Day 2, Thursday, July 30, 2026
Day 2 began with registration and coffee service. Early risers had the chance to join a group yoga wellness event before the day’s programming got underway. The exhibit hall in the Port of San Diego Ballroom opened for the day, giving attendees plenty of chances to connect with industry representatives between sessions.
After the breakfast symposium, Matthew Brunner PA-C, Founder & Executive Director of the Elevate-Derm Alliance, welcomed attendees and shared updates on the new Elevate-Derm website, learning management system, and discussion forums as year-round resources for the dermatology community. He also recognized the nation’s Armed Forces in honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary before turning things over to the day’s educational programming.
Dr. Oyetewa Asempa opened the sessions with a case-based look at alopecia and scalp disorders in patients of color, highlighting key decision points and diagnostic pitfalls. Dr. April Armstrong and Dr. Walter Liszewski followed with a joint session on atopic dermatitis focusing on special populations and cases where standard treatments fall short.
After a coffee break with exhibitors, Dr. Liszewski returned to cover wart treatments beyond cryotherapy, including different modalities and warning signs of malignant transformation. Dr. Armstrong then explored the growing role of AI in dermatology including tips for using generative AI in practice. Running at the same time, a breakout session led by Buchi Neita, PA-C, gave attendees a look at the conference’s submitted research abstracts.
The afternoon opened with Dr. Asempa sharing practical guidance on hair care and styling for patients of color with alopecia, followed by Dr. Liszewski on new approaches to managing hidradenitis suppurativa.
After another exhibitor coffee break, Dr. Asempa returned with an update on treating hyperpigmentation in skin of color. That was followed by a SkinSync Live panel featuring Eileen Cheever, PA-C, and Buchi Neita, PA-C, where they tackled pediatric psoriasis, comparing biologic therapies for children and adolescents and discussed how to partner with patients and caregivers.
The day’s CME programming closed with Dr. Armstrong and Dr. Liszewski reviewing psoriatic disease, its comorbidities, and emerging treatments on the horizon.
As the sun began to set, the energy shifted from clinical to celebratory as attendees boarded the Hornblower Admiral for the Stars & Stripes Dinner Cruise. Guests set sail from the Hornblower Pier, enjoying dinner with breathtaking bay views as the San Diego skyline lit up around them.
The attire did not disappoint. With a dress code of aviator chic or celebratory red, white, and blue, guests leaned all the way in wearing bomber jackets, aviator sunglasses, star-spangled ties, and plenty of patriotic flair. The result was a deck full of color and no shortage of great photos.
Once dinner wound down, the dance floor took over. It wasn’t long before attendees were busting out their best moves under the string lights. It was the perfect way to let loose after two days of intensive learning. It was a night to remember!
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