SAN ANTONIO — As the Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) rounds out its 31st year, President Sarah Vicari, PA-C, opened the annual fall meeting by reflecting on the organization’s 2025 accomplishments and its ongoing forward momentum.

Membership continues to climb, with a 12% increase over the past 2 years, bringing the total to more than 5300 members. “We’ve come a long way since our founding in 1994 with only 49 members and one shared vision,” Vicari, a certified physician associate at Forefront Dermatology in Franklin, Wisconsin, said at the SDPA's 23rd Annual Fall Dermatology Conference.

Today, SDPA holds the distinction of being the largest specialty organization within the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA). “This puts us in the spotlight as a model of excellence for future PA groups,” Vicari said.

Education remains central to that mission. The SDPA recently launched Diplomate: The Legacy of Excellence, an expanded professional development program that builds on the organization’s original Diplomate Fellowship. Vicari described the initiative as the “gold standard” for dermatology PA education, offering both online and in-person options “enriched with cutting-edge content, upgraded technology, and a format built for real-world impact.” The program includes 52 hours of AAPA-accredited Category 1 continuing medical education spread across 18 modules. 

Another milestone came with the debut of the SDPA’s inaugural Itch Conference, held on March 27-28 in Chicago. According to Vicari, the event drew clinicians eager for fresh insights into one of dermatology’s most complex and often frustrating conditions. Plans are underway for a 2026 Itch Conference, with details to come.

Advocacy also remains a key focus. Vicari noted that SDPA members have sent more than 3000 letters to state and federal policymakers in the past year. “Our real-world experiences and patient stories are powerful, and they can help drive meaningful policy change,” she said.

The organization supports several pieces of legislation, including the Step Safe Act, which — according to the SDPA web site — “creates a clear, timely exceptions process to ensure patients can get appropriate care without harmful delays,” and the Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act, which “seeks to reform harmful copay maximizers and accumulator adjustment programs, which unfairly shift cost onto patients at the pharmacy counter.” Members can learn more or take action through the Legislative Action Center at DermPA.org.

Vicari also announced the launch of a mentorship initiative called RISE Derm PA, an acronym for Reach, Inspire, Support, and Empower. “It’s designed to cultivate and prepare the next wave of trailblazers in dermatology,” she said. 

Looking to the future, Vicari said SDPA leaders are exploring “new ways to elevate our voice nationally, strengthen mentorship and leadership pipelines, and build a more inclusive and equitable future for all of us and our profession.”

“It’s inspiring,” she added, “to pause and look back at how far we’ve come and to feel the excitement of all that’s still ahead.”

Vicari reported having no relevant disclosures. 

Doug Brunk is a San Diego-based medical journalist.