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Allison Sit

Mastering Biologic Access in Dermatology: ODAC Preview

By ODAC Sessions

biologic access

Biologics are effective, but getting access can be a challenge. For smoother starts and fewer insurance roadblocks, attend this 30-minute ODAC CME workshop, “Mastering Biologic Access in Dermatology: What Your Biologics Coordinator Wants You to Know,” on Saturday, January 17, from 5:15-5:45 p.m.

Heather Sawrey, biologics coordinator for the GWU Department of Dermatology, brings 17 years of real-world experience helping patients access biologic therapies. She’ll cover best practices for prior authorizations, patient education, pharma support programs, and how clinical teams can work together to reduce delays. Practical, actionable, and time-efficient — perfect for dermatologists, nurses, and clinic staff. (Aren’t yet registered for ODAC? Register today!)

Dermoscopy Beyond the Basics: ODAC Preview

By ODAC Sessions

dermoscopy

Ready to decode the toughest dermoscopic cases?

Join Jennifer Stein, MD, PhD, FAAD, for “Dermoscopy Beyond the Basics: Identifying Challenging and Atypical Lesions” on Sunday, January 18, from 3:45–4:30 p.m. at ODAC 2026.

This focused CME workshop will highlight real-world, high-yield approaches to recognizing atypical presentations and improving diagnostic confidence. Perfect for dermatologists and trainees who want practical, clinic-ready strategies. You won’t want to miss it!

GLP-1 Panel: ODAC Preview

By ODAC Sessions

GLP-1 agonists

Curious how GLP‑1 agonists fit into holistic dermatology care? Don’t miss this rapid-fire, 25‑minute panel in the Opening General Session at ODAC 2026 (Jan 16):  

“GLP‑1 Agonists in Cutaneous Medicine: Rapid‑Fire Insights on Comorbidities, Safety, and Aesthetic Considerations”  

Moderator: Adam Friedman, MD, FAAD  

Panelists: Jennifer Soung, MD, FAAD; Steven Daveluy, MD, FAAD; Sarah Jackson, MD, FAAD

What to expect:

– Focused review of metabolic and inflammatory comorbidities in psoriasis and HS  

– Practical evidence and tips for integrating GLP‑1 therapy to address cardiometabolic risk  

– Discussion of potential aesthetic consequences (hair changes, skin laxity) and safety monitoring  

– Multidisciplinary strategies you can use in clinic

This concise, discussion‑driven session is ideal for dermatologists, trainees, and multidisciplinary colleagues wanting actionable, real‑world guidance. See you there!

(Are you just now thinking about ODAC? Don’t miss out: Register today!)

JDD Video Abstract with ODAC Faculty Dr. Hilary Baldwin

By Uncategorized

acneceuticals

ODAC faculty are not only experts in dermatology – many are involved hands-on with the latest dermatologic research.

Case in point: Dr. Hilary Baldwin. A prolific researcher, Dr. Baldwin is a sought-after speaker on a variety of dermatology topics. At ODAC 2026, Dr. Baldwin will share approaches for treating keloids, provide an acne update for 2026, and address the role of cosmeceuticals in barrier repair.

If you’re looking for a sneak peak, check out Dr. Baldwin’s JDD Video Abstract about a recent study in which she was the lead author, “Real-World Clinical Case Series Utilizing Acneceuticals as Monotherapy, Adjunctive, or Maintenance Therapy for Acne Vulgaris.”

Watch as Dr. Baldwin gives the background on the need for and classification of acneceuticals. Find out the real-world data on the effectiveness of acneceuticals in the treatment of acne vulgaris, both as monotherapy and in conjunction with prescription therapies. Learn from Dr. Baldwin on how acneceuticals can help with patient engagement in their treatment. Plus find out her takeaways from the study and how dermatologists may best recommend acneceuticals for their acne patients.

Be sure to register for ODAC to learn from Dr. Baldwin in-person.

Improving Surgical Scars: ODAC Interview

By ODAC Sessions

surgical scars

Surgical scars are an unwanted consequence from dermatologic surgery, and one that dermatologists seek to avoid if at all possible. Dermatologic surgeon C. William Hanke, MD, MPH, FAAD, has plenty of experience in preventing and treating surgical scars, and he shared pearls from his session at ODAC 2025 with Next Steps in Derm. Check out this video interview where Dr. Hanke outlines the good surgical technique that’s required to help prevent scars.

Watch as he shares:

  • prevention and treatment techniques in the surgical scar tool kit
  • therapies to consider for different types of scars
  • when excision is the best treatment option

Want more insights from Dr. Hanke? Register for ODAC 2026 and attend his sessions:

  • Dermatologic Surgery for the General Dermatologist: Case-Based Pearls & Techniques – Expert Panel
  • Hedgehog Inhibitors for Basal Cell Carcinoma: Optimizing Use and Overcoming Challenges – Expert Panel

Hedgehog Inhibitors: ODAC Interview

By ODAC Sessions

hedgehog inhibitors

Immunotherapy has radically changed how cancer is treated, including skin cancer. Yet in this age of immunotherapy, is there still a place for hedgehog inhibitors in the treatment tool box?

In this Next Steps in Derm video interview, Vishal A. Patel, MD, FACMS, ODAC’s guest advisor for surgical dermatology, shares the important role that hedgehog inhibitors should still play in cutaneous oncology. Watch as Dr. Patel outlines the two approved medications and how they work. Plus learn what you need to know to choose the best treatment for your patients.

Want more updates in the treatment of skin cancer? Register for ODAC 2026 and attend the following sessions:

  • Hedgehog Inhibitors for Basal Cell Carcinoma: Optimizing Use and Overcoming Challenges – Expert Panel
  • Beyond the Blade: Surveillance, GEP, and Radiation Insights for High-Risk Skin Cancers
  • Cutaneous Oncology Updates: New Approaches to Melanoma and Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers

The skin cancer slate at ODAC 2026 features practical updates from experts in the field, including Dr. Patel, who is the recipient of the 2025 Elaine H. Snyder Cancer Researcher Award, as well as C. William Hanke, MD, FAAD, and David Miller, MD, PhD, FAAD.

Hack the JAKs with Dr. A. Yasmine Kirkorian

By ODAC Sessions

JAK inhibitors in children

JAK inhibitors have quickly progressed from experimental therapies to valuable treatment options in pediatric dermatology, particularly for atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata. Their expanding use, however, brings important questions about appropriate patient selection, dosing, monitoring, and long-term safety—especially in children, where growth and development add layers of complexity to every decision.

In Dr. A. Yasmine Kirkorian’s ODAC 2025 presentation, she shared practical guidance for clinicians in implementing JAK inhibitors in children. Key themes included:

  • Risk–Benefit Balance: Weighing the burden of uncontrolled disease against potential medication risks is essential. Quality of life—and the harm of not treating—must be part of the conversation with families.
  • Evolving Safety Data: While short-term safety signals (MACE, VTE) are generally reassuring, more long-term pediatric research is needed.
  • On-Label vs Off-Label Use: Understanding FDA-approved age and weight thresholds helps streamline treatment planning and insurance navigation.
  • Adverse Effects: Children may experience more hematologic abnormalities and acne (“jackne”), especially with upadacitinib. Lab monitoring is crucial to detect cytopenias and assess baseline trends.
  • When to Use JAKs: Most commonly after dupilumab failure in atopic dermatitis, in severe alopecia areata, or when oral therapy is preferable due to needle phobia. They may also be useful in undifferentiated inflammatory dermatoses or cases with overlapping systemic disease.
  • Special Considerations Under Age 12: Insurance approval is challenging, making documentation vital. Weight-based approvals and liquid formulations expand options for younger children.
  • Alopecia Areata: JAK inhibitors are often first-line for severe disease. Ritlecitinib is FDA-approved for ages 12+, with no lower weight cutoff.
  • Impact on Growth: JAK pathways influence growth, and data show mixed effects. Inflammation itself may impair growth, making disease control part of the therapeutic benefit.
  • Future Needs: Better understanding of long-term therapy, ethical considerations in chronic use, pregnancy counseling for teens, and clearer insight into how JAK inhibition interacts with childhood growth.

Overall, Dr. Kirkorian’s guidance provides actionable pearls to help dermatologists use JAK inhibitors safely, effectively, and thoughtfully in pediatric patients.

This session summary was written by Kala Hurst, DO, and published on Next Steps in Derm. 

Dr. Kirkorian will share more practical pearls at ODAC 2026 in the following sessions:

  • Navigating Complex Pediatric Dermatology Cases
  • Beyond Topical Steroids: Incorporating PD4 Inhibitors, JAK Inhibitors, and Aryl Hydrocarbon Agonists Into Your Tool Kit – Expert Panel

Register today!

Incorporating Acneceuticals: JDD Podcast

By Medical Dermatology

acneceuticals

Acneceuticals are a new category of acne products on the market. These are over-the-counter actives that can be used on their own or as adjunctive therapies to keep acne-prone skin clear.

In this JDD Podcast, host and ODAC Conference Co-Chair Adam Friedman, MD, FAAD, is joined by acne researcher Hilary Baldwin, MD, FAAD, to share highlights from her latest Journal of Drugs in Dermatology supplement on the real-world use of acneceuticals. Listen as they share an algorithm that guides product picks and delve into skincare science for acne. Hear clinical pearls and find out why, when treating acne, you may want to give a second glance at the skin care aisle.

In addition to her credibility as a researcher, Dr. Baldwin is also known for her engaging lectures chock-full of practical guidance. Register for ODAC and attend Dr. Baldwin’s medical dermatology sessions:

  • The 2025 Acne Treatment Landscape: Prescription, OTC, and Adjunctive Therapies
  • Integrating Cosmeceuticals With Prescription Therapies for Barrier Repair
  • Treating Keloids With Confidence: Evidence-Based Approaches for Dermatologists

Episodes of the JDD Podcast are available on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher and TuneIn.

 

Pyoderma Gangrenosum and Sweet Syndrome: ODAC Interview

By ODAC Sessions

neutrophilic dermatoses

Neutrophilic dermatoses aren’t commonly addressed in dermatologic continuing education, yet understanding how to diagnose these dermatoses is important. An accurate diagnosis could reveal an underlying autoinflammatory disease.

Watch this Next Steps in Derm video interview with Anthony Fernandez, MD, PhD, FAAD, from ODAC 2025, where he addresses the most common neutrophilic dermatoses that a dermatologist will see in clinic: pyoderma gangrenosum and Sweet syndrome.

Dr. Fernandez shares criteria for making an accurate pyoderma gangrenosum diagnosis. Learn treatment options and why wound healing expertise is key when managing these patients. Find out why Dr. Fernandez says treating Sweet syndrome may be easier than treating pyoderma gangrenosum. Plus hear about a late-onset, autoinflammatory disease that may be an underlying disease in certain patients who present with rashes that are consistent with Sweet syndrome.

Register for ODAC 2026 for more medical dermatology updates.

Patient Buzz: Skin Care After GLP-1 Weight Loss

By Patient Care

skin care after GLP-1 weight loss

GLP-1 agonists are a popular method of losing weight, which is leading to patient questions about skin care after GLP-1 weight loss. In this Next Steps in Derm Patient Buzz, Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, FAAD, outlines skincare ingredients that can address skin laxity and textural changes from losing a significant amount of weight. She also addresses in-office procedures and when to refer a patient to a plastic surgeon. Find out her approach with patients who are experiencing significant weight loss and why it’s important to set realistic expectations with patients.

GLP-1 agonists are increasingly used by dermatologists to address comorbidities from inflammatory skin diseases. For more on their dermatologic use, attend the ODAC session, “GLP-1 Agonists in Cutaneous Medicine: Rapid-Fire Insights on Comorbidities, Safety, and Aesthetic Considerations – Panel Discussion”. Register today!