RAPIDS 2025 Conference Recap: A Thrilling Journey Through Immuno-Dermatology

RAPIDS logo | Image Credit: Elevate-Derm Alliance

The RAPIDS Conference 2025, held from April 10–13, delivered an electrifying 4-day deep dive into the ever-evolving world of immuno-dermatology, uniting top experts for an educational adventure that was as enlightening as it was engaging.

With a whimsical “Wizard of Oz” theme woven throughout, highlights included "Cytokines, Chemokines, Oh My…" presented by Peter Lio, MD, and Douglas DiRuggiero, PA-C, who set the tone for a robust exploration of inflammatory pathways. Monica Richey, NP, and Christopher Sayed, MD, led the crowd down the “Yellow Brick Road to PsO/PsA,” while Richey also offered insights into connective tissue diseases for the dermatology provider.

Sayed enchanted attendees with “The Wizard of HS” and provided cutting-edge updates on hidradenitis suppurativa medical and surgical management. DiRuggiero and Kimberly Orleck, PA-C, tackled the “Gut-Skin Connection” in a compelling 2-part series, while DiRuggiero also shed light on Type 2 inflammation and phenotypes in prurigo nodularis.

Amanda Michaud, PA-C, teamed up with Lio to present “Atopic Triad – The Common Connection,” and delivered practical strategies beyond antihistamines in chronic spontaneous urticaria. Hillary Baldwin, MD, took a closer look at inflammatory cytokines in acne and rosacea, while Lio explored the neuro-immune pathway in the itch-scratch cycle.

Hair loss took center stage with Arash Mostaghimi, MD, covering both the pathophysiology and treatment of alopecia areata, while Lisa Swanson, MD, explored pediatric care and the immunology of vitiligo, later joined by Stephanie Simmerman, NP, to discuss patient counseling strategies.

Lively panels brought collaboration to the forefront. The Dermato-Allergy Panel featured Lio and Michaud, while Lio also moderated the buzzworthy JAK inhibitors panel and delivered a lightning round of RAPID fire clinical pearls.

Jennifer Soung, MD, delivered powerful sessions on traditional immunosuppressants, obesity, and inflammatory skin disease, and the curious case of drug nomenclature in “Why Is It Named That?” She also joined Justin Love, PA-C, in unveiling what’s on the horizon in emerging treatments.

To cap it all off, Martha Sikes, PA-C, hosted the fan-favorite “Name That Cytokine” immunology championship, turning learning into high-energy fun.

RAPIDS 2025 brought together clinical wisdom, innovative science, and vibrant community—all in 1 unforgettable event. See you next year!

To learn more about RAPIDS and register to attend RAPIDS 2026 held April 22-26 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, visit Elevate-Derm Alliance's website linked here.