kristine Kucera, PA-C, MPAS, DHS, Receives SDPA Lifetime Achievement Award

Kristine Kucera, PA-C, MPAS, DHS, reflects on her impactful 30-year career and celebrates the evolution of dermatology PAs at the SDPA Fall 2025 conference.

Empowerment, Education, and Advocacy in Practice

This collection of features focused on the broader responsibilities of dermatology NPs and PAs beyond diagnosis and treatment. Articles explored patient advocacy, mental health considerations, health equity, professional pride, and social determinants of care, reinforcing the clinician’s role as both medical expert and patient advocate.

Beyond the Label: Evaluating Bimekizumab’s Mental Health Profile in Psoriasis Treatment

Although bimekizumab carries a precaution for suicidal ideation and behavior, current data suggest it may improve mental health outcomes for patients with psoriasis, as shared by Jennifer Lightowler, MMSc, PA-C.

Psoriasis Insights and Professional Pride with Stephanie Simmerman, DNP, APRN-C

Stephanie Simmerman, DNP, APRN-C, led discussions on psoriasis treatment innovations at Maui Derm NP+PA Fall 2025, highlighting NP and PA advancements.

Empowering Providers and Expanding the Toolbox in Dermatology

Kara Mudd, PA-C, shares vital insights on atopic dermatitis, rosacea, and contact dermatitis from Maui Derm NP+PA Fall 2025, enhancing clinical practice.

Empowerment, Education, and Advocacy for NPs and PAs

Heather Gates, PA-C, shares insights on the importance of continuous learning, mentorship, and legislative reform for PAs and NPs in dermatology.

The Dermatology Clinician's Role in Detecting Intimate Partner Violence

Stacey Swinehart, DNP, FNP-BC, DCNP, CNL, shares key takeaways for clinicians from the SDNP's recent webinar on detecting intimate partner violence among patients.