Adewole Adamson, MD, MPP: Exploring Key Controversies in Dermatology at the 2025 AAD Annual Meeting

Adewole (Ade) Adamson, MD, MPP, FAAD, assistant professor in the Department of Dermatology at Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, presented a session titled, "The 2025 Debates: Controversies in Dermatology," at the 2025 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting.

The debate engaged the audience in meaningful debates about emerging trends in dermatology, including the role of artificial intelligence, the utility of molecular testing in melanoma and keratinocyte carcinomas, and the significant topic of melanoma overdiagnosis.

Exploring Artificial Intelligence in Dermatology

Adamson’s involvement in the AAD’s 2025 debate on artificial intelligence (AI) addressed one of the most pressing controversies in dermatology: "Will it replace us or won’t it?" With AI making waves in health care, especially in diagnostic roles, dermatologists are grappling with questions about its potential benefits and limitations.

Adamson emphasized the necessity of understanding where AI could present opportunities and where challenges may arise. He explained, "Where are areas of opportunity? Where are some challenges?" The session focused on these critical issues, as dermatologists must decide how to integrate AI into their practice without losing the crucial role human expertise plays in patient care.

The Clinical Utility of Molecular Testing

The second debate focused on the clinical utility of molecular testing in melanoma and keratinocyte carcinomas. This area has sparked significant discussion over the years regarding the sensitivity, specificity, and overall effectiveness of molecular testing in diagnosing these cancers.

Adamson noted, "There’s been a lot of discussion as to which tumors should use the technology, how sensitive and specific is it, and how informative is it to the patients?"

The debate delved into whether these tests provide tangible benefits for patients and clinicians or whether the technology is being overused.

Melanoma Overdiagnosis: A Growing Concern

A focal point of Adamson's involvement in the debate was a discussion on the ongoing challenge of melanoma overdiagnosis. Overdiagnosis refers to the identification of melanoma cases that would not have caused harm if left undetected, which can lead to unnecessary treatments and emotional distress for patients.

"How big is this problem? Does this problem exist? How does it affect patients?" Adamson posed.

The discussion also touched on strategies to reduce overdiagnosis while maintaining vigilance in detecting melanoma.