Advocating for Innovation and Education in Acne Care

“Whenever I'm prescribing a medication to people, I like to apply what I call the ‘mother rule’ or the ‘daughter rule.’ What would I do if this patient was my mother or my daughter? What I would do is: do what I have to do to get the prior authorization, the step edits, whatever it is that has to be done, in order to get these beautiful products for our patients, maximize the efficacy, maximize the speed with which they get better, and reduce their irritancy profile,” said Hilary Baldwin, MD, in an interview with Dermatology Times at the 2024 Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) Fall Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Baldwin, a board-certified dermatologist, medical director of the Acne Treatment & Research Center in Brooklyn, New York, and clinical associate professor of dermatology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center, shared expert treatment tips for acne regimens and discussed her role as the medical director of this year’s meeting.

In her interview, Baldwin emphasized 2 main themes: advancements in acne treatment and the importance of collaborative education at the 2024 SDPA Fall Conference.

To keep up with all conference coverage from SDPA Fall, click here. To receive updates and top insights from the meeting, subscribe to our eNewsletters for clinical pearls straight to your inbox.

Optimizing Acne Management

Baldwin highlighted the superiority of branded acne products over generics, focusing on their advanced vehicles, which enhance efficacy and tolerability. She criticized the common "recipe" approach to acne treatment—pairing a topical retinoid with clindamycin—calling out that that combination will not be effective long-term. Clindamycin, she stressed, should always be combined with benzoyl peroxide to prevent antibiotic resistance, a critical consideration often overlooked.

She advocated for the use of fixed-combination branded therapies, which address multiple pathophysiologic pillars of acne while simplifying the regimen for patients. Simplicity, she explained, enhances adherence, making branded combinations a win-win despite the challenge of securing insurance approvals. Baldwin urged clinicians to "fight for their patients" by navigating prior authorizations and step edits, guided by what she termed the "mother or daughter rule": prescribing as if treating a loved one. This approach ensures patients receive high-quality, effective, and less irritating treatments.

The Value of PA Education

Baldwin also reflected on the SDPA conference, where she served as a speaker and medical director, praising its dedication to advancing PA education. She commended the program's structure, which includes beginner, intermediate, and advanced tracks, ensuring tailored learning experiences. This format allows speakers to deliver content at an appropriate level, avoiding confusion or redundancy among participants.

The meeting’s dynamic format, featuring both PA and MD educators, fosters a collaborative environment. Baldwin highlighted the value of PAs teaching their peers while integrating insights from physicians, making the event a cornerstone for professional development. She described the audience as "spongy" and eager to learn, creating an energizing atmosphere for speakers.

Baldwin's insights underscore the importance of using innovative, patient-centered acne therapies and the critical role of continuing education in dermatology. Her dedication to improving treatment outcomes and fostering professional growth exemplifies her commitment to advancing dermatologic care.