Education
Cutting-edge talks from today’s specialty experts attract attendees to the DF’s annual CME meeting: Clinical Symposia—Advances in Dermatology.
The Melanoma Epidemic: Real or Illusory
In 2023, the United States Preventive Services Task Force determined there was insufficient evidence to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for melanoma using a whole-body skin examination in the primary care setting in part due to the lack of randomized controlled studies. Such studies addressing the mortality benefit of screening for skin cancer would be a massive undertaking. On a practical level, there are not enough dermatologists in the country to screen all American adults for skin cancer.
Skin Cancer Disparities in Patients with Skin of Color
The incidence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma is significantly lower in darker skin types. In Black people, BCC is 2000-fold less common, and SCC is 500–1000-fold less common compared to non-Hispanic white people. Melanoma-related mortality rates in the US-based Black population has been declining during the past 20 years. Non-white race is associated with later melanoma detection and lower survival rates. Multiple risk factors have been proposed for skin cancers in skin of color including immunosuppression and previous scaring. More research is needed to understand the primary drivers of skin cancer in skin of color.
2023 DF Annual Meeting
New Orleans is renowned for its music, food, and joie de vivre. And now it can add the Dermatology Foundation’s Annual Meeting of Membership to its roster of attractions. The Big Easy was host to an event where people reconnect, acknowledge the year’s successes, and celebrate the people who have received Foundation support.
2023 DF Clinical Symposium
The DF Clinical Symposium is the national medical education event that attracts dermatologists, residents, and non-physician clinicians seeking a serious, in-depth educational experience. In its 20th year, this peer-reviewed continuing medical education program delivers cutting-edge talks from today’s specialty experts on every aspect of dermatology.
Mohs for Melanoma
Dr. Bordeaux’s key takeaway message is that Mohs decreases the local recurrence of melanoma and helps reduce the number of re-excisions that patients undergo due to positive margins
Dermatofibrosarcoma
NCCN recommends Mohs as the first-line therapy for DFSP
When to Suspect Immunodeficiency
Dr. Treat presented three types of clinical scenarios suggesting immunodeficiency: primary skin findings of infections that are unusual, opportunistic, or exuberant; secondary skin findings of eczematous or granulomatous changes; and immunosuppressed groups.
The Curious Syndrome of Erythromelalgia
Dr. Davis presented his medical experiences of patients with erythromelalgia. He typically sees 3-5 new patients with erythromelalgia per week.
New Insights from Genetic Analysis of Cutaneous Adnexal Tumors
Dr. North presented new insights from genetic analysis of cutaneous adnexal tumors.