Acne 

Actinic Keratosis 

Aesthetics

Alopecia

Biologic Treatments for Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis 

Atopic Dermatitis 

Buy-and-Bill

COVID-19

Case-Based Roundtable

Chronic Hand Eczema

Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria 

Drug Watch

Eczema

General Dermatology 

Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Melasma

NP and PA

Pediatric Dermatology

Pigmentary Disorders 

Practice Management 

Precision Medicine and Biologics

Prurigo Nodularis

Emerging Therapies Plaque Psoriasis

Treatments for Plaque Psoriasis 

Psoriasis 

Psoriatic Arthritis 

Rare Disease

Rosacea 

Skin Cancer (Nonmelanoma)

Skin Cancer

Vitiligo

Wound Care

News

Media

Around the Practice

Between The Lines

Case-Based Peer Perspective

Clinical Case Collective

DermView

Expert Perspectives

Fellows Face Off

Frontline Forum

Medical World News

Patient Perspectives

Podcasts

Readout360

Recognize and Refer

Conferences

Conference Coverage

Conference Listing

Events

Publication

Dermatology Times

CME/CE

Resources

DermIQ

Interactive Tools

Job Board

Partner Perspectives

Perspectives in Dermatology

Polls

Spot Test

Editorial Advisory Board

Partners

Subscribe

Marie Bosslett is the assistant editor of 

 and joined the MJH Life Sciences team in October 2024. She attended Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with minors in marketing and writing. When she’s not writing, Marie enjoys going to concerts, reading on the beach, and spending time with friends and family.

Articles

Lauren Madigan, MD, shares vital insights on complex dermatology, emphasizing accurate diagnoses and the importance of diversity in dermatologic imagery.

Unraveling Complex Dermatology, Challenging Diagnoses, and the Power of Visuals

Buchi Neita, MCMSc, PA-C, is a board-certified physician assistant at Epiphany Dermatology in Peachtree City, Georgia.

At Elevate-Derm Summer, Buchi Neita, MCMSc, PA-C, discussed enhancing dermatologic care for patients with skin of color by recognizing characteristics in common conditions and offered strategies to build rapport with patients.  

Improving Diagnoses and Trust in Patients With Skin of Color

Maddi Hebebrand is an associate editor of 

and joined the MJH Life Sciences team in May 2024. She attended Baldwin Wallace University, studying Media Production and Film, and received her Masters in Digital Media from Ohio University. When she's not writing, Maddi loves to read, attend concerts and spend time with her family. 

Explore the top headlines of the month, including insights on regulatory updates, expert pearls, and more. 

FDA Grants Fast Track Designation to Nektar's Rezpegaldesleukin in Alopecia Areata

Dermatology Times connects dermatology professionals with key skin disorder coverage, therapeutic strategies, clinical trial updates, and expert insights.

About

Advertise

Contact Us

Do Not Sell My Information

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Dermatology Times - Dermatology News and Clinical Insights

Facebook

Linkedin

Topics

Acne

Pigmentary Disorders

Practice Management

Psoriasis

Psoriatic Arthritis

Rosacea

1rem

Authors

Frequent fliers, including pilots and cabin crew, are exposed to greater levels of UV and cosmic ionizing radiation than the general population, leading to higher incidence of skin cancers.

Aircrews Face Increased Risk of Developing Skin Cancer

Final Thoughts: The Importance of Comparative Studies in AD

Panelists offer concluding insights and emphasize the critical role of comparative studies in advancing atopic dermatitis treatment strategies.

clinical

Video Series

OJM Group’s David Mandell, JD, MBA, shares financial planning strategies for physicians facing new tax laws and market volatility.

Think Like a CEO: Financial Tips for Physicians

Navigating Financial Uncertainty: OJM Group Shares Wealth Planning Strategies for Physicians

, David Mandell, JD, MBA, a founding partner of 

, offered insights into how physicians—particularly dermatologists—can better manage their finances amid evolving tax laws and ongoing market volatility.

OJM Group, a multidisciplinary wealth management firm focused on serving physicians nationwide, emphasizes strategic financial planning to mitigate risks and maximize long-term value. During the interview, Mandell highlighted a key theme: the importance of proactive, informed decision-making in today’s shifting financial landscape.

Adapting to Market Volatility and Tax Law Changes

Mandell noted that the second quarter of the year exemplified extreme market swings, moving from bear market territory to record highs in just a few months. “That volatility,” he said, “we expect to continue.” Such fluctuations, although unsettling, present both risks and opportunities. Mandell advised physicians to resist the urge to make reactive decisions, such as exiting the market prematurely, which can result in missed gains and long-term setbacks. Instead, he encouraged strategies like tax-loss harvesting, gain harvesting, and revisiting portfolio contributions during downturns.

Regarding taxation, although new federal tax laws are still being analyzed, Mandell assured that many tried-and-true strategies remain relevant. He stressed the importance of understanding one’s business structure—whether an S Corp, C Corp, or disregarded entity—and using it to maximize tax treatment. Qualified retirement plans such as 401(k) plans, Simplified Employee Pension Individual Retirement Accounts, and defined benefit plans also continue to offer significant advantages.

Mandell emphasized the need for physicians to adopt a CEO mindset regarding their careers and practices. This includes knowing when to delegate and when to consult specialists. For those starting a practice or looking to expand, Mandell recommended working with professional consultants and leveraging resources for business planning, real estate decisions, equipment acquisition, and exit strategies such as private equity deals or group mergers.

OJM Group’s resources are designed to empower physicians without expecting them to become financial experts themselves. “Our goal is to open eyes to opportunities,” Mandell said, “not to turn physicians into attorneys or advisors.” To support this, OJM offers a suite of free resources, including a monthly newsletter, educational webinars, their book series, and a podcast titled 

 can access OJM’s books for free, complete with interactive QR codes linking to expert discussions on relevant financial strategies. To explore more, visit 

Physicians, particularly dermatologists, can enhance financial management amid market volatility and evolving tax laws by adopting strategic wealth planning. OJM Group emphasizes proactive decision-making to mitigate risks and maximize long-term value. Physicians should avoid reactive market exits and consider strategies like tax-loss harvesting. Understanding business structures and utilizing qualified retirement plans remain crucial for tax optimization. Adopting a CEO mindset, physicians should delegate and consult specialists for business planning. OJM Group provides resources to empower physicians without requiring them to become financial experts.

In a compelling series of interviews for 

’ Derm Dispatch, Renata Block, DMSc, MMS, PA-C, a dermatology physician assistant in Chicago, Illinois, sat down with 3 melanoma survivors whose experiences detail the devastating surprise of diagnosis, and the life-saving importance of early detection, routine skin exams, and public education. The conversations with Sarah Ogletree, Karolina Jasko, and Brittanny Groover reveal deeply personal journeys that reflect broader truths about melanoma: It can strike without warning, appear in unexpected places, and affect patients of any age. These survivors have each transformed their experiences into advocacy, hoping to prevent others from facing the same ordeal.

Sarah Ogletree was just 25 years old when her life took a drastic turn. What started as a casual day at a friend’s pool in Dothan, Alabama, quickly escalated into something more serious.

“I got out of the pool and went into the bathroom with a friend of mine. I looked at my leg and I was like, what is...? I thought it was something from the pool or whatever, and I’m trying to get it off,” Ogletree recalled. “It did not come out, and it was black—like black black—and I’d never seen it before.”

Ogletree was a regular dermatology patient with a separate mole on her calf who was scheduled for examination, but this newly emerged spot prompted immediate concern during her visit. “The one on your calf, I’m not too worried about,” her dermatologist told her, “but the one on your thigh...does not look good.”

That unexpected diagnosis led Ogletree into a whirlwind of procedures and emotions. A former tanning bed user, she admitted, “I was stupid and tanned and tanned in a bed,” a behavior all too common among young adults.

Her story highlights a troubling paradox: Even patients who routinely see dermatologists can underestimate their risk. In Ogletree’s case, an offhand comment from her massage therapist about a mole on her calf indirectly led to the detection of the far more dangerous lesion on her thigh. “Just by the grace of God, I had that.... It all kind of happened right there in that whole span, that whole, you know, little 4-day block,” she said.

Karolina Jasko’s experience with melanoma was equally alarming—and entirely different. Diagnosed with subungual melanoma in her high school years, Jasko was shocked to discover that her cancer originated not from a mole, but from a black line under her thumbnail. “I definitely didn’t think much of it at first,” she told Block. “But when the infection set in, I knew something wasn’t right, and that’s when I went to see a doctor.”

Initially misinterpreted as a nail bruise, the vertical stripe became painful and red. Only after seeking medical care did she learn it was melanoma, highlighting how the disease can manifest beyond the typical “ABCDE” warning signs of mole-related melanoma. Jasko acknowledged that routine dermatology exams were not a priority in her teen years, despite a family history of skin cancer. “We thought that I was still so young, it was hard to imagine that something would appear so early on,” she said.

Her story expands the conversation around melanoma to include lesser-known variants and encourages clinicians to educate patients about nontraditional warning signs. It also highlights the importance of dermatologic vigilance among adolescents, who may view skin checks as unnecessary until adulthood.

For Brittanny Groover, the journey began with a familiar warning sign: a changing mole. What made her case particularly poignant was the timing. Groover had undergone annual dermatologic exams for years, but her 2020 appointment was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. By the time she was seen, the mole on her shin had grown significantly and was quickly identified as melanoma.

Her diagnosis led to intensive treatments, including surgical excision, a skin graft, and a sentinel lymph node biopsy. After her cancer spread, she endured a full year of immunotherapy with pembrolizumab (Keytruda; Merck & Co). The adverse effects were grueling. “The side effects—colitis and pancreatitis—were worse than the cancer itself,” Groover shared candidly.

Today, she is cancer free but forever changed. Her message is directed primarily toward younger generations, many of whom still view melanoma as “just skin cancer.” She uses social media to share her experience unfiltered, reminding her audience that melanoma can be aggressive, recurrent, and even fatal. Through her advocacy work with programs such as “Don’t Fry Day” and the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, Groover pushes for early education. “We need to show teens how to do skin checks, not just hand them a brochure,” she said.

A Call to Action for Clinicians and Communities

Across these interviews, one theme is clear: early detection saves lives, but awareness is not always where it needs to be. Whether it’s an unfamiliar black spot, a vertical line on a nail, or a slowly changing mole, melanoma doesn’t always announce itself in obvious ways. Nor does it discriminate by age, sex, or geography.

“We have to take care of our skin,” Block emphasized. “It is something that should be considered an annual visit, just as all these other appointments…we make sure to [schedule].”

These stories are a stark reminder that providers must go beyond standard screenings. Education must reach patients early and often. Empowering patients to recognize suspicious lesions, question changes in their skin, and prioritize annual skin exams can prevent delayed diagnoses.

Melanoma survivors Sarah Ogletree, Karolina Jasko, and Brittanny Groover share their experiences, underscoring the critical importance of early detection, routine skin exams, and public education. Their stories reveal melanoma's unpredictable nature, striking unexpectedly and affecting individuals of any age. Ogletree's diagnosis followed a casual observation, Jasko's melanoma appeared as a nail stripe, and Groover's case was delayed by the pandemic. These narratives emphasize the need for heightened awareness and proactive skin health management, urging clinicians to educate patients on recognizing nontraditional warning signs and prioritizing regular dermatologic evaluations.

Melanoma survivors share their diagnoses and advocate for early detection, routine skin exams, and public education to save lives.

Learning From Patient Experiences of Melanoma

With longer visits and flat-rate pricing, Kment’s practice provides personalized dermatologic care to both insured and uninsured patients.

Cutting Costs, Not Care

 interview, Renata Block, DMSc, MMS, PA-C, spoke with Jacki Kment, PA-C, MPAS, DFAAPA, about her decision to launch a direct pay dermatology practice in Lincoln, Nebraska, 

. With 30 years of experience as a physician assistant—27 in dermatology—Kment made a bold move in 2018 to leave traditional insurance-based care and create a patient-centered model rooted in accessibility, time, and transparency.

The shift stemmed from frustrations in her previous practice. “I was in a large dermatology practice going on 20 years, and I was challenged by the limited amount of time to spend with patients,” Kment explained. The pressure to see more patients in less time to compensate for reduced reimbursement rates had become unsustainable. She also identified a need in the community for more affordable care, especially for uninsured individuals.

That need led her to explore a lesser-known option: direct pay. “So I looked into what's called a direct pay dermatology practice model,” she said. “And by doing this, I could create an opportunity to invest in education of my patients, something that is very challenging in a traditional medical practice due to the limited amount of time that we are able to have with our patients.”

In her direct pay model, Kment does not accept insurance or government programs like Medicare or Medicaid. Instead, patients pay a transparent, flat fee at the time of service. “We decided not to participate with any insurance companies or even governmental programs, and by doing so, you can actually significantly reduce your overhead costs and then pass those savings onto your patients,” she said.

This approach allows Kment to spend more time with each patient—appointments are typically booked every 20 to 30 minutes. “We don’t have patients every 5 to 10 minutes, like in typical dermatology practices,” she emphasized.

While the benefits are clear—lower fees, more personalized care, and fewer administrative headaches—Kment acknowledged that educating patients and providers about this new model has been the biggest challenge. “I think the greatest risk is that it's a completely new… it's a new practice model, and many people don't understand it,” she said. Patients often ask why they shouldn't use their insurance, and many are unaware of the potential cost savings.

Still, the impact has been profound. Patients with severe chronic conditions, like psoriasis, who previously avoided care due to cost, are now able to access treatment. “We have some patients that have 70 to 80% of their body surface area covered in psoriasis, and they haven't gone in, and they are recluse because they didn't have the money,” Kment shared.

Her practice not only provides vital care but also offers dignity, time, and trust—qualities often missing in high-volume, insurance-based settings. Kment continues to consult with other providers interested in replicating her model, proving that rethinking the business of dermatology can lead to both clinical success and meaningful patient impact.

Renata Block interviewed Jacki Kment about her decision to establish a direct pay dermatology practice, Integrity Dermatology, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Kment, with 30 years of experience, transitioned from traditional insurance-based care to a patient-centered model emphasizing accessibility, time, and transparency. This shift was driven by frustrations with limited patient interaction and the need for affordable care. The direct pay model, which excludes insurance, allows for reduced overhead costs and longer patient appointments. Despite challenges in educating patients, the model has improved access to care for those with chronic conditions.

Derm Dispatch: Cutting Costs, Not Care with Jacki Kment, PA-C, MPAS, DFAAPA

Jacki Kment, PA-C, shares how she built a successful direct pay dermatology practice to prioritize patient care and professional balance.

Consulting, Care, and the Direct Pay Future

 conversation, Renata Block, PA-C, sat down with Jacki Kment, PA-C, MPAS, DFAAPA, a physician assistant in Lincoln, Nebraska, and owner of 

, to discuss her pioneering journey with the direct pay dermatology model. With 30 years of experience as a PA—27 of them in dermatology—Kment has become a go-to resource for clinicians interested in breaking away from the constraints of insurance-based care.

“After the first couple of years, just due to our growth, we gained a lot of attention from PAs and NPs across the country being interested in direct pay dermatology,” Kment shared. She initially fielded calls and emails during her nights and weekends, but it quickly became unsustainable. “I decided to start a consulting business, which allowed me to focus on those individuals who were truly interested... versus those who were just curious.”

When asked what advice she would give others considering this path, Kment distilled it down to a clear roadmap. “Do your homework. Really take time to thoroughly research, investigate and plan before implementing. Reach out to those who have done this... consider investing in a consultant to help you plan and succeed.”

She stressed that motivations matter. “If your drive is to simply make more money from the get go, then you might get frustrated, because it is a new practice model. It can take time... I would say, also having enough financial reserve to handle the building of your practice over time, because there's lots of variables.”

Kment noted that even with 2 decades of patient relationships in the community, growth wasn’t instant. “For us to get to a full schedule, I mean, it was a good couple of years... We're not spending a lot of money in advertising more by word of mouth.”

Looking ahead, she is considering expansion and succession. “We're currently exploring the opportunity to expand our practice, there’s a suite opening up next door.” Her vision includes finding “a like-minded PA or NP who’s interested in the direct pay model... and provide stellar customer service.”

Despite interest from investors, she’s protective of what she’s built. “My concern about that is just the unlikelihood that they would actually continue the direct pay practice model.” Kment reflected on her journey with appreciation. “It is a really refreshing and rewarding practice model... I wish I would have done it sooner.”

Renata Block, PA-C, interviewed Jacki Kment, PA-C, about her experience with the direct pay dermatology model. Kment, with 30 years as a PA, has become a resource for clinicians interested in this model, leading her to start a consulting business. She advises thorough research and planning, emphasizing motivations beyond financial gain. Despite her established patient relationships, growth took time, relying on word-of-mouth rather than advertising. Kment is considering practice expansion while maintaining the integrity of the direct pay model, expressing satisfaction with her career choice.

Jacki Kment, PA-C, MPAS, DFAAPA, shares how she built a successful direct pay dermatology practice to prioritize patient care and professional balance.

Consulting, Care, and the Direct Pay Future with Jacki Kment, PA-C, MPAS, DFAAPA

Schachner reflected on his career, mentors, and innovations in the field

Lawrence Schachner, MD, on Receiving the Alvin Jacobs Award

Lawrence Schachner, MD, chair and professor emeritus at the University of Miami Department of Dermatology, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Alvin H. Jacobs Award by the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Dermatology. The award recognizes a lifetime of achievement and contribution to the field of pediatric dermatology, and was presented to him at the 

50th Annual Society for Pediatric Dermatology Meeting

Schachner, a “40 plus year member of the Society for Pediatric Dermatology,” has held numerous leadership positions, including serving as president of the SPD and chair of the AAP section on pediatric dermatology. He reflected on the honor, stating, “It’s exceedingly humbling. Alvin Jacobs was a founding father of this society. He was the first president, and he was one who helped make the ethos of this society one in which the newest, youngest people were welcomed, nurtured, mentored, given time at the podium, myself included.”

His career began in pediatrics, where he noticed a striking gap in dermatologic knowledge among his colleagues. “If there was a kid with a cardiac problem or seizures or asthma or sepsis, the faculty was spectacular… but if a child came in with a bad cutaneous problem, the faculty disappeared like rats, leaving a ship because they didn’t know anything.” Motivated to fill this void, he pursued dermatology training, discovering a deep appreciation for the specialty: “Every rash had looked the same before, but now I can start learning and seeing what the different reactions in the skin were.”

Schachner emphasized the value of dual training in pediatrics and dermatology, noting, “I think it’s important to get grounding in both pediatrics and dermatology… so when you get into derm, you really have this fund of knowledge about the pediatric side that allows you to be best pediatric dermatologist you can possibly be.”

His long career spans some of the most transformative advancements in pediatric dermatology. “I’ve seen isotretinoin, Accutane, help kids with cystic acne when we had nothing. I’ve seen repurposing of propranolol for kids with hemangioma of infancy. I’ve seen the biologics, the JAKs... Now we have topical calcineurin inhibitors. We have new phosphodiesterases that are very powerful... It’s a thrilling time.”

Schachner and Hansen’s Pediatric Dermatology

, a foundational text in the field. “When Ron Hansen and I were asked to do the first textbook, we were 4 or 5 years out of residency… We approached 30 of the members of the society… 27 said yes. And did spectacular work for 2 relative rookies. They trusted us.”

He closed his reflection by acknowledging the collegial spirit of the SPD. “My heroes and heroines are in that room, or they’re in my memory. A few of them are gone, but I can still hear them, see them in my mind… I’ve learned an enormous amount of pediatric dermatology and life from them.”

Lawrence Schachner, MD, has been honored with the Alvin H. Jacobs Award by the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Dermatology for his lifetime contributions to pediatric dermatology. Schachner, a long-standing member of the Society for Pediatric Dermatology, has held numerous leadership roles and emphasized the importance of dual training in pediatrics and dermatology. His career has witnessed significant advancements in the field, including the development of treatments like isotretinoin and biologics. Schachner co-authored a foundational textbook and values the collegial spirit of the Society for Pediatric Dermatology.

Schachner was the 2025 recipient of the AAP Alvin H. Jacobs award at the 50th annual SPD meeting.

Katherine McKay

Articles

Latest Updated Articles