Dermatology Times Launches Derm Nexus Congress for NPs and PAs

Dermatology Times has launched a new suite of dermatology-focused education and community offerings for nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs), anchored by a new online platform, Dermatology Times NP/PA Connect, and a new multi-meeting conference series.¹ The series begins with Derm Nexus: The Inflammatory Disease and Innovations Congress for NP/PAs, a 2-day continuing medical education (CME) congress scheduled for November 20-21, 2026, at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Scottsdale, Arizona.² The initiative is organized around 4 pillars: inflammatory disease, cutaneous dermatology, professional development, and aesthetics.

The launch reflects the growing clinical footprint of NPs and PAs in dermatology practice, where demand for advanced, discipline-specific education has outpaced dedicated programming. Derm Nexus is positioned as the first installment in an ongoing series aimed at closing this gap through faculty-led sessions, case-based labs, and structured mentorship. Registration and full faculty details are available through Physicians' Education Resource, the meeting's producing partner.²

Derm Nexus is chaired by Lauren Evans Miller, MPAS, PA-C, of Surgical Dermatology Group in Gadsden, Alabama, alongside an advisory board comprising TJ Chao, MPAS, PA-C; Tristan M. Hasbargen, MMS, PA-C; Francine Phillips, MPAS, PA-C; and Abby Sipe, MSN, APRN, FNP-C. Faculty panelists include Lakshi Aldredge, MSN, ANP-BC, DCNP; Mona Amin, DO; Daniel Butler, MD; and David Seiter, FNP-C, DCNP.³

Over 2 days, sessions move through immune pathway science and case-based application. Day 1 opens with a session on BTK, OX-40, JAK, and TYK signaling pathways, followed by programming on the neuroimmune axis in prurigo nodularis and chronic spontaneous urticaria, non-steroidal topical innovation, and shared immune drivers of vitiligo and alopecia areata. Additional day 1 content addresses early recognition and staging of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and its psychosocial burden. Two hands-on activities, a Mechanism Match Lab and a Whole Patient Blueprint Lab, close the day alongside topic-based small-group pods.⁴

Day 2 continues with sessions on systemic benefits of inflammatory control, GI and rheumatologic warning signs, cytokine signaling in atopic dermatitis (AD), and the mental health impact of skin disease, including screening for depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Two additional hands-on sessions, Script Studio and Cytokine Heist, close the congress alongside rotating topic pods. Immersive activities throughout the event are produced in partnership with NewBeauty, extending the congress's focus on aesthetics alongside inflammatory disease management.⁴

NP/PA Connect and Four Pillars of NP/PA Education

The congress sits within a broader initiative built around 4 educational pillars: inflammatory disease, cutaneous dermatology, professional development, and aesthetics. These pillars also anchor Dermatology Times NP/PA Connect, a new online hub delivering articles, videos, and interactive content developed by Dermatology Times content teams and key opinion leaders for a dermatology-focused NP/PA audience.¹

"We're redefining what it means to be a complete clinician, because education and professional growth come from connection, and better care begins with all three," said Erik Lohrmann, senior vice president of corporate development at MJH Life Sciences.¹ "These initiatives reflect our mission to support dermatology NPs and PAs with the resources, community, and inspiration they need to thrive."

Derm Nexus marks the first installment in an ongoing NP/PA-focused meeting series from Dermatology Times, with additional congresses planned as the education initiative expands nationwide. The launch adds a dedicated advanced practice provider track to a dermatology CE landscape historically weighted toward physician audiences.

References

1. MJH Life Sciences launches Dermatology Times NP/PA Connect and Derm Nexus congress series. News release. MJH Life Sciences. February 2, 2026. Accessed August 26, 2026. https://www.mjhlifesciences.com/mjh-life-sciences-announces-new-era-in-dermatology-np-pa-education-and-engagement/
2. Derm Nexus: The Inflammatory Disease and Innovations Congress for NP/PAs. Overview. Physicians' Education Resource. Accessed August 26, 2026. https://www.gotoper.com/courses/derm-nexus-the-inflammatory-disease-and-innovations-congress-for-nppas
3. Derm Nexus: The Inflammatory Disease and Innovations Congress for NP/PAs. Faculty. Physicians' Education Resource. Accessed August 26, 2026. https://registration.gotoper.com/derm-nexus-the-inflammatory-disease-and-innovations-congress-for-np-pas-2026/page/5474181/speakers
4. Derm Nexus: The Inflammatory Disease and Innovations Congress for NP/PAs. Agenda. Physicians' Education Resource. Accessed August 26, 2026. https://registration.gotoper.com/derm-nexus-the-inflammatory-disease-and-innovations-congress-for-np-pas-2026/agenda

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Derm Nexus?
Derm Nexus is a 2-day CME congress for dermatology NPs and PAs, taking place November 20-21, 2026, in Scottsdale, Arizona, focused on inflammatory skin disease and case-based clinical application.

Who should attend Derm Nexus?
The congress is designed for dermatology-focused nurse practitioners and physician assistants seeking advanced training in inflammatory disease management, patient communication, and mental health screening.

What is Dermatology Times NP/PA Connect?
Dermatology Times NP/PA Connect is a new online platform offering articles, videos, and interactive content for dermatology NPs and PAs, organized around 4 pillars: inflammatory disease, cutaneous dermatology, professional development, and aesthetics.