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Clinic to Podium: Why Dermatology PAs and NPs Should Share Their Voice

- In: Clinical Practice, Professional Development

As practicing Dermatology PAs and NPs, we often find ourselves juggling patient care, prior
authorizations, and staying up-to-date on the latest treatment guidelines. But what if I told you
that sharing your clinical experience—whether it is your approach to acne, skin cancer, rashes, or
Peds Derm—could make just as significant an impact as your daily patient encounters?


Early in my career, just three years into practice, I found a surprising outlet for my passion:
public speaking. I began by presenting for pharmaceutical speaker programs, where I could
incorporate my own clinical images and add personal insights to the company-provided slides.
That’s when I discovered something important—I loved teaching dermatology.


Over time, I expanded my audience. I started teaching at PA schools, lecturing to athletic training
students, local school nurses, and even high schoolers. I co-founded a local journal club and
shared practical pearls on treatment strategies, bedside manner, and improving access to
medications.


Later, as I balanced a growing family and professional responsibilities, I limited my travel but
continued speaking locally for industry. This phase taught me valuable lessons in slide design,
storytelling, and how to explain complex mechanisms of action clearly. I soaked up every
opportunity to learn from national podium speakers—many of whom now run the conferences
we attend today.


Eventually, I transitioned to developing and delivering my own original talks. Unlike industry-sponsored prepared decks, podium presentations have to be created from scratch, which requires deep research and creative thinking.  It is hard work—but the reward? The opportunity to truly inspire and educate your peers.


If you’re a Derm PA or NP with a passion for sharing your clinical insights, I encourage you to
start small. Present at your local journal club. Offer a talk on skin cancer prevention in your
community. The more you speak, the more confident and impactful you will become.
Public speaking isn’t just for physicians or “big names”—your voice matters, and your
experience is valuable. So, create that deck. Share those pearls. Step up to the podium.


Go out there, and be great.

With over 23 years as a Dermatology PA, practicing in Naples, FL, Shanna Miranti, MPAS, PA-C, brings more than clinical expertise—she brings heart. As a proud mom of four and former collegiate basketball player, she still carries that competitive spirit! Whether in the clinic or on the podium, her mission is simple: help the next generation of patients get the best dermatologic care possible, and help the next generation of DermPAs/NPs succeed with confidence, grit, and purpose.