Empowering PAs and NPs: Omar Noor, MD, Reflects on Horizons in Advanced Practice Meeting

“Something that's really important and something that I gathered from everyone at the meeting was the importance of the shared voice within the dermatology environment. Talking to not only the physicians, the MDs and DOs that are the dermatologists, but the PAs and the NPs and getting their invaluable insights and seeing how to work better with them in this entire scope that is dermatology,” said Dr. Omar Noor, MD, FAAD, in an interview with Dermatology Times at the Horizons in Advanced Practice meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Last month, Dermatology Times hosted its inaugural Horizons in Advanced Practice meeting. The exclusive, invite-only event brought together physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) from across the country to review complex atopic dermatitis and psoriasis patient cases led by experts in the specialty.

Dr. Noor, a board-certified dermatologist at and co-owner of Rao Dermatology in New York, New York, and a Dermatology Times Editorial Advisory Board member, served as chair of the meeting alongside co-chairs Lakshi Aldredge, MSN, ANP-BC, DCNP, FAANP, and Douglas DiRuggiero, DMSc, MHS, PA-C. At the meeting, attendees were divided into small groups to attend 45-minute breakout sessions discussing patient cases.

In his interview, Dr. Noor reflected on his experiences as the chair of Horizons in Advanced Practice, a dermatology-focused initiative aimed at fostering collaboration among dermatology clinicians, as well as the value of working collaboratively with PAs and NPs to improve overall patient care.

Dr. Noor’s Highlights

Valuing Diverse Perspectives

Dr. Noor first emphasized the value of engaging with PAs and NPs to share insights and develop comprehensive strategies for patient care. “What I found most compelling was learning from the unique perspectives of others on everything from treatment decisions to patient communication,” Dr. Noor said. PAs and NPs contribute significantly to dermatology practices by handling a substantial patient load and offering their own valuable viewpoints, which he believes should be amplified within dermatology.

The Shared Voice in Dermatology

Central to Dr. Noor’s philosophy is the concept of a "shared voice" across the spectrum of dermatology professionals. Beyond dermatologists, PAs, and NPs, he highlighted the importance of including medical assistants, biologic coordinators, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), or registered nurses (RNs) in the ongoing education process. This team-oriented approach fosters a deeper understanding of patient needs and creates a unified commitment to delivering optimal care.

A Decade of Collaborative Practice

With 10 years of experience working alongside PAs and NPs in his practice, Dr. Noor emphasized the importance of collaboration. One of his team members has been with the practice longer than he has, demonstrating the longevity and trust built in these partnerships. Dr. Noor credits initiatives such as Horizons in Advanced Practice for showcasing the impact of teamwork, particularly in improving patient outcomes.

The Role of Pharmaceutical Companies

Dr. Noor also stressed the vital role pharmaceutical companies play in dermatology. From developing medications to sponsoring educational opportunities, these partnerships give clinicians access to cutting-edge treatments and resources. However, he urged pharmaceutical companies to go beyond common conditions such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, encouraging innovation in less-studied or neglected disease states. “Pharma has the opportunity to make profound impacts in areas where answers are scarce,” he explained.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As the dermatology landscape evolves, Dr. Noor envisions a future marked by innovation, flexibility, and a renewed focus on patient care. He highlighted the importance of digital platforms, such as Dermatology Times, in bridging gaps and fostering collaboration in creative and accessible ways. With changes in compliance and FDA regulations on the horizon, Dr. Noor sees adaptability and forward-thinking partnerships as key to advancing the field.

Dr. Noor’s insights reflect a commitment to fostering collaboration, leveraging the expertise of PAs and NPs, and driving innovation in dermatology. By embracing diverse perspectives and partnering across all components of dermatology, he believes the future of the field will be even more impactful for patients and clinicians alike.