“Reaching for the Stars:” SDPA Summer Conference Preview
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Celebrating 30 years of educating dermatology physician assistants (PAs), the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA) has joined forces with the distinguished pediatric dermatologist Lisa Swanson, MD, for the upcoming SDPA Annual Summer Dermatology Conference taking place June 5 to 9, 2024, in San Diego, CA. Together, they are crafting a meaningful program where attendees will “Reach for the Stars” in ongoing education.
As the conference medical director, Dr Swanson collaborates with SDPA’s Continuing Medical Education (CME) Committee to pinpoint esteemed faculty members to lead sessions dedicated to the latest trends, best practices, and emerging technologies essential for dermatology PAs in their daily clinical practice. Her vision for the conference is “to inspire dermatology PAs through education and to bring that enthusiasm back to treating their patients.”
A Remarkable Journey
Dr Swanson’s journey through the medical field is nothing short of remarkable. After graduating from Tulane University School of Medicine and completing her dermatology residency at the Mayo Clinic, she pursued a pediatric dermatology fellowship at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Her contributions to the dermatology community are well-recognized. During her first 10 years of practice in Colorado, she served as the president of the Colorado Dermatologic Society and was named a “Top Doc” by 5280–Denver’s Mile High Magazine for several years. In 2020, she moved to Idaho where she works at Ada West Dermatology in Meridian, ID, and is affiliated with St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital. Holding dual board certifications in dermatology and pediatric dermatology, Dr Swanson plays a crucial role in addressing the unmet demand for pediatric dermatology services in the region, where she is currently the only pediatric dermatologist within a 350-mile radius.
The Vital Role of Derm PAs
As Dr Swanson prepares for the upcoming SDPA conference, she underscores the vital role of dermatology PAs in the health care system. “They are on the frontlines of clinics all across America. I view dermatology PAs as an essential part of dermatology, caring for patients and their families in the US,” she states.
This sentiment reflects a broader recognition of the significant contributions made by dermatology PAs. Armed with specialized training and expertise, dermatology PAs play a critical role in diagnosing, treating, and managing various skin conditions in all age groups. They serve as vital links in the health care chain, often being the first point of contact for patients seeking dermatologic care.
Dr Swanson observes that “dermatology PAs are integral in bridging the gap in areas where access to specialized dermatologic care is limited.” She emphasizes the importance of dermatology PAs, saying, “They provide high-quality care in diverse settings, which makes them invaluable.” Highlighting a specific challenge, Dr Swanson adds, “There are still 7 states that do not have a pediatric dermatologist.” She explains that dermatology PAs can help to treat this underserved population. Expressing her commitment, Dr Swanson says, “I want to help PAs bridge that gap and empower them to not be afraid but feel comfortable treating kids.”
Advancements in Dermatologic Care
The field of dermatology is witnessing revolutionary progress in treatments, particularly for challenging conditions. Dr Swanson shares her experience: “I think about how much we can positively impact our patients’ lives addressing diseases with which we used to really struggle. For example, moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) used to be a nightmare. Now, with advancements in biologics and small-molecule medications like Janus kinase inhibitors, our options for managing these challenging conditions are expanding tremendously each year.” She adds, “I am so excited to continue to help my patients with moderate to severe AD manage their condition. Now, I look forward to those visits because I am so optimistic about my ability to help people.”
Dr Swanson expresses enthusiasm for emerging treatments for vitiligo and alopecia areata as well, “We are finally making some strides with the discovery of the power of Janus kinase inhibition for those conditions,” she says, feeling that “Gee! I have options, I can help!”
Patient-Centered Care in Action
Health care is rife with buzzwords, and currently “patient-centered care” is among the most popular. However, like many national catchphrases, the concept often lacks tangible meaning in daily practice until our medical leaders clearly define and implement it. With only about 335 board-certified pediatric dermatologists serving over 72.5 million US children, Dr Swanson discovered her hidden gem by focusing her career on patient-centered care.
Dr Swanson’s journey with dermatology significantly influenced her perspective, echoing the compassionate approach central to PAs. Having faced her own dermatologic conditions, including 3 infantile hemangiomas, impetigo in college, and acne, she understands the importance of personal connections in patient care. Dr Swanson emphasizes, “Seeing the relief on parents’ faces when I share my own dermatology challenges is very powerful.”
Reflecting on her interaction with her primary care provider during medical school, Dr Swanson recalls, “It was really powerful to see this person, who was kind of a role model for me, who had gone through something similar. And they came out the other side just fine.” This experience inspired her to adopt a similar approach in her practice. By communicating our own stories, “we as providers can destigmatize and normalize the issues our patients face,” Dr Swanson states, emphasizing the significance of personal connection, empathy, and compassion in patient care. This personal approach to patient care is a strength shared by PAs.
Challenging Health Care Perceptions
Dr Swanson firmly addresses the misconceptions about conditions such as alopecia areata and vitiligo, stating, “I just really push back against the perception that these conditions are cosmetic. These are autoimmune diseases and should be thought of as serious medical conditions and not minimized.” She stresses the importance of a broader understanding within the health care community, especially among payors, about the true nature of these conditions. Dr Swanson argues that reducing these conditions to mere cosmetic issues fails to recognize their complexity and the profound impact on patients’ lives.
Dermatology PAs are uniquely skilled in making these critical connections due to their comprehensive medical training and patient-centered approach. They are adept at translating this understanding into effective care plans and advocacy efforts. “Dermatology PA involvement is key in changing perceptions and ensuring that patients receive the comprehensive care and support they need,” Dr Swanson emphasizes.
Reflecting on a Legacy of Innovation and Care
As SDPA celebrates 30 years of growth at its summer conference, this milestone serves as a reflection of the commitment to empower, educate, and advance the dermatology PA profession and improve access to quality patient care. The conference, spearheaded by leaders like Dr Lisa Swanson, highlights the SDPA’s ongoing dedication to excellence in dermatology, propelling the organization into the future with optimism, hope, and purpose. Join us in San Diego, where health care providers will “Reach for the Stars” as they earn 22 CME credits, enjoy networking events, and mingle with industry representatives in the bustling exhibit hall.
