SDNP President Amanda Caldwell, MSN, APRN-C, on Empowering NPs Through Enhanced Support and Education

In a continuing conversation with Dermatology Times, Amanda Caldwell, MSN, APRN-C, a dermatology nurse practitioner at US Dermatology Partners and newly inducted president of the Society for Dermatology Nurse Practitioners (SDNP), shared her commitment to expanding support and educational resources for dermatology NPs and PAs through the revamped SDNP.

Caldwell is enthusiastic about increasing NP engagement in research and education through SDNP. The organization is actively developing partnerships with journals to help members navigate the process of publishing. With a dedicated team behind her, she encourages NPs to reach out and share their goals, interests, and dreams so the organization can provide guidance. In addition to research, SDNP is building out educational tools, including resources on textbooks, apps, and continuing education opportunities. A key initiative under her leadership is to modernize and humanize SDNP, emphasizing accessibility through social media, peer support, and a stronger digital presence.

She also highlights the welcoming, supportive nature of SDNP, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the organization and are considering getting involved. Having discovered SDNP only 3 years ago, Caldwell recalled how attending her first SDNP conference as an introverted newcomer inspired her to become a volunteer.

“I felt welcomed and at home. And I met so many wonderful people across the whole US that I keep in touch with,” she said. “And so instantly after that conference, I felt really empowered and said, ‘OK, I'm ready to change the world. What can I do?’”

Importantly, Caldwell emphasized that SDNP isn’t just for members. Free monthly webinars, open conference access, and strong interprofessional collaboration, including support from physicians, make the organization a valuable resource for NPs and PAs of any level. She believes that thanks to their nursing background, NPs bring a holistic, patient-centered approach to dermatology, which is particularly essential in underserved areas. Caldwell recognizes this and invites all NPs to get involved, take advantage of the resources, and find an empowered community of peers through SDNP.

“It's contagious, it's infectious, and so if you just give it a chance and see, I think we would have everyone hooked,” Caldwell concluded.