Collaborating for Better Care: SDPA's Role in Advancing Dermatology

“In the end, it’s always about what can we do to make our patient better? And when we collaborate, we are learning from each other, we are gaining pearls. That’s why I love coming to conferences like this, because we are sitting down at the same table, and that is the most important thing to make our patients better,” said Renata Block, MMS, PA-C, in an interview with Dermatology Times at the 2024 Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) Fall Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Block, a board-certified physician assistant in Chicago, Illinois, and a Dermatology Times Editorial Advisory Board member, discussed the importance of SDPA membership, the value of tailored educational tracks, the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, the promising future of dermatology innovations, and the critical role of advocacy in elevating the contributions of physician assistants to dermatology and patient care.

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Highlights From Renata Block, MMS, PA-C

1. The Importance of SDPA Membership

Block emphasized the necessity of joining the SDPA, particularly for physician assistants (PAs) starting their careers. Membership offers professional support, mentorship, and leadership opportunities. Advanced leaders in SDPA actively mentor new members, creating a collaborative environment. For seasoned PAs, SDPA membership is equally essential, serving as the collective voice of PAs across the nation. The SDPA provides opportunities to attend conferences and network with fellow PAs, MDs, DOs, and NPs, fostering lifelong professional relationships and enriching career growth.

2. Tailored Education Tracks

A notable innovation under Block’s leadership as past SDPA president was the introduction of educational tracks catering to different career stages. This initiative offers targeted learning paths for beginner, intermediate, and advanced PAs. Attendees can customize their educational journey, explore new areas outside their daily practice, and expand their expertise. This flexibility enhances professional growth by encouraging PAs to think beyond their existing skill set and potentially incorporate new techniques or services into their practice.

3. Collaboration Across Disciplines

Block highlighted collaboration as a cornerstone of the dermatology profession. Effective partnerships between PAs, NPs, MDs, and industry professionals enhance patient care. While each group approaches patient care from unique perspectives, their shared goal is to improve outcomes. Conferences provide invaluable opportunities to exchange insights, gain practical knowledge, and collectively advance the field. Collaborating with industry also ensures innovative solutions are effectively integrated into patient care.

4. Future of Dermatology and Industry Innovation

The dermatology field is positioned for significant advancements, with the industry focusing on developing safer, innovative therapies. Block envisions a robust future where collaboration between medical professionals and the pharmaceutical industry drives research and product rollouts. This partnership ensures therapies meet clinical needs and are effectively communicated to patients. By combining clinical expertise and industry innovation, the profession can enhance treatment delivery and patient understanding.

5. Advocating for PA Roles in Dermatology

Block addressed the importance of using one’s voice to advocate for PAs in dermatology. According to Block, platforms such as Dermatology Times are crucial in amplifying the role of PAs, not only within the profession but also among patients. Through editorial contributions, PAs can educate the public about their expertise and the quality of care they provide. Patients increasingly recognize PAs as integral members of the dermatology care team, receiving comparable care to physicians.

Block’s highlights showcase the value of SDPA membership, the transformative impact of tailored education, the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration, the promising future of dermatology innovations, and the vital role of advocacy in elevating PAs’ contributions to the field.