Previewing NYC’s DermVIP Summit with Founder, Amy Spizuoco, DO, FAOCD

Amy Spizuoco, DO, FAOCD, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist based in New York, New York, sat down for an exclusive conversation with Dermatology Times, outlining the vision and development of the inaugural DermVIP Summit, a new dermatology-focused conference she co-founded with Peter Friedman, MD, PhD. Designed as an annual meeting rooted in New York City, the summit aims to provide a dedicated educational platform specifically for dermatology professionals, including physicians, physician associates, nurse practitioners, residents, and students, with an emphasis on delivering high-level, specialty-focused content.

A central motivation behind DermVIP Summit is to address a notable gap in dermatologic education—namely, the limited number of conferences devoted to hair loss and scalp disorders. As the prevalence and clinical importance of conditions such as androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata continue to grow, alongside expanding therapeutic options, Spizuoco emphasizes the need for comprehensive, expert-led discussions on diagnosis, management, and patient education in this area. The meeting will also incorporate broader inflammatory dermatologic conditions, particularly those affecting the scalp, reflecting an integrated clinical approach.

The planning process for the conference has been both challenging and rewarding. Despite initially limited familiarity, Spizuoco and Friedman developed a highly collaborative partnership, combining complementary strengths in conference organization and scientific programming. Overcoming logistical hurdles related to venue selection, funding, and speaker coordination, the team secured a prestigious location at the New York Academy of Medicine and assembled a distinguished faculty of “VIP” speakers.

“We just have been coming together on so many topics and really, really agreeing,” Spizuoco said about Friedman. “Where I'm a little bit stronger on conference planning, he's a little bit stronger on agenda and topics we should discuss. It's been really great working together.”

Program content will span inflammatory scalp diseases, pediatric hair disorders, and emerging topics such as cosmeceuticals and supplements for hair loss, ensuring a comprehensive and practical curriculum. Ultimately, DermVIP Summit seeks to establish itself as a premier dermatology meeting that delivers cutting-edge clinical insights while fostering a strong professional community. Spizuoco concludes that attendees will gain up-to-date, clinically relevant knowledge to enhance the diagnosis and management of hair disorders, with long-term ambitions to expand the meeting’s reach nationally and globally.

DermVIP’s 2026 Summit will be held from May 8 to 9 at the New York Academy of Medicine. To learn more and register, click here.