Advocacy Agenda

Dear DermPA™ Members,

Advocacy is the cornerstone of progress in any profession, and for Dermatology Physician Associates (PAs), now is a more crucial time than ever.

As frontline providers who bridge the gap between patients and quality dermatological care, your unique perspective is vital to shaping policies that improve outcomes for patients. Elevating your voice is not just a professional imperative, but a moral responsibility and commitment in ensuring that every patient has access to the care they deserve. 

One of the most pressing issues dermatology PAs face is access – both for patients seeking care and for practitioners navigating the complex and restrictive practice environment. Many patients encounter significant barriers, from limited specialists in rural areas to expensive out-of-pocket costs at the pharmacy counter. And PAs often face obstacles such as restrictive supervisory agreements and reimbursement inequities. All these directly impact patient outcomes. 

I’m here to tell you that the patient and provider relationship is at risk

But there is hope.

By raising concerns through advocacy, we can inform policymakers who have the power to drive meaningful change. When legislators understand the critical role PAs play in dermatological care, they are more likely to support policies that remove unnecessary restrictions, improve reimbursement models, and enhance patient care delivery. Advocacy is the last step towards bridging the challenges you face daily and the systemic solutions that will transform the healthcare landscape. 

Policymakers want to hear from you. They rely on real-world stories to shape their narrative on complex issues. As dermatology PAs, your voice carries weight through its grounded firsthand experience. Whether it’s sharing how a restrictive policy delayed a patient’s treatment or explaining how enhanced PA autonomy could alleviate workforce shortages, your input can influence the development of patient-centric policies. 

The Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) is committed to empowering its members to engage in advocacy at every level. Together we can amplify our voices to champion policies that matter most to our patients and profession. Advocacy is not an abstract concept, but an actional commitment to improving lives. By speaking up, we can work towards ensuring that every patient receives the quality dermatological care they need and deserve.

Sincerely,

Killian Lozach

Director of Advocacy & Membership

Society of Dermatology Physician Associates