Reflecting on Growth and Looking Forward to the Future
And just like that, it’s September 1st! It's truly remarkable how quickly we’ve arrived at this point in the year. The phrase “time flies” resonates deeply with me as I reflect on how swiftly the months have passed. I’m beginning to sense the first whispers of fall, with the top leaves of my maple tree gently shifting in color and the cooler evening temperatures settling in (at least here in North Carolina).
The recent holiday weekend not only marked the end of a wonderful summer but also kicked off football season, hinting at the delightful changes to come. Fall is, without a doubt, my favorite time of year! I cherish watching the foliage transform, reveling in the crisp air, enjoying a hearty pot of chili while cheering for my favorite team on Saturday afternoons (we’re a house divided—“Go Blue” and “Go Gators”), and cozying up by a warm fire in the evenings. It’s heartwarming to see schools back in session, bringing a sense of routine to many households.
This year is particularly significant for my family, as my son embarks on his senior year of high school! Time truly does fly; it feels like just yesterday he was starting kindergarten. This transition prompts me to reflect on our journey—both personally and professionally—as I consider where we are, where we have been, and what lies ahead. I’m reminded of the evolution of the PA profession. When I began my career in dermatology over a decade ago, a significant portion of my day was spent educating others about what a PA does and our qualifications. Thankfully, that conversation has become increasingly rare, and I credit this shift to the dedicated, seasoned dermatology PAs that have paved the path (thank you; your hard work is greatly appreciated!) and the SDPA, which has steadfastly advocated for our profession for the past 30 years.
Now, as our membership numbers near 5,000, it is no secret or surprise that the SDPA is the premiere organization that supports and advocates for DermPAs™ from the moment they consider a career in dermatology until the time that they retire.
As we continue to celebrate our 30th anniversary, I find myself increasingly excited about our progress. Understanding the incredible growth we've achieved over the last decade fuels my enthusiasm for what we can accomplish in the next ten years! Reflecting on the short time I have to serve you as president of the SDPA, I am committed to making every moment count. I have fully immersed myself in our strategic plan, aligning my efforts with our vision and considering the impactful outcomes we can achieve for our members. The SDPA team and I launched this process at our annual leadership summit in July, where we focused on cultivating our organizational culture, developing our leadership skills, and planning for the future. During this three-day event, we dedicated countless hours to laying a strong foundation that will set our association on a successful trajectory.
I believe that organizational culture is integral to our success, and I intend to focus much of my efforts in this area. If we curate a thoughtful plan, design an effective roadmap, assemble the best team, and set our course in the right direction, the sky is the limit! Our initiatives are now taking shape, supported by a clear execution strategy designed to deliver real, tangible benefits to our membership and the PA profession. Our strategic plan serves as our roadmap for the next three years and is both comprehensive and robust. Now as we move forward from this foundational infrastructure, we can begin to see the vision translate into our upcoming programing. We are currently in the thick of planning our fall conference in November and it is going to be EPIC! Our CME team has been hard at work curating an incredible educational experience with a robust agenda, top-notch speakers, exciting events and uniquely engaging opportunities that will make you feel like it is great to come “home” to the SDPA conference. This is truly an exciting time for the SDPA membership and I can’t wait to see you all there!
As I embrace this chapter in my life and my role as president, I invite each of you to join me on this journey. Let us collectively commit to working together for our profession and for our patients, all while cherishing every precious moment with family and friends. By engaging in meaningful conversations with loved ones, fostering impactful interactions with our patients in clinic, dedicating ourselves to our professional responsibilities, and participating in activities that enrich our lives and those of others, you can create an impact. Working together, we have the power to shape and positively influence the future of both our organization and the entire DermPA™ profession. I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead, and I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to serve as your President. I hope each of you had a relaxing and enjoyable Labor Day weekend filled with love, laughter, family, and friends. Thank you for your continued support, and let’s make every moment count!
Graciously yours,
Amber Blair, MMS, PA-C
President, SDPA Board of Directors
