From Sleep Science to Serious Diagnoses
Day 3 of Elevate-Derm Summer 2025 delivered a full slate of engaging sessions, collaborative learning, and clinical takeaways ready for real-world practice. The day opened with coffee and collegiality at the Jordanelle Pre-Function area, followed by a packed agenda of high-yield lectures. Between browsing innovations one last time in the exhibit hall and recharging at networking breaks, attendees explored topics ranging from sleep and skin disease to complex inpatient consults—all while soaking up the stunning mountain views.
Morning Momentum: Sleep, Treatment Innovations, and Complex Diagnoses
Dr. Tina Bhutani kicked off the morning by underscoring the vital role of sleep in dermatologic and systemic health. She walked the audience through the progression of sleep stages, including slow-wave sleep, which plays a crucial role in immune functioning and memory consolidation. She highlighted a compelling study that found each additional hour of nightly sleep in patients with psoriasis was associated with a 33% reduction in the risk of myocardial infarction, demonstrating that sleep isn’t just restorative, but can also be cardioprotective.
After attendees fueled up with breakfast and coffee, Dr. Anisha Patel took the stage for her lecture “Immunotherapy in Dermatology: Innovations & Clinical Applications.” She guided attendees through the expanding role of immunotherapy in dermatology, from mRNA vaccines to cellular therapies. She emphasized how tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy and CAR-T cells are being explored in melanoma, offering hope for previously nonresectable cases.
After a quick coffee break, the dynamic duo of Dr. Lauren Madigan, MD, and Dr. Anisha Patel, MD, took the stage for “Complex Medical Dermatology: Diagnoses You Can’t Afford to Miss.” They navigated complex diagnostic challenges, reminding clinicians to “beware of the flare.” Dr. Madigan highlighted the elevated skin cancer risk in transplant patients, reinforcing the importance of tailored surveillance and treatment approaches in immunosuppressed populations.
Attendees then headed across the hall for a delicious lunch and an exciting prize drawing giveaway. One lucky attendee received the grand prize of Elevate-Derm Conference registration and a hotel stay for a future conference!
Midday Masterclass: Itching, STIs, Vitiligo and Skin Sync Live!
Dr. Amy Spizuoco, MD, kicked off the afternoon lecture with “The Evolving Landscape of STIs.” She provided a timely and insightful overview of emerging trends in sexually transmitted infections. She introduced the audience to Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII, a sexually transmitted dermatophyte requiring extended treatment with oral terbinafine.
Next up, Douglas DiRuggiero, PA-C, delved into the neurobiology and practical management of chronic pruritus during his lecture “Unraveling Chronic Itch,” emphasizing the importance of ruling out parasitic infections in patients with recent travel history and eosinophilia. He also reviewed the value of skin hydration and barrier repair as first-line strategies, especially in elderly patients whose chronic itch may be compounded by age-related changes in immune function and skin integrity.
Afterwards, Dr. Naiem Issa, MD, took the stage for “Vitiligo for Advanced Clinicians: Key Takeaways.” He explored both the psychosocial and medical aspects of treating vitiligo, including the underdiagnosis of depression among these patients, which may be compounded by barriers to mental health care. He also discussed the use of ruxolitinib 1.5% cream, the first FDA-approved topical for non-segmental vitiligo, cautioning against combining it with other immunosuppressants due to safety concerns.
In a much-anticipated event, the hosts of the popular podcast SkinSync, Buchi Neita, PA-C, and Shanna Miranti, PA-C, welcomed Eileen Cheever, PA-C, to the stage for a discussion of “The Dark Side of Summer Sun: OTC Cosmeceutical Advancements for Hyperpigmentation." They shared the latest treatment options for hyperpigmentation and explained to the audience how to distinguish dermal from epidermal pigment.
Afternoon Immersion: Biologics and Patient Cases
Dr. Megan Prouty, MD, provided a case-based approach to navigating systemic therapies for psoriasis in her lecture “Optimizing Biologic Selection and Treatment Sequencing in Psoriasis.” She emphasized that disease severity isn’t just about body surface area—lesions on hands, feet, or genitals can justify systemic therapy regardless of percentage. She also reminded clinicians to refer patients with axial symptoms for rheumatologic evaluation early in the disease course to avoid missed diagnoses of psoriatic arthritis.
Attendees took the opportunity to enjoy a dessert break before powering through the final academic sessions of the day.
Dr. Madigan returned to the stage once again to share “Interesting Cases from Inpatient Consults.” Rare and revealing cases from inpatient dermatology enthralled attendees. She discussed Sweet’s syndrome, characterized by painful, erythematous plaques and often signaling an underlying malignancy. She also addressed the diagnostic challenge of pyoderma gangrenosum, emphasizing the importance of ruling out mimickers, such as vascular or infectious ulcers, before initiating immunosuppression.
The day wrapped with a high-energy Kodachrome session, where Dr. Madigan, MD guided attendees through visually complex cases designed to sharpen pattern recognition and clinical reasoning. With audience engagement and spirited discussion, this final lecture sent clinicians off with sharpened diagnostic tools and fresh perspectives.
Saturday Takeaway: Full-Spectrum Learning in the Mountains
With robust educational content, peer collaboration, and practical pearls throughout, Day 3 of Elevate-Derm 2025 reminded us of dermatology’s depth, from immunologic nuance to the vital role of sleep and mental health. With one more day ahead, attendees are leaving the lecture hall recharged, inspired, and equipped for Monday morning practice.
We're excited to share that conference photos are available for download through the provided link, allowing you to relax and focus on your learning experience. Enjoy capturing these memories!