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

Dermatology looks different than what it did even a few years ago. New therapies are expanding treatment options, artificial intelligence (AI) is improving documentation and decision-making, and demand for timely access is higher than ever. At the same time, physician associates/assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) are taking on more responsibility for patient care and the systems that support it.

For dermatology PAs, that responsibility is growing fast. In less than a decade, our numbers have nearly doubled.¹ We now see an average of 118 patients per week, which is among the highest patient volumes in any PA specialty.² Many of us are also influencing policy, building peer education programs, and mentoring early-career clinicians.

But many PAs aren’t aware of the opportunities available to them. Busy clinical schedules often leave little time to pursue leadership or professional development. The right networks can change that. By connecting providers with peers, creating space for mentorship, and sharing knowledge, professional communities make it easier for advanced practice providers (APPs) to take on bigger roles in education, advocacy, and innovation.

Expanding Care Through Technology and Virtual Models

Many practices are adopting technology to remove bottlenecks and improve the flow of care. In my own, we’ve started using AI tools that speed up documentation, simplify prior authorizations, and reduce staff workload. For example, we now have software that can review a pathology report, suggest a diagnosis, and recommend next steps, including seeing the patient again, performing a procedure, or prescribing treatment.

We’ve also added systems that help manage patient calls and follow-ups more efficiently. These tools don’t replace clinical decision-making, but they do make it easier to keep up with the pace of patient care. In private practice, I didn’t have access to this kind of technology, and I know many PAs still don’t. Sharing what’s working can help smaller or independent practices see what’s possible and make the case for investing in it.

Virtual care is another area of growth. I use it most often with established patients, such as those who are traveling, college students continuing treatment, or patients who just need a prescription refill. Even in a visual specialty like dermatology, virtual visits can be highly effective. For patients who face long wait times or live far from a provider, it’s often the most practical option.

Advocacy as a Leadership Imperative

Advocacy may not always feel like part of the job, but it should be. Earlier this year, I joined nearly 100 dermatology providers in Washington, DC, to speak with lawmakers about the barriers we see in practice. One priority was improving access to treatment for vitiligo and alopecia areata, which are two inflammatory skin conditions that are often misclassified as cosmetic and excluded from coverage. We’re pushing for fairer reimbursement so patients can receive necessary care without unnecessary hurdles.

We also addressed Medicare cuts that continue to affect all of dermatology, from physicians to PAs and NPs. These cuts make it harder for practices to sustain quality care, especially in high-demand settings.

No one provider can take this on alone. When we advocate as a united APP community, our message carries more weight. Showing up together makes it clear that we care about the future of our profession and are willing to work for better conditions for our patients and for ourselves.

Strengthening the Profession Through Peer Education

More PAs and NPs are entering dermatology than ever, and they need support at every stage of their careers. Early-career clinicians need targeted clinical education and stronger peer networks. Those further along should have more chances to publish, speak, or mentor.

Organizations like the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA) offer resources in these areas, and I’ve been involved in efforts to make those opportunities more visible, especially for experienced PAs who are ready to step up but don’t know where to begin. Point of Care Network Group (POCN) also offers educational materials and clinical resources tailored to APPs, including Centers of Excellence that feature guidelines, patient education tools, and curated research. These resources help providers stay current and build confidence in areas that may not have been emphasized during training.

As dermatology continues to evolve with new treatments, delivery models, and expectations, peer learning will only become more important. I’ve seen firsthand, through SDPA and my work with POCN, how much stronger we are when we share what works and make those opportunities easy to access. PAs and NPs need spaces to connect, ask questions, and support one another. From embracing new technology to advocating for fair policies, the more we support each other, the better we can care for our patients.

Andrew Baker, MBA, MPAS, PA-C, is a practicing dermatology PA based in Columbus, Ohio, at DOCS Dermatology and president-elect of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA).

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References

1. Griffith CF, Young PA, Hooker RS, Puckett K, Kozikowski A. Characteristics of physician associates/assistants in dermatology. Arch Dermatol Res. 2023;315(7):2027-2033. doi:10.1007/s00403-023-02593-7

2. Statistical Profile of Board Certified PAs by Specialty: Annual Report. The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). 2023.