News|Articles|June 11, 2026

Conference Preview: SDPA Summer Dermatology Conference 2026

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Key Takeaways

  • Multidisciplinary education targets high-yield gaps: pediatric biologic optimization, antimicrobial stewardship, integrative care, diet counseling, and molecular diagnostics for diagnosis, prognosis, and systemic therapy selection.
  • Visually intensive pattern-recognition training aims to improve diagnostic speed, triage accuracy, and confidence through rapid-fire clinical imaging and clinical instinct development.
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This preview of the 2026 SDPA Summer Dermatology Conference highlights different sessions and interviews covered by the HCPLive team.

The Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) is currently hosting the 2026 SDPA Summer Dermatology Conference from June 10–14, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado.

Key Points

  • SDPA Summer 2026 runs June 10–14 in Denver, convening dermatology clinicians to share updates in research and clinical practice.
  • The program highlights key areas including pediatric biologics, antibiotic stewardship, integrative dermatology, nutrition, and molecular diagnostics.
  • Sessions emphasize practical, evidence-based tools for improving everyday dermatology care.
  • HCPLive will provide on-site interviews and coverage with leading dermatology experts and session presenters.
  • Featured talks focus on diagnostics, precision medicine, patient counseling, and integrative and whole-person approaches to skin disease.

Over the course of this 5-day meeting, dermatology physician associates, nurse practitioners, dermatologists, and other healthcare professionals will convene to discuss emerging research, clinical best practices, and evolving treatment strategies across a broad range of dermatologic conditions.

What to Expect at SDPA Summer 2026 in Denver:

This year’s conference agenda features educational tracks and sessions designed to address some of the most pressing topics in dermatology, including pediatric biologic therapy, antibiotic stewardship, integrative medicine, nutritional counseling, molecular diagnostics, and complex clinical decision-making.

Attendees can expect a blend of evidence-based lectures, case-driven discussions, and practical insights intended to enhance patient care in both academic and community practice settings.

HCPLive is here on-site throughout the conference, providing exclusive interviews with presenters and key opinion leaders, coverage of notable sessions, and reporting on the latest clinical data and practice updates shared during the meeting.

Key Interviews at SDPA:

  • Nitsa Sebat, PhD, PA-C
  • Steven Daveluy, MD
  • Shanna Miranti, PA-C
  • Douglas DiRuggiero, DMSc, MHS, PA-C
  • Rajani Katta, MD
  • Shannon Trotter, DO
  • Mercedes E. Gonzalez, MD

Sessions to Watch:

Kodachromes: A Visual Journey Through Dermatologic Diagnosis
Presenter: Shanna Miranti, PA-C
Overview: This visually focused session is designed to help dermatology providers strengthen their visual diagnostic skills and improve clinical decision-making. Miranti will guide attendees through rapid-fire clinical images, emphasizing pattern recognition techniques that can enhance diagnostic speed, accuracy, and confidence. The presentation will also highlight practical approaches for developing the clinical instincts needed to efficiently assess and triage dermatologic conditions in everyday practice.

From Evidence to Exam Room: A Whole-Person Dermatology Literature Review for Everyday Practice
Presenters: Whitney High, MD, Douglas DiRuggiero, DMSc, MHS, PA-C
Overview: This session will explore the intersection of evidence-based medicine, clinical experience, and practical patient care in dermatology. High and DiRuggiero will share clinical pearls from everyday practice, highlighting situations in which diagnostic approaches, procedural techniques, and non-pharmacologic interventions can influence patient outcomes. Attendees will gain insights into biopsy selection in challenging neoplastic conditions, dietary strategies for managing skin disease, and the use of laser therapy for difficult-to-treat dermatologic disorders.

Integrative Dermatology
Presenter: Steven Daveluy, MD, FAAD
Overview: As patient interest in complementary and alternative therapies continues to increase, Daveluy’s session will explore the principles of integrative dermatology and how evidence-based complementary treatments can be incorporated into routine clinical practice. The presentation will focus on the intersection of conventional dermatologic care and supportive therapies, reviewing available literature on interventions that may benefit patients with inflammatory skin diseases. The session is designed to equip attendees with clinically relevant tools for addressing patient questions about integrative therapies while maintaining an evidence-based approach to care.

Integrative Medicine Track: Prescribing with Precision: Antibiotic Stewardship in Dermatology
Presenter: Douglas DiRuggiero, DMSc, MHS, PA-C
Overview: This session will review the principles of antibiotic stewardship in dermatology, focusing on evidence-based antimicrobial use that promotes effective patient care while reducing antibiotic resistance and unnecessary treatment exposure. DiRuggiero will discuss appropriate antibiotic selection, treatment duration, and monitoring strategies for conditions such as acne, rosacea, hidradenitis suppurativa, skin and soft tissue infections, and postoperative care. Attendees will also learn practical approaches for incorporating stewardship initiatives into clinical practice, including the use of non-antibiotic alternatives and patient counseling strategies to support responsible prescribing.

Pediatrics Track: Navigating Biologic Therapy in Pediatric Patients
Presenter: Mercedes E. Gonzalez, MD
Overview: With biologic therapies increasingly utilized in pediatric dermatology, Gonzalez will review considerations for patients and clinicians to note. The session is designed to help clinicians navigate evolving evidence and apply biologic therapies effectively among younger patient populations.

Diet and Dermatology: What To Say When Your Patients Ask
Presenter: Rajani Katta, MD
Overview: This session will examine the growing body of research exploring the relationship between nutrition and skin health, with an emphasis on translating evidence into practical patient guidance. Katta will address common myths and misconceptions surrounding diet and dermatologic disease while reviewing dietary factors that may influence conditions such as acne and rosacea. Attendees will gain actionable counseling strategies, including how to identify patients at risk for metabolic comorbidities and discuss evidence-based dietary interventions and supplement use in clinical practice.

Beyond What’s Visible: The Emerging Role of Molecular Testing in Dermatology in Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Systemic Therapy Selection
Presenter: Shannon Trotter, DO
Overview: This session will explore the growing role of molecular testing in dermatology and its potential applications in dermatology. Trotter is expected to highlight advances in precision medicine and discuss how emerging diagnostic tools may help personalize care for patients with complex dermatologic diseases.

The HCPLive team will provide ongoing coverage from Denver, including session highlights, expert interviews, and key clinical takeaways from the SDPA Summer Dermatology Conference 2026.

Editor’s note: This summary was created with the help of AI tools.


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