Elevating Physician Assistants: Acne Insights, Career Milestones, and Education at the 2024 SDPA Fall Conference

The 2024 Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) Fall Conference in Las Vegas brought together leading dermatology physician assistants (PAs) to share expertise, celebrate achievements, and explore advancements in patient care. From acne management strategies presented by Shanna Miranti, MPAS, PA-C, and Hilary Baldwin, MD, to the recognition of Jane Mast, PhD, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, with the prestigious Joe Monroe Lifetime Achievement Award, the conference underscored the integral role of PAs in dermatology. Attendees also engaged in dynamic sessions on clinical trial interpretation, innovative therapies, and professional development opportunities, highlighting the SDPA’s commitment to advancing education and excellence across all career levels.

Catch up below on exclusive interviews with Shanna Miranti, MPAS, PA-C; Renata Block, MMS, PA-C; Jane Mast, PhD, DMSc, MPAS; PA-C; Sara Wilchowski, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C; and Michael Rubio, PA-C.

Shanna Miranti, MPAS, PA-C, Shares Expert Acne and Pediatric Dermatology Insights

“We want dermatology PAs to know that sometimes it's not enough to just prescribe one topical generic medication. If we are going to use combination therapy, we really want to try to check each one of those 4 pillars of acne pathogenesis when creating regimens for our patients with acne,” said Shanna Miranti, MPAS, PA-C, in an interview with Dermatology Times at the 2024 Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) Fall Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Miranti, a board-certified physician assistant at Riverchase Dermatology in Naples, Florida, and Dermatology Times’ Summer 2024 Editor in Chief, kicked off the conference on the first day in a collaborative session with Hilary Baldwin, MD, medical director of the SDPA conference, to discuss “Acne Insights: Expert Strategies and Solutions From the Pros.”

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Renata Block, MMS, PA-C, Highlights SDPA Fall 2024 Sessions

“I love that the SDPA is focusing on people who are beginners, intermediate, or advanced, and they have these breakout sessions, which I think is really important because you get to choose the class that you want to go based on your education level.,” said Renata Block, MMS, PA-C, in an interview with Dermatology Times previewing the 22nd annual SDPA Fall conference.

Block, a board-certified physician assistant at SKIN Dermatology in Munster, Indiana, and a Dermatology Times Editorial Advisory Board member, discussed what she is looking forward to at SDPA Fall 2024, including sessions on how to interpret clinical trials and expert acne updates from Hilary Baldwin, MD.

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Jane Mast, PhD, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C: The 2024 Joe Monroe Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

During the SDPA Fall Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, Jane Mast PhD, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, was presented with the Joe Monroe Lifetime Achievement Award. Mast, who has been a dermatology physician associate for more than 20 years, is currently the medical director of dermatology and allergy for Novartis. She has also served the SDPA in many positions throughout the years, including chair of the Legislative Affairs Committee, Director at Large on the Board of Directors, trustee at large for the Dermatology PA Foundation and SDPA President. In addition to receiving the award, she participated in a panel discussion on medical science liaisons.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is named after the founder of the SDPA and the first president of the organization, Joe Monroe, MPAS, PA. He has also contributed to the field via publications and speaking, sharing his knowledge and experiences to help support PA colleagues. In an interview a few years ago, Monroe shared advice to early career Derm PAs.

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From Clinic to Industry: Insights Into the MSL Role and PA Advocacy

“I cannot stress enough to collaborate with your current MSLs, because it not only helps you understand the role, but it helps you to better serve your patients,” said Sara Wilchowski, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, in an interview with Dermatology Times at the 2024 SDPA Fall Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Wilchowski, a board-certified physician associate and a medical science liaison in Detroit, Michigan, presented “The Ins and Outs of Being an MSL” and “Strategic Supplement Strategies for the Derm PA” at the 22nd annual conference. In her interview, Wilchowski also discussed the crucial role of SDPA in providing comprehensive education to its members and upcoming dermatology innovations in 2025.

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Empowering Dermatology PAs Through Education and Career Support

“SDPA continues to be a main education for our members and we're growing exponentially in the field. The more education and the more spotlight we're giving our derm PAs, the better,” said Michael Rubio, PA-C, in an interview with Dermatology Times previewing the 2024 SDPA Fall Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Rubio, a board-certified dermatology physician associate (PA) practicing in Brooklyn, New York, at Infinity Dermatology, the vice co-chair of the SDPACommunication Committee, contributor to the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants development of the Certificate of Added Qualifications in Dermatology, and co-founder of Well Revolution, highlighted the significant role of the SDPA in advancing PA education and career support in this year’s meeting and beyond.

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