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ODAC Sessions

Jan 12
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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!)

Jan 09
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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!

Jan 07
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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!)

Dec 26
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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
Dec 18
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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.

Dec 10
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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!

Nov 24
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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.

Oct 29
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Growing a Dermatology Practice: ODAC Interview

By ODAC Sessions

growing a dermatology practice

A service-oriented culture can help grow a dermatology practice, according to ODAC faculty Robyn Siperstein, MD, FAAD. Dr. Siperstein credits her workplace culture for her practice’s expansion to more than 100 staff members at two locations.

Check out this interview with Next Steps in Derm from ODAC 2025 where Dr. Siperstein shares her early leadership lessons and how this culture permeates her office from the top down. Go to school on Dr. Siperstein’s signature moves in growing a dermatology practice through service. Plus learn how to make each patient interaction one that expresses value.

Are you a wannabe practice owner? Register for ODAC 2026 and attend Dr. Ronda S. Farah’s session on what it takes to open a dermatology practice.

Oct 24
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Vulvar Dermatoses: ODAC Pearls from Dr. Christina Kraus

By ODAC Sessions

vulvar dermatoses

At the 2025 ODAC Dermatology Conference, Christina Kraus, MD, FAAD, reviewed systemic treatment options for refractory vulvar inflammatory dermatoses, such as lichen sclerosus (LS), lichen planus (LP), and lichen simplex chronicus (LSC). While most cases respond to potent topical corticosteroids, systemics may be needed for severe or pre-scarring disease, recalcitrant symptoms, or when topical use is limited by side effects or patient preference.

Key takeaways:

  • When to consider systemics: severe/refractory disease, extragenital involvement, prevention of scarring, poor quality of life, or steroid-sparing needs.
  • Common agents: oral retinoids, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, adalimumab; systemic steroids mainly for short-term use.
  • Emerging options: IL-23 inhibitors and JAK inhibitors show promise but require further study.
  • Condition-specific notes:
    • LS: maintenance therapy critical to prevent scarring/malignancy.
    • LP: erosive type often requires systemic therapy; overlap with LS should be considered.
    • LSC: no scarring risk but major quality-of-life impact; systemic immunosuppressants, dupilumab, or neuropathic agents may help.
  • Approach: shared decision-making, patient counseling, monitoring, and collaboration with gynecology/rheumatology as appropriate.

Bottom line: Systemic agents can expand therapeutic options for vulvar dermatoses when topicals fail, but careful patient selection, counseling, and ongoing study of newer therapies are essential.

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

Register for ODAC 2026 for more medical dermatology updates.

Oct 17
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What’s New in Rosacea: Interview with Dr. Adam Friedman

By ODAC Sessions

rosacea

ODAC Co-Chair Adam Friedman, MD, FAAD, says he’s changed the way he approaches rosacea due to some nuances in recently published studies.

Watch this Next Steps in Derm video interview with Dr. Friedman from ODAC 2025 where he addresses what’s new in the understanding of rosacea triggers. Does current research support the longstanding guidance to avoid coffee? Plus learn Dr. Friedman’s top strategies for managing rosacea and find out about three recently FDA-approved rosacea therapies.

Don’t miss Dr. Friedman’s rosacea session at ODAC 2026 where he’ll address more new developments and practical approaches. Register today!

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