Previewing the 2025 SDPA Annual Summer Dermatology Conference: What to Expect

Attendees are gearing up for the 2025 Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) Annual Summer Dermatology Conference, which begins today in Washington, DC, and ends June 29. Each summer and fall, dermatology PAs from across the country gather for 4 days of networking, collaboration, and engaging sessions representative of a variety of dermatologic indications, research, and innovation.

Established in 1994, the SDPA is the largest specialty organization affiliated with the American Academy of Physician Associates, currently representing over 4,700 members. Its mission is to "advance patient treatment through the education and empowerment of dermatology PAs," with a focus on empowerment, education, and advancement. The organization held its first CME conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 2002, followed by its inaugural summer conference in Chicago, Illinois, in 2010.

Sessions begin today, June 26. Incoming SDPA President Amber Blair, PA-C, kicks off the meeting with a welcome message. Later that morning, Ginette Okoye, MD, will present practical management strategies for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), and Candrice Heath, MD, will lead a featured session addressing pediatric atopic dermatitis in diverse skin tones. An HS panel will round out the mid-morning programming, featuring Okoye alongside Jamie Weisman, MD. Adam Friedman, MD, will round out the first full day by sharing updates on managing chronic hand eczema.

Day 2 opens with a look at long-term outcomes in plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The morning continues with Okoye returning to address alopecia management in patients with textured hair, and Kenneth Gordon, MD, offering a forward-looking talk on the future of dermatology. Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear insights on dermatologic concerns in oncology, contract negotiations, and navigating non-competes. In the afternoon, specialty tracks dive into genital dermatoses, hair loss, and immunology—including a session on the immunopathogenesis of vitiligo by Karan Lal, DO, FAAD.

Saturday’s agenda features a mix of clinical updates and career-building opportunities. Jason Rizzo, MD, will present on gene expression profiling in skin cancer management, and Okoye returns for a diagnostic deep dive into complex cases in skin of color. Theodore Rosen, MD, leads a compelling session on psychodermatology, followed by a comprehensive update on chronic spontaneous urticaria by Mark Eliason, MD. After a lunch break, attendees can explore next-generation TYK2 inhibition for psoriasis, followed by clinical pearls on interdigital foot infections and updates from the Journal of Dermatology for PAs.

On the final day, Blair offers closing remarks before Eileen Cheever, PA-C, takes the stage with a session on JAK inhibitors. Additional Sunday highlights include Anna Kirkorian, MD, presenting on pediatric viral rashes, and Okoye returning to explore dietary and supplemental approaches to inflammatory skin disease.

Sessions Topics at a Glance:

• Atopic dermatitis
• Career advice, practice management pearls, and professional development tips
• Chronic hand eczema
• Chronic spontaneous urticaria
• Cosmetic dermatology (fillers, neuromodulators, energy-based devices)
• Dermatoses in skin of color
• Dermoscopy
• Genital dermatoses
• Hair loss and alopecia
• Hidradenitis suppurativa
• Immunology and chronic inflammatory conditions
• Oncodermatology
• Pediatric dermatology
• Psoriasis
• Psychodermatology
• Skin cancer
• Vitiligo

Throughout the many sessions, attendees will also be provided with several opportunities to engage in networking and explore the city of Washington, DC.

The editors of Dermatology Times will be covering the conference live in person, reporting on numerous engaging sessions, as well as conducting exclusive interviews with experts in the specialty. Some of the upcoming content from the SDPA Annual Summer Dermatology Conference include discussions on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic hand eczema, trichoscopy in clinical hair loss evaluation, and more.

PAs in dermatology, insights into advanced dermatologic conditions, considerations for pediatric dermatology, the future and innovations of IL-17s, and more.

See the full SDPA Annual Summer Dermatology Conference agenda here.

Make sure to keep up to date with the latest in coverage from the conference and subscribe to Dermatology Times to receive daily email updates.