2023 Innovations Garnering Gratitude

2023 has been a year of meaningful innovations in the dermatology space. From the introduction of newly approved therapeutic options to positive top-line research in various disease states, clinicians and patients alike feel they have much to be grateful for. Members of Dermatology Times’ Editorial Advisory Board share their perspectives on the most meaningful innovations of the year this Thanksgiving Day.

Tina Alster, MD

Renata Block, MMS, PA-C

"The past year has shown such an advance in dermatology, and it could not be more of an exciting time to be practicing. 2023 made leaps and bounds for chronic skin diseases with a significant focus on patient care beyond the skin. The center of attention was on the microbiome, inflammation, and interleukins, with noted targeted treatments for chronic debilitating conditions such as atopic dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, prurigo nodularis, urticaria, vitiligo, and psoriasis. The trend has shown to be a multi-disciplinary approach to these conditions, with education beyond the dermatology practitioner being of utmost importance, along with community outreach so the patient is empowered. Congresses focused on the emotional impact dermatological diseases can have on the patient and the practitioner by providing resources to both for optimal human health. It is an exciting time in dermatology, and I cannot wait to see all the innovation in 2024 as this momentum continues."

Christopher Bunick, MD, PhD

"First and foremost, I am thankful to the patients who make the practice of dermatology enjoyable and rewarding. In 2023 patient visits far exceeded pre-COVID numbers, making COVID-19's impact on clinical care seem like a distant memory. Second, I am thankful for the rich innovative spirit in dermatology. New FDA drug approvals, new drug indications, and numerous clinical trials for new agents make working in dermatology exciting and underlie constant learning and improvement. Lastly, I am thankful for the kind, familial atmosphere the dermatology community embraces, and hope 2024 continues to allow dermatology to be a light for all of medicine."

Raj Chovatiya, MD, PhD

"I'm thankful to be practicing dermatology during a time where I actually havespecific treatments for specific diseases. In my mind, 2023 was the year where the partnership between clinicians, patients, researchers, biotech innovators, and drug developers really clicked across the full spectrum of inflammatory diseases. With immunology at the forefront of innovation, whether talking about diseases of skin, hair, and nails, or treatments in the form of cream, tablet, or injection, we have more high quality data than ever before to help our patients. What does 2024 hold for us? I say we should be greedy - and start the farewell tour for nonselective, "old-school" treatments, from topical steroids to traditional oral immunosuppressants, and beyond."

Matthew Elias, DO, FAAD

"I am grateful for all my gracious colleagues who are unquestionably always willing to teach and educate; I learn something new from them every day and for that, my patients and myself are beyond thankful."

Aaron Farberg, MD

"My most gratifying aspect of dermatology in 2023 is treating thousands of patients who in return are grateful and appreciative. The most transformative aspect of dermatology in 2023 has been our advancement in leading the entire healthcare field with ground-breaking advancements in dermatology. We are leaders and continue to be a major contributor in the house of medicine."

Patricia Farris, MD

"I have long advocated for the importance of topical skincare in treating dermatologic conditions and for maximizing benefits of aesthetic procedures. In the past year, many cosmetic companies have developed, tested, and marketed innovative skincare products for treating a myriad of skin conditions and cosmetic concerns. We now have effective over the counter skincare products for treating acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, photoaging, and that can be used to reduce downtime and mitigate post-procedure complications. These effective cosmeceuticals can be used as part of the dermatologists' treatment armamentarium and give our patients easy access to products that are reasonably priced and really work."

Richard Gallo, MD, PhD

"2023 has shown continued innovation in dermatology. I am grateful for my colleagues, students and other investigators in cutaneous biology that make great personal sacrifices to work towards a better understanding of skin disease and evidence-based treatments that improve the lives of our patients."

Valerie Harvey, MD, MPH, FAAD

"I am grateful that the field of dermatology has made significant strides towards diversity and inclusivity, collectively working to ensure that individuals from all backgrounds receive the care and attention they need."

Will Kirby, DO, FAOCD

"This holiday season I give thanks that the subjugation imparted by some dermatologists against allied healthcare professionals (like NPs, PAs, and RNs) is slowly disappearing. The new generation of dermatologists understand that degree diversity and inclusivity represents the future of health care. I’m immensely grateful that I’m part of an industry that is ever evolving and that a new era of professional acceptance is slowly being ushered in!"

Mark Lebwohl, MD

"I am very grateful for all of the new treatments we have that allow us to more safely and effectively take care of our patients. JAK inhibitors and biologics have allowed us to effectively treat conditions that were previously untreatable. On the negative side, the government and Medicare are doing everything they can to reduce our ability to take care of our patients. We have to strongly support our Academy’s efforts to reverse the intolerable cuts that Medicare imposes on us year after year."

Shanna Miranti, MPAS, PA-C

"I am eternally grateful for the love and support of my wonderful husband, and four beautiful children. I am also very thankful to have a career that I love, which stimulates and motivates me every day. I am so grateful for all of my colleagues in Dermatology, whom I adore. And I am very thankful to be working in this field of medicine, which continues to provide such amazing challenges, and so many rewards."

Mona Shahriari, MD, FAAD

"I have always had a love for dermatology and 10 years later, I still have that same passion for patient care and innovation that is patient centric. As someone who identifies as non-white, what I am most grateful for is the shifting focus towards inclusive care for ALL patients with skin disease, regardless of their skin tone, race, ethnicity, and cultural background. I see examples everywhere, from diverse populations in clinical trials, to residency programs that prioritize cultural sensitivity and skin of color curricula, and even tv ads that showcase a broader skin color palette than ever seen before! Growing up, I faced challenges at my doctor's appointments because certain cultural practices that were normal for me and my family, were foreign to my physician which led to a sense of isolation and distrust on my end. But now, with increased awareness of the unique needs of individuals from varying cultures, I feel dermatology is moving towards health equity and the future is bright."

Helen Torok, MD

"I am especially grateful for the advances in autoimmune diseases with new biologics and JAK inhibitors. This is especially rewarding as these advances now include pediatric and adolescent ages. This is the age group that suffers the most with their chronic diseases."