Tristan Hasbargen, PA-C, Builds Surgical Skills and Support at Fall Clinical PA/NP

At the recent Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference for PAs and NPs in Orlando, Florida, Tristan Hasbargen, PA-C, who has been practicing dermatology for 13 years at Dermatology Associates in Tallahassee, Florida, led a surgical workshop titled “Suture Self.” The 2-hour session focused on practical, hands-on training in suturing techniques, drawing from Hasbargen’s extensive experience working with a Mohs surgeon. Key topics included basic and advanced suturing methods such as simple interrupted, cross mattress, figure-eight, vertical and horizontal mattress, and running locking sutures. He also covered more complex techniques like the running subcuticular stitch and Aberdeen knot. Special attention was given to handling delicate cases such as suturing elderly skin and preventing wound dehiscence using Steri-strips or Unna boots. The session also addressed antibiotic prophylaxis, common surgical complications, and patient-specific considerations such as smoking. Hasbargen was joined by Mohs surgeon, Harrison Nguyen, MD, MBA, MPH, and TJ Chao, PA-C, along with dermatology fellows from Darrell Riegel, MD’s program, making the session highly collaborative and engaging.

As an attendee, Hasbargen appreciates the format of the Fall Clinical PA/NP conference. He highlighted the short, focused lectures, which cater well to clinicians who prefer rapid-fire, high-yield learning like himself. He praised the quality and expertise of the speakers, including newer professionals like Curtis Chen, PA-C, who delivered a compelling session on being a hero for hidradenitis suppurativa. For Hasbargen, these sessions offer not only education but inspiration, as presenters share real-world clinical insights and trial experiences.

He also emphasized the importance of conferences like this for NPs and PAs, noting that they are tailored to the specific educational needs and challenges of these advanced practice providers. Beyond professional development, Hasbargen highlighted the value of networking, reconnecting with regular attendees, and building a supportive community. He described these events as places where attendees can both learn and feel supported, contributing to the overall advancement of the PA and NP roles in dermatology.

“It becomes a really big family,” Hasbargen said. “And I think that's really important in the community that we have people that we're surrounded by that encourage us and that want to uplift us and really elevate the career.”