Renata Block, MMS, PA-C, Highlights SDPA Fall Sessions

“I love that the SDPA is focusing on people who are beginners, intermediate, or advanced. They have these breakout sessions, which I think is really important because you get to choose the class that you want to go based on your education level,” said Renata Block, MMS, PA-C, in an interview with Dermatology Times previewing the 22nd annual Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) conference.

Block, a board-certified physician assistant at SKIN Dermatology in Munster, Indiana, and a Dermatology Times Editorial Advisory Board member, discussed what she is looking forward to at SDPA Fall 2024, including sessions on how to interpret clinical trials and expert acne updates from Hilary Baldwin, MD.

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This year’s SDPA Fall conference focuses on providing educational opportunities tailored to dermatology professionals of all levels, including physician associates/assistants (PAs), nurse practitioners NPs, and physicians MDs/DOs. The SDPA, led by a dedicated team of volunteer PAs, curates a diverse program to address varying levels of experience—beginner, intermediate, and advanced—through targeted breakout sessions.

Block highlighted her excitement about this year’s conference medical director, Hilary Baldwin, MD, a well-known expert in dermatology. She praised Baldwin’s expertise, especially her focus on emerging dermatologic trends. The conference also showcases new voices alongside experienced speakers, ensuring a fresh and dynamic exchange of ideas.

One session Block is looking forward to attending is on interpreting clinical trials, presented by Alexa Hetzel, MS, PA-C, on November 16th at 1:15pm PT. Block emphasized the importance of dissecting scholarly articles and understanding clinical data without bias. This skill is crucial for evaluating whether research findings translate into meaningful improvements in patient care.

Key topics at SDPA also include advances in atopic dermatitis, a condition undergoing a transformative era similar to the psoriasis revolution years ago, according to Block. Matthew Zirwas, MD, will lead discussions on atopic dermatitis, exploring the robust pipeline of therapies poised to reshape treatment paradigms.

Block also expressed enthusiasm for connecting with Dermatology Times Editorial Advisory Board members and colleagues, including Omar Noor, MD, and Shanna Miranti, MPAS, PA-C. According to Block, networking is a vital aspect of SDPA, offering attendees the opportunity to exchange ideas and build relationships with experts and peers.

The annual SDPA Fall meeting promises a unique educational experience with renowned speakers, cutting-edge topics, and numerous opportunities for collaboration. According to Block, for dermatology professionals, this conference is not only an educational milestone but also a celebration of their shared mission: improving patient care.

“If you've never attended the SDPA, you are in for a treat because the networking is insane. You are going to meet so many amazing people at this conference. It is so well attended by many people in the dermatology realm. The other thing is, the education is stellar. These are renowned speakers across the nation, and we are all getting together for one purpose, making our patients better,” concluded Block.