Letter to the Editor: October 2019

Dr. Feldman,

This letter is written in reference to an article by Jolene M. Volz, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA, DSMc, entitled “Celebrating 25 Years of History,” that appears in the June 2019 issue of The Dermatologist.¹ The article provides an excellent account of the history of physician assistants (PAs) in dermatology and The Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA). Undoubtedly, the contribution of dermatology PAs to the specialty is extremely important and has grown exponentially, both in clinical dermatology practices and in the number of educational meetings and initiatives. This does not happen without a lot of hard work and the continued efforts of many individuals at the SDPA, as the article¹ rightfully points out. I know many of these individuals personally, including the dermatology PA Joe Monroe, who is mentioned in the article,¹ from back in the mid-1990s. For over 2 decades I have worked closely with many dermatology PAs and nurse practitioners (NPs) in providing educational programs, including national, regional, and local meetings, and through direct clinic supervision. 

Unfortunately, the article contains one major oversight: the significant contribution of dermatologists to the availability, development, and education of dermatology PAs. I recognize that the focus of the article is the history of the SDPA and fully applaud this. However, without dermatologists who have provided employment opportunity, training, time for participation in educational programs, and oversight, including medicolegal responsibility, there would be no dermatology PAs, and, thus, no SDPA. In addition, many dermatologists, including myself, have provided advice and educational support to many dermatology PAs, including at SDPA meetings, and with leaders within the SDPA. Dr Roger Ceilley and myself, annually from 2004 through 2010, developed and ran the first dermatology core curriculum course for PAs and NPs employed in dermatology practices (The Skin Curriculum Overview for Physician Extenders [SCOPE]²), and on several occasions invited the current president of the SDPA or a designated officer to speak with the group and encourage membership. Many dermatologists have assisted the SDPA over the years with educational support and have also provided and/or participated at other venues of continuing education for dermatology PAs to further their learning. 

This letter is not to be misinterpreted as criticism of what was stated in the article. In fact, the article is very well written and provides an important contribution about the history of dermatology PAs in the United States and the SDPA. Rather, my only goal is to point out what was not stated in the article, that is, the important contributions of many dermatologists to the availability and development of dermatology PAs and the SDPA. n

James Q. Del Rosso, DO, FAAD, FAOCD

Dr Del Rosso is research director of JDR Dermatology Research and a clinical dermatologist at Thomas Dermatology in Las Vegas, NV. He also serves on the editorial advisory board of The Dermatologist.

In reference to Dr Del Rosso’s response to the June article entitled “Celebrating 25 years of History,”¹ the SDPA wishes to acknowledge that we fully agree with Dr Del Rosso. We are very appreciative of the many dermatologists who have dedicated time and resources to training PAs. The June 2019 article¹ was a celebration of our 25 years as an association, 25 years of serving our PA members, and 25 years of partnership with dermatologists.

The relationship between the dermatologist and the PA is vitally important, and the SDPA fully supports collaboration in caring for our patients with dermatological needs. Our organization and our members appreciate the dermatologists who have shared and continue to share their experience with PAs at their practices. Our SDPA conferences are an example of the stellar educational programs that can be developed through successful collaboration of PAs and physicians.

In the last 25 years, dermatologists and dermatology PAs have fostered a great working relationship, and we are continuing to work synergistically on our shared goal, which has always been the patient! n

Gina Mangin, MPAS, PA-C 

Ms Mangrin is president of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants Board of Directors.

References
1. Volz JM. Celebrating 25 Years of History. Dermatologist. 2019;27(6):39-40.
2. Del Rosso JQ, Ceilley RI. Educating Dermatology Physician Extenders: The SCOPE Course Completes its Seventh Consecutive Year. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.