SDPA Marks Its 30th Year of Supporting Physician Associates

LAS VEGAS — As Amber Blair, PA-C, delivered her presidential address to members of the Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) at its annual fall meeting, she reflected on the growth of the organization since its founding in 1994 by Joe R. Monroe, MPAS, PA.

Back then, the organization had just 49 members. Today, that number has grown to more than 4900, said Blair, a dermatology PA who practices in Charlotte, North Carolina. “We are committed to reaching 5000 members within this coming year. We look forward to serving you for many years to come. We are truly stronger together, and it takes each one of us to remain engaged in the SDPA community and with the broader advanced practice provider community.”

The SDPA is “here to support and advocate for all derm PAs, throughout your entire career,” Blair said. “From the moment that you come as a student to the moment you’re ready to retire, the SDPA is here for you so you can be there for your patients.”

Earlier this year, the SDPA established a federal/national advocacy agenda “to ensure that your professional interests are heard by policymakers nationwide,” Blair said. “Just in the past few months, our advocacy team has continued to push for significant change on issues such as step therapy, protocol reform, skin cancer prevention, and expansion of federal workers’ comp policies to include coverage of care performed by PAs.”