Previewing the 2023 SDPA Annual Fall Dermatology Conference: What to Expect

Attendees are gearing up for the 2023 Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA) Annual Fall Dermatology Conference, which begins tomorrow in Nashville, Tennessee, and ends October 29. Each summer and fall, dermatology PAs from across the country gather for 4 days of networking, collaboration, and engaging sessions representative of a variety of dermatologic indications, research, and innovation.

Founded in 1994 with more than 4,700 current members, the SDPA is the American Academy of Physician Associates’ (AAPA) largest specialty organization. Its mission is “advancing patient treatment through the education and empowerment of dermatology PAs,” and its objectives are to empower, educate, and advance. The organization’s first CME conference was held in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 2002, later leading to its first summer conference taking place in Chicago, Illinois, in 2010.

This year’s conference promises to offer “an unlimited opportunity to learn, network, and cultivate professional relationships with dermatology’s nationally recognized expert faculty,” according to the SDPA.

Sessions begin tomorrow, October 26. Heather Goff, MD, MPH, kicks off the conference with a session on Pearls and Pitfalls for Diagnosing Cutaneous Lymphoma. Following Goff's session, Orit Markowitz, MD, will present on Melanoma Diagnosis, Outcomes and Survival, and JiaDee (Jeff) Yu, MD, will delve into Regional Cases in Allergic Contact Dermatitis and Mimickers. After lunch, attendees will be able to choose from 1 of 3 concomitant session paths, including sessions on diagnosing common skin cancers and lesions, tips for a great patient experience, conversations on medical malpractice, dermoscopy, and more.

On day 2, Douglas DiRuggiero, PA-C, will begin a full day of sessions with a discussion on choosing the ideal systemic treatment for patients with psoriasis. Olushola Akinshemoyin Vaughn, MD, will offer perspectives on vulvar dermatoses, and Goff will take center stage to discuss cosmetic dermatology controversies. Throughout the day, there will be informative sessions on infantile hemangiomas, pigmentary disorders, hair loss and alopecia, pediatric dermatology, and more.

On day 3, the day will be filled with session on atopic dermatitis, itchy dermatoses, acne in adult women, and more.

The final day of the conference will feature sessions related to interesting cases from medical missions, tips for effective relationships with supervising physicians, and what to avoid in cosmetic dermatology.

Sessions Topics at a Glance:

• Acne
• Allergic contact dermatitis
• Alopecia
• Atopic dermatitis
• Benign vs. malignant lesions
• Chemical peels
• Cosmetic dermatology
• Cutaneous lymphoma
• Dermoscopy
• Inflammatory conditions
• Itchy dermatoses
• Melanoma
• Pediatric dermatology
• Pigmentary disorders
• Practice management/PA advice
• Psoriasis
• Skin cancers and lesions
• Vasculitis
• Vulvar dermatoses

Throughout the many sessions, attendees will also be provided with several opportunities to engage in networking and explore the city of Nashville.

The editors of Dermatology Times® will be covering the conference live in person, reporting on numerous engaging sessions, as well as conducting exclusive interviews with experts in the field. Some of the upcoming content from the SDPA Annual Fall Dermatology Conference include discussions on the role of PAs in dermatology, insights into advanced dermatologic conditions, considerations for pediatric dermatology, the future and innovations of IL-17s, and more.

See the full SDPA Annual Summer Dermatology Conference agenda here.

Make sure to keep up to date with the latest in coverage from the conference and subscribe to Dermatology Times to receive daily email updates.