SDPA Opens 30th Anniversary Conference With New Initiatives, Membership Milestones, and Awards

Amber Blair, PA-C, president of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA), opened the Society for Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA) Annual Fall Dermatology Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, providing attendees with a comprehensive update on the organization's achievements and initiatives. The opening and award sessions focused on honoring achievements as well as highlighting the association’s broader strategic goals and ongoing efforts to elevate the profession and enhance patient care.

Blair reflected on how much SDPA has grown, starting with only 49 members in 1994 to more than 4900 members today. She also emphasized the commitment to the SDPA’s 4 pillars: Knowledge, Advocacy, Leadership, and Engagement. By focusing on these core areas, the organization aims to equip dermatology PAs with the tools they need to navigate challenges, stay informed about advancements in the field, and contribute meaningfully to their profession and patient care.

Amber Blair, PA-C, President of the SDPA

In recognizing the growing importance of advance practice providers, Blair announced a new initiative to welcome advance practice provider colleagues to the conversation with 2 new membership categories to better address the diverse backgrounds of dermatology professionals and extend global reach. The first addition is the Dermatology Nurse Practitioner (Derm NP) category. Although Derm NPs were previously welcomed, this terminology should help unify clinicians, she explained. “We made the choice to open a Derm NP category that specifically allows other Derm NP colleagues to feel like they have a place here within the SDPA community,” Blair told attendees.

The SDPA also added an international dermatology PA membership category to extend SDPA resources and community to PAs practicing dermatology outside the United States, recognizing the growing global footprint of dermatology PAs and the demand for professional support across borders.

As the SDPA moves into its fourth decade, it has also focused on amplifying advocacy efforts. This year, SDPA presented its first federal and national advocacy agenda, prioritizing 13 issues affecting dermatology PAs, including step therapy reform, skin cancer prevention, and expansion of federal workers' compensation policies to include PA care. Blair explained, “We’re working harder than ever to ensure that your professional interests are heard by policymakers nationwide.” Additionally, Blair introduced the new role of State Liaison, which is intended to strengthen state-level advocacy and enhance local engagement with SDPA policies and programs. Maggie McKernan, MPAS, PA-C, currently holds this position.

Underscoring SDPA’s dedication to education, Blair announced several new initiatives and opportunities for members. For instance, she alerted attendees to a new partnership between SDPA and MD Anderson Cancer Center granting members exclusive discounts for their dermoscopy course on early melanoma detection diagnosis. Blair discussed SDPA’s commitment to education, announcing the inaugural “Itch Conference” in March 2025, which will be led by internationally renowned itch expert Gil Yosipovitch, MD. The conference, Blair explained, responds to the need for specialized education on chronic itch management and improving patient care.

For the first time since 2017, the organization also conducted a comprehensive nationwide practice survey, looking patient care issues, health care in general, practice issues, as well as compensation and benefits, Blair told attendees. The survey received more than 1000 responses, providing the data and information to better understand the challenges and opportunities in supporting PAs. "This data equips us with the tools to discuss health care and our work experiences meaningfully,” she explained, noting that the results will be available to all members by January. The survey findings are expected to help dermatology PAs better understand industry standards and advocate for fair compensation and improved work conditions across the profession.

In the advocacy realm, the SDPA is continuing to support patients where they are, she reported. For instance, the Dermatology PA Foundation (DPAF) is offering free skin checks in Las Vegas with the Sun Bus.

Blair also recognized this year’s SDPA Award recipients, who were honored for their exceptional contributions. Now in its fourth year, the awards recognize members who are making significant contributions to dermatology, from clinical excellence to educational leadership.

Zachary DelConte, MSPAS, PA-C, was named New Dermatology PA of the Year. DelConte graduated in 2021 and has already made an impression, Blair told attendees. She spoke of his ”unique eye for aesthetics, talented approach to injectable procedures, and impressive surgical skills” as well as his community service and dedication to bringing vital dermatology services to underserved areas in Georgia. DelConte was also voted best dermatology specialist in Cobb County, and he was an inaugural member of SDPA's Emerging Scholars Program.

Zachary DelConte, MSPAS, PA-C

The SDPA Service Award went to Major Erin Ranaweera, PA-C, who is an active duty commander for the largest outpatient clinic care clinic in the Air Force, serving more than 1300 patients a week. She also has worked on the national disaster response, integrating dermatological care into training and empowering her staff to be ready for burns exposures and chemical injuries. Ranaweera serves as a mentor to dermatology PA students and provides care in shelters. Blair presented the award, noting Ranaweera’s “dedication to service and commitment to improving care wherever you go is inspiring.”

Major Erin Ranaweera, PA-C

In naming Bethany Grubb, PhD, MPH, PA-C, as named the Educator of the Year, Blair called her “an educational powerhouse.” An assistant program director at UT Southwestern PA School, Grubb is known for her innovative teaching methods and commitment to educational excellence. She has spearheaded unique programs, including culinary medicine courses and resources for neurodivergent students. She is has helped equip future PAs with diverse and practical skills to address modern health care challenges. Blair commended Grubb’s impact, stating, “Bethany, your influence on the next generation of PAs is undeniable, and your dedication to education is remarkable.”

Bethany Grubb, PhD, MPH, PA-C

The Joe Monroe Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Jane Mast, PhD, DMSc, MPAS, who Blair called a trailblazer in dermatology. A long-standing SDPA leader, Mast has SDPA president as well as a member of the PDAF board of trustees. She currently works as a medical director for Novartis, and continues to look for solutions for patients. “Not only does she excel in her professional role, she also embodies the essence of a mentor and leader, guiding and inspiring countless PAs,” Blair told attendees. “Her legacy is marked by unwavering commitment, excellence and her advocacy… Jane exemplifies the epitome of dedication, leadership, and advocacy within the dermatology PA community and broader community.”

Jane Mast, PhD, DMSc, MPAS

The SDPA DermPA of the year was awarded in absentia to Hannah Rodriguez, MPAS, PA-C. Rodriguez currently serves as president of the Pennsylvania Dermatology Physician Assistant Association. Blair spoke highly of Rodriguez’s vision and compassion, adding, “she continues to elevate standards of the profession and inspire her peers to strive for excellence.” Rodriguez has been active in supporting the career paths of PAs. Blair told attendees Rodriguez “spearheaded initiatives like the state salary survey, providing invaluable insights to the compensation trends and standards within the field, empowering her colleagues with critical data advocate fair compensation.”

Hannah Rodriguez, MPAS, PA-C

Speaking to the awardees, Blair said, “We truly are so proud of each and every one of you and everything that you're doing in the community, everything that you're doing to elevate PAs and our profession.”

To attendees, Blair reminded them of the importance of volunteering with the SDPA and encouraged them to take a more active role in laying the stepping stones for building the path to the future. “I invite you to take this journey with me. I invite you to stand beside us, to work together with us, as we not only participate or daydream or envision, but we do and we create a special place for derm PAs to thrive,” she said. “Friends, together we move mountains. Together we make a difference.”

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