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Medical Dermatology

Atopic Dermatitis at ODAC with Shawn Kwatra, MD

By Medical Dermatology, ODAC Sessions

ODAC dermatology atopic dermatitis shawn kwatra

At the ODAC 2025 conference, Dr. Shawn Kwatra, Professor and Chair of Dermatology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and a leading figure in chronic inflammatory skin diseases, delivered a compelling presentation on atopic dermatitis (AD). Dr. Kwatra provided an overview of current AD treatment options, along with valuable insights into the latest advancements emerging in the field of dermatology.

Attend ODAC 2026 for atopic dermatitis updates like this and more.  Click here for the full article and more ODAC derm coverage.

 

Emerging Therapies in Psoriasis: Highlights from ODAC Dermatology Conference 2025

By Medical Dermatology, ODAC Sessions

Psoriasis CME Psoriasis Conference

At the 2025 ODAC Dermatology Conference, Dr. Anthony Fernandez, MD, PhD, delivered an insightful presentation on Advances in Psoriasis Treatment: Emerging Therapies and Future Directions.

Despite the abundance of systemic medicines to treat psoriasis, ongoing research provides hope for even better outcomes for patients with psoriasis in the future.

In his session, Dr. Fernandez reviewed the evolution of systemic psoriasis treatments with 14 agents approved since 2004 including 12 biologics and two small molecule inhibitors. He also discussed promising advancements that could reshape the treatment landscape.

Highlights include:

  • Oral cytokine inhibitors such as DC806, DC853, and icotrokinra, all demonstrating encouraging efficacy in early-phase clinical trials.
  • Nanobody therapies, including sonelokimab, showing superior skin penetration and robust PASI responses in phase 2 trials.
  • A novel treatment concept known as “knockout therapy”, explored in the KNOCKOUT study by Dr. Andy Blauvelt, using high-dose IL-23 inhibitors to potentially induce long-term remission or even disease modification.
  • The potential future role of CAR T-cell therapy in psoriasis, based on early success in other immune-mediated diseases.

Despite existing therapeutic options, the field of psoriasis treatment continues to evolve rapidly. These emerging therapies offer hope for longer-lasting remission and more targeted, effective care.

This session summary was written by Dr. Kala Hurst and published on Next Steps in Derm. Register for ODAC 2026 for more psoriasis updates.

 

ODAC 2021 Pre-Conference Sneak Peek Inflammatory Diseases Symposium

By Medical Dermatology, ODAC Sessions No Comments
Free sneak peek! Pre-registration required.
Free ODAC Sneak Peek on Inflammatory Diseases
Thursday, December 3rd, 2020 | 5:00 – 7:05 PM ET
Join us for a free sneak peek of the 2021 ODAC Dermatology, Aesthetic & Surgical Conference! Our elite, world renowned faculty will present the Inflammatory Diseases Symposium featuring topics such as acne, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, rosacea and more! Registration for the sneak peek is complimentary. Limited seats available, register today.
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Innovative Insights Into and Implications of Inflammatory Insults of the Integuments
What better way to lessen the blow of a global pandemic then with an aggressive alliteration? Well if that’s not your cup of caffeine, certainly the incredible evidenced based and interactive pre-ODAC symposium on common inflammatory skin diseases with national experts will turn that melancholy into a good ol’educational jolly. Arm yourself with both the latest evidence and unique anecdotal experience of our experts. What’s new and how to do? That’s why we pulled together this faculty crew.
Symposium Moderator
Adam Friedman, MD
Acne: Changing Practices in a Changing Clinical Landscape
Jenna Lester, MD
NPF-AAD Psoriasis Management Guidelines: What you need to know
Abby Van Voorhees, MD
Atopic Dermatitis Update 2021
Adam Friedman, MD
Treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa in 2021 and Beyond 
Joslyn Kirby, MD
Treating Rosacea in 2021   
Julie Harper, MD
Live Q&A 

Skin Microbiome and Acne: Connecting the Dots

By Medical Dermatology, Patient Care No Comments
skin microbiome

When we think about skin, a few things come to mind: protection, temperature regulation, sensation. However, there is growing interest in the microbiome of the skin. Our skin flora can be likened to an invisible ecosystem. Similar to fingerprints, it is unique to each individual. The complexity of the skin microbiome is continuing to be researched. This research is paving the way to improve our understanding of the relationship between acne and dysbiosis.

At the GW Virtual Appraisal of Advances in Acne Conference, Dr. Adam Friedman discussed Microbiome Manipulation in the Management of Acne. His lecture provided insight on the microenvironment of the skin and how the diversity in skin flora can affect disease processes such as acne.

First, let me share a few pearls from Dr. Friedman’s lecture.

The skin is a physical barrier against invasion by pathogenic organisms and foreign substances. The skin is also an ecosystem, host to a variety of microorganisms that are typically harmless.

The habitat of the skin varies topographically and there are several factors that contribute to this unique variation among individuals.

The cutaneous immune system modulates and can be modulated by these commensal microorganisms. Dysbiosis, which directly refers to decreased microbial diversity, is directly linked to dysregulation of the skin immune response is evident in several skin disorders.

When we think about the skin barrier, we usually think about the hydrophilic corneocytes and hydrophobic lipids that make up this security guard for your skin. However, we do not necessarily think about the invisible barrier that protects the skin, which is composed of numerous microorganisms. Both of these components are vital to the structural stability of the skin barrier. If this invisible barrier is disrupted, this may lead to skin disease. Why are these commensal organisms so important?

Role of commensal organisms on the skin:

  • Inhibit colonization of foreign pathogens
  • Maintain the pH balance of the skin
  • Inhibit inflammation

We all have a unique skin microbiome. What contributes to the variability of the skin microbiome?

Factors contributing to individual variations in skin microflora:

  • Gender
  • Age
  • Environment
  • Lifestyle
  • Genetics
  • Underlying medical conditions

Read more….

Free Virtual Conference: GW Virtual Acne Appraisal Conference

By Medical Dermatology, Patient Care No Comments

Hosted by George Washington University, in Partnership with ODAC Dermatology, Aesthetic & Surgical Conference and Next Steps in Derm

Even during a global pandemic we cannot forget that Acne Vulgaris is one of if not THE most common skin condition afflicting our patients and the general populace. With the disruption of clinics and conferences, innovative vehicles for the dissemination of the most up to date data and expert anecdote are certainly and sorely needed.

Enter the GW Virtual Acne Appraisal Conference: A 3 hour program that promises to pander to your pimple popping practices with short but sweet lectures from the acne gurus covering the gamut of the big A. From treatments to treats, from considering the microbiome to unique treatment approaches in specific patient populations, we will cover it all. And if that wasn’t enough, we will round it out with a perusal of the therapeutic pipeline. It will be all that and a bag of chips (which may or may not cause acne…you need to tune in to find out).

Agenda

8:00 – 8:15 – Introduction and Welcome
8:15 – Topical Management of Acne– James Q. Del Rosso, DO, FAOCD, FAAD
8:30 – Use of Hormonal Therapies in Acne– Julie Harper, MD
8:50 – Use of Antibiotics in Acne – Neal Bhatia, MD
9:10 – Issues with Isotretinoin: Fact vs. Fiction – Jenna C. Lester, MD
9:30 – Microbiome Manipulation for the Management of Acne – Adam Friedman, MD, FAAD
9:45 –  Diet and Alternative Therapies: What to know for Acne management – Vivian Shi, MD
10:00 – Management Considerations for Skin of Color Patients with Acne –Andrew Alexis, MD, MPH
10:20 – Managing Acne in the LGBTQ+ Population – Angelo Landriscina, MD
10:40 – New and Emerging Therapies for Acne – Leon Kircik, MD

View On-Demand: Starting Your Own Dermatology Practice: Expert Panel Discussion

By Aesthetic Dermatology, Medical Dermatology, Patient Care, Video Pearls No Comments

This webinar was previously recorded on July 1, 2020 and is now available on demand.

Hosted by ODAC
In Partnership with The Journal of Drugs in Dermatology
ODAC in partnership with the JDD, invite you to join your dermatology colleagues as we discuss strategies, steps and best practices for starting your own dermatology practice. Expert panelists will discuss their experiences with securing financing, choosing devices, hiring contractors and running a practice. They will give insights into what they wish they knew before beginning their practice, offer practical tips and much more!
MODERATOR
Aanand N. Geria, MD, FAAD (Founder, Geria Dermatology – Rutherford, NJ)
PANELISTS
Matthew J. Elias, DO, FAAD (Co-Founder, Elias Dermatology – Fort Lauderdale, FL)
Rishi K. Gandhi, MD, FAAD (CEO & Director, Ohio Skin Surgery and Cosmetic Center – Dayton, OH)
Chesahna Kindred, MD, MBA, FAAD (Founder, Kindred Hair & Skin Center – Columbia, MD)
Omar N. Qutub, MD FAAD (Founder, Dermatology By Design LLC – Portland, OR)

The Business of Dermatology: A Must Read

By Aesthetic Dermatology, Medical Dermatology No Comments
The Business of Dermatology Cover Image

Business intellect, a vital aspect of managing a practice, is not taught in residency. From the infancy of their training, dermatologists are trained to think broadly and scrupulously, using each clue, each corporeal sense, and each available tool to accurately diagnose and manage a plethora of cutaneous conditions. After residency, dermatologists set out armed with the knowledge and drive to deliver expert care to their future patients. However, despite their education and best intentions, lack of business acumen can hinder even the brightest and most motivated of practitioners. In order to enlighten oneself in the complicated field of business management, clinicians are left to fend for themselves, often learning as they go, sometimes making unnecessary mistakes, and adjusting their business practices reactively. Retrospective “trial and error” learning is time-consuming, cumbersome, and costly. Why not short track and get the goods without the trial and error, making costly mistakes and taking years. The new book, The Business of Dermatology is a cornerstone achievement in the standardization of business education for dermatologists.

Edited by Drs. Jeffrey S. Dover and Kavita Mariwalla, and authored by impressive experts in the field, The Business of Dermatology offers a comprehensive guide to opening, maintaining, and sustaining a practice. To start, the power of this textbook fundamentally lies in the experience and scope of its authorship. The authors were hand-selected by the editors ensuring that each chapter was written by a tried and true expert in that subject. Unlike other textbooks in the field of business management and administration that are primarily written by individuals from the business world, some of whom have no insight into the inner machinations of the medical world, or hands-on experience, the authors of this book are well-known, respected dermatologists that hail from thriving practices of their own. The reader has an unprecedented opportunity to learn from the firsthand experiences of top authorities who live and breathe dermatology. Using conversational prose, the authors depict their experiences, trials, and errors, employing specific real-world examples and scenarios while tackling each subject.

A notable forte of The Business of Dermatology is the sheer breadth and range of topics discussed in the textbook by medical as well as surgical dermatologists. Opening and managing a practice is a daunting endeavor with twists, turns, and hidden hurdles that one cannot foresee until stumbling across them. The Business of Dermatology unveils those twists, turns, and hurdles for the reader, taking the “guessing game” out of the equation. Fifty-five chapters elucidate every aspect of running a practice, covering all practice-relevant topics, including office space and equipment, managing financials, diverse practice models, human resources, employment considerations, patient issues, pricing, essential surgical tools/supplies, marketing, and much more. The Business of Dermatology lays bare every facet of handling a dermatologic practice, so much so that even a well-run, seasoned practice stands to learn new tools and tips to elevate itself to a higher level.

And now more than ever in the “Time of Covid” we are in desperate need of information from The Business of Dermatology. Many of us are inventing the wheel with the significant changes that are occurring in Dermatology, and the practice of our specialty.

The wealth of knowledge endowed in each chapter is written and formatted in such a style that renders each chapter extremely easy to read and comprehend. First, the prose used in the chapters is conversational – as such, the reader is fully immersed in each topic as if he/she were having a face-to-face chat with the authors. Furthermore, references are used only when absolutely necessary. The reader is not bogged down by superfluous references and discussions that may dim the vital discussion points of the chapters. Finally, embedded within each chapter are practical tips that are immediately implementable and a Top Ten list that highlights the key take-home points, making “reading on the run” possible. The novice practice owner need not fear the residency dogma of “trying to drink from a gushing fire hydrant” with this easy-to-read, catchy and focused textbook.

Read More….

Dr. Adam Friedman Discusses 2021 ODAC Dermatology Conference Program

By Aesthetic Dermatology, Medical Dermatology, ODAC Sessions, Patient Care, Surgical Dermatology, Video Pearls No Comments

ODAC Dermatology, Aesthetic & Surgical Conference’s Medical Director, Dr. Adam Friedman, discusses the ODAC 2021 program, reasons to attend and more!

To view the full agenda, click here: https://orlandoderm.org/agenda/

ODAC Dermatology Conference is the premier clinical dermatology conference expertly curated to provide comprehensive, annual updates and fresh pearls in medical, aesthetic and surgical dermatology. Check out our blog and media coverage.
The 2021 ODAC dermatology conference focuses on new uses for old treatments, incorporating new treatments, products and treatment lines, critical updates in diagnosis guidelines, as well as advanced techniques for enhancing your surgical and nonsurgical patient outcomes.

Therapeutic Updates in Melanoma

By Medical Dermatology, ODAC Sessions, Patient Care, Video Pearls No Comments

ODAC Dermatology Conference, in partnership with Next Steps in Derm, interviewed Dr. David Miller, Instructor in Dermatology and Medicine at Harvard Medical School and member of the Department of Dermatology and the Department of Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, where he is co-director of the Merkel cell carcinoma treatment program. Watch as he shares important updates on Immuno-Oncology (IO) strategies for melanoma.