Tim Smith joined the MJH Life Sciences team as an assistant editor for HCPLive in August 2022. He graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in political science, working in multimedia journalism as a staff writer prior to joining MJH. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, watching TV, listening to podcasts, and rock climbing. You can contact him at 

2025 Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) Fall Conference

 in San Antonio, Texas, a poster was presented titled 'Expert consensus recommendations on dermoscopy proficiency standards for physician assistants: results of a modified Delphi survey.'

This article highlighted a new expert consensus report proposing the first formal set of dermoscopy proficiency expectations for physician assistants (PAs). The report was authored by such investigators as Peter A. Young, MPAS, PA-C. Young and colleauges' report touched on the long-standing gap in dermatology and primary care education observed in a period in which PAs' role is expanding role in the skin cancer space.

Dermoscopy is now widely regarded as crucial for clinicians who assess the presence pigmented lesions and is being increasingly included in training within the dermatology field. The process is also gaining traction in primary care as melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer rates continue to see increases around the country.

However, Young et al noted, despite the large number of PAs seeing patients across specialties, no agreed-upon dermoscopic learning objectives had been determined as guidelines for PA practices specifically. In this study, the investigative team sought to shift this paradigm.

There were 14 experienced dermoscopists gathered for this consensus panel, including 8 dermatologists and 6 PAs with backgrounds in consensus-building efforts for clinician dermoscopy benchmarks, standardized testing frameworks, and recommended PA competencies. Young and coauthors noted most participants had significant experience with the dermoscopy technique: 86% had implemented dermoscopy for over 12 years and there was a mean of 15.5 years of use.

A modified Delphi process was utilized for the group, combining 2 rounds of electronic surveys with a facilitated roundtable discussion following these surveys.

 Those included as panelists assessed dermoscopic expectations across 54 diagnoses. The experts were asked to determine which of various conditions represent foundational knowledge for PAs who are in the early-career period in primary care versus in dermatology.

By the second survey round, the experts were successful in attaining a consensus on 39 of the 54 diagnoses, or 72%, determining such diagnoses as appropriate for inclusion in PA educational materials.

 The remaining 28% of these were determined by the panel to be lower-priority items and not essential for beginners. Ultimately, the expert panel endorsed 14 key conditions for PAs practicing in primary care and 25 for those who work in dermatology, which Young and colleagues noted indicates a higher degree of diagnostic complexity expected in specialty settings.

The investigative team noted the strong interest in dermoscopy observed among those working as PAs. They highlighted prior national data indicating 77% of practicing PAs in all fields believe in the necessity of standard, formal dermoscopy instruction for their training. Dermatology-focused PA certification already involves dermoscopic content, but the team noted educators and supervising physicians lack guidance on which specific diagnoses constitute meaningful proficiency for those who are newer.

Overall, the expert consensus list generated through this study's process was designed to fill that void. As PAs continue to assume larger roles in dealing with patients showing suspicious lesions, the presence of shared dermoscopy training priorities may enhance diagnostic accuracy and even streamline collaboration among care teams.

Young and coauthors point to the potential of adopting these recommendations for professional organizations, training programs, and supervising dermatologists as leading to improved competence among PA trainees and early-career clinicians.

Young P, Middleton H, Seiverling E, et al. Expert consensus recommendations on dermoscopy proficiency standards for physician assistants: results of a modified Delphi survey. Presented at the Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) Fall Conference, November 5-9, San Antonio, TX.

Lapides R, Saravi B, Roider E, et al. Possible Explanations for Rising Melanoma Rates Despite Increased Sunscreen Use over the Past Several Decades. Cancers (Basel). 2023 Dec 16;15(24):5868. doi: 10.3390/cancers15245868. PMID: 38136411; PMCID: PMC10741796.

Articles

A new expert consensus report has established the first formal dermoscopy proficiency standards for physician assistants (PAs), addressing a gap in dermatology and primary care education. The report, developed by a panel of experienced dermoscopists, utilized a modified Delphi process to identify key dermoscopic diagnoses for PA training. The consensus identified 14 essential conditions for PAs in primary care and 25 for those in dermatology, reflecting the complexity of specialty settings. This initiative aims to enhance diagnostic accuracy and collaboration among care teams, improving PA competence in skin cancer assessment.

This research, presented at the SDPA Fall Conference, highlights a consensus report proposing the first formal set of dermoscopy proficiency expectations for PAs.

Dermatology

The HCPLive dermatology page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on skin disease. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos and research on the therapies and development of treatments for dermatologic conditions, and more.

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Expert Consensus Provides Recommendations on Dermoscopy Standards for PAs 

Marcus Shaker, MD, a professor of pediatrics and medicine at the Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine

Screenshot 2025-11-06 at 10.12.42 AM.png

Chelsie Derman is an associate editor for 

who covers psychiatry, sleep medicine, geriatrics, migraine, and allergy. She joined MJH Life Sciences in September 2023 after graduating from The College of New Jersey with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and professional writing. In her free time, she enjoys creative writing and reading.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about treating anaphylaxis:

When should I give my patients epinephrine for suspected anaphylaxis?

What’s the best observation period when treating anaphylaxis?

What test should I order for patients who experienced anaphylaxis?

Why should I instruct patients to call 911 after using an epinephrine auto-injector?

asked Marcus Shaker, MD, MSc, professor of pediatrics and medicine at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, rapid-fire FAQ questions about the treatment of 

When should epinephrine be administered for suspected anaphylaxis?

 Right away. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for suspected anaphylaxis.

What's the best observation period when treating anaphylaxis?

 The best observation period varies and depends on context and severity of anaphylaxis. For patients who have resolved non-severe anaphylaxis for at least an hour, the likelihood of recurrence of anaphylaxis is in the range of 5%.

What test should you order for patients who experienced anaphylaxis?

 The blood test is called the serum tryptase, and it can be very helpful in establishing a diagnosis.

Why do some patients need to call 911 even after using an epinephrine auto-injector?

 If symptoms are severe or don't immediately resolve or nearly resolve, patients may need additional epinephrine.

They may need additional support, including oxygen and IV fluid. Anaphylaxis can be severe and life-threatening, so if symptoms have not completely resolved or if they recur, patients should call 911 and seek care immediately.

2025 American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting

 in Orlando, Florida, from November 6 – 10, Shaker presented on misconceptions many people have surrounding epinephrine use in anaphylaxis management.

 According to Shaker, one of the most enduring myths both clinicians and patients have about epinephrine is that it is dangerous

“It's not,” Shaker told HCPLive during the meeting. “Epinephrine is the first-line treatment of anaphylaxis, and if you're having a severe allergic reaction, it is the recommended approach.”

Another misconception he listed was the necessity of calling 911 after administering epinephrine. Although patients may need to call 911 in certain situations, such as experiencing persistent or worsening symptoms, cardiovascular involvement, or a history of severe reactions, involving emergency services is not always necessary. Shaker said this misconception may result in patients not using their epinephrine to avoid a hospital visit. This myth can also feed the misbelief that epinephrine is dangerous.

At the conference, Shaker also discussed the nuanced approach clinicians must take when managing patients with a known trigger for anaphylaxis.

For instance, it may not be helpful to test a patient for peanut allergies if they are already 100% certain they have a peanut allergy. In this case, it would be more logical to shift the focus from diagnosis to treatment and preparedness.

Clinicians have many food allergy treatment options to select from, including oral and sublingual immunotherapy, biologics such as omalizumab, and a growing range of epinephrine delivery options. He said all of these options allow for richer discussions with patients and families about goals of care and management preferences.

Shaker M. Epinephrine Misconceptions Persist in Anaphylaxis Care, With Marcus Shaker, MD. HCPLive. November 7, 2025. 

https://www.hcplive.com/view/epinephrine-misconceptions-persist-anaphylaxis-care-marcus-shaker-md

Shaker M. When to Prescribe Epinephrine for Known Anaphylaxis Triggers, With Marcus Shaker, MD. HCPLive. November 7, 2025. 

https://www.hcplive.com/view/when-prescribe-epinephrine-known-anaphylaxis-triggers-marcus-shaker-md

Epinephrine is the primary treatment for suspected anaphylaxis and should be administered immediately. Observation periods vary based on the severity of the reaction, with a 5% recurrence rate for non-severe cases. Serum tryptase tests can aid in diagnosis. Patients should call 911 if symptoms persist or worsen after using an epinephrine auto-injector. Misconceptions about epinephrine's safety and the necessity of emergency services can hinder proper use. Clinicians should focus on treatment and preparedness, especially when triggers are known, and consider various allergy treatment options.

A quick guide for clinicians on epinephrine dosing, optimal observation periods, and the role of tryptase and other labs in anaphylaxis care.


Allergy

Allergy condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on allergic and inflammatory diseases. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for food and seasonal allergies, as well as allergic asthma and related conditions.

Anaphylaxis

The HCPLive anaphylaxis page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on acute allergic reactions. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for preventing anaphylaxis, and more.

Anaphylaxis Treatment FAQ: When to Give Epinephrine, Order Tests, Call 911

Michelle O'Donoghue, MD, is the McGillycuddy-Logue Endowed Chair in Cardiology at Brigham and Women's Hospital and associate professor at Harvard Medical School

Olpasiran Lowers Lp(a) Irrespective of Apo(a) Isoform Size, With Michelle O’Donoghue, MD

atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD)

, irrespective of apolipoprotein(a) isoform size, according to results from the OCEAN(a)-DOSE trial.

Lp(a) concentration is predominantly driven by genetics, with a well-documented inverse correlation between it and the number of Kringle IV-2 (KIV-2) repeats on apolipoprotein(a) alleles. However, the relationship between the size of these apo(a) isoforms and the response to Lp(a) lowering via RNA interference via olpasiran has not been studied. To that end, this analysis of the OCEAN(a)-DOSE trial was undertaken.

 spoke with Michelle O’Donoghue, MD, the McGillycuddy-Logue Endowed Chair in Cardiology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and associate professor at Harvard Medical School, to discuss the implications of this finding, not only for olpasiran, but for apo(a)-targeting ASCVD care at large.

“This is relevant because a lot of studies are looking at participants and individuals who have the highest levels of Lp(a),” O’Donoghue told 

. “We really need to better understand whether all people will have a similar type of response to these therapies, even if we end up pushing down to lower baseline Lp(a) concentrations.”

OCEAN(a)-DOSE was a phase 2, dose-finding randomized clinical trial evaluating 4 active doses of olpasiran – 10 mg every 12 weeks (Q12W), 75 mg Q12W, 225 mg Q12W, and 225 mg Q24W. For inclusion, patients were required to have ASCVD and Lp(a) levels >150 nmol/L. Investigators also measured the number of Kringle IV-2 (KIV-2) repeats, which are inversely correlated to the concentration of Lp(a), in each patient via a gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting system.

A total of 277 patients were enrolled in the trial, with a mean age of 62 years (interquartile range [IQR], 56-69). At baseline, the median Lp(a) concentration was 260.2 (IQR, 197.9-358.5) nmol/L. Lp(a) concentration was generally higher among patients with a lower number of KIV-2 repeats (

 = 0.02). Patients were then randomly assigned to 1 of 4 of the active subcutaneous doses of olpasiran or placebo; the final dose was administered at week 36 for the Q12W arms and at week 24 for the Q24W arm.

By week 36, the placebo-adjusted LSM percent change from baseline in Lp(a) with olpasiran was consistent irrespective of baseline KIV-2 repeat number (

 = .66). Additionally, no significant change was observed over time in the percent expression of the dominant apo(a) isoform with olpasiran versus placebo (mean change from baseline [+/- standard deviation] +1.1 [+/-9.8] % with olpasiran and + 2.1 [+/- 12.8] % with placebo; 

“Most people carry 2 different copies of an apo(a) allele, so they have a variable number of KIV-2 repeats in their blood, reflecting each of those 2 alleles – the dominant isoform is really just determined by what percent expression you have of one or the other,” O’Donoghue said. “We found that olpasiran really seems to target both isoforms equally; it doesn’t seem to matter how many KIV-2 repeats you have. It’s being taken out.”

Editor's Note: O'Donoghue reports disclosures with Amgen, Novartis, AstraZeneca, Janssen, Novo Nordisk, Verve, and others.

Monguillon V, Lopez A, Rosenson R, et al. Efficacy of Olpasiran by Apolipoprotein(a) Isoform Size: Insights from the OCEAN(a)-DOSE Trial. Presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2025. New Orleans, Louisiana. November 8-10, 2025.

Rosenson RS, López JAG, Gaudet D, et al. Olpasiran, Oxidized Phospholipids, and Systemic Inflammatory Biomarkers: Results From the OCEAN(a)-DOSE Trial. JAMA Cardiol. 2025;10(5):482-486. 

Videos

O’Donoghue discusses the results of the recent OCEAN(a)-DOSE trial and addresses the implications for Lp(a)-lowering therapies moving forward.

Cardiology

Cardiology condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on cardiovascular and cardiometabolic diseases. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for heart disease and cardiovascular events, as well as associated diabetes, renal failure, and more...

Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

Dyslipidemia

Yasmine Kirkorian, MD, is a dermatologist and chief of Dermatology at Children's National Hospital.

Guidelines on Genetic Disorders of the Skin and Pediatric Patients, With Yasmine Kirkorian, MD

 by Yasmine Kirkorian, MD, dermatologist and chief of Dermatology at Children's National Hospital.

In a new interview at this dermatology meeting, Kirkorian highlighted several key takeaways for clinicians on the topics covered in her sessions. First, she was asked about her session ‘The ABC's of Genetic Disorders of the Skin: Guidelines for Recognition and When to Refer.’

“My session focused on genetic skin disorders, and the first section was really thinking through who would even be screened for genetic skin disorders,” Kirkorian explained. “We talked a lot about putting the skin in the context of the child since child development is so critical, and we were looking at their physical growth. [These were] things like head circumference, but also looking at their development.”

Kirkorian also discussed developmental milestones, which can be noted on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. She noted a developmental delay, and skin findings can lead to an increase in the likelihood of referring such a child to genetics for evaluation.

“The rest of the lecture focused on more specific genetic syndromes, and we kind of broke it down into those with hyperpigmented birthmarks, those with hypopigmented lesions, those with keratinocytic lesions, and those that are at risk for internal malignancies,” Kirkorian said. “Because you want to catch people early that might have a cancer risk and get them into surveillance.”

Later, Kirkorian was asked about several highlights from her second talk, ‘It's Just a Little Different in Peds: Demystifying Complex Pediatric Dermatology Cases.’

“This session focused on complex medical dermatology in children, and so we looked at a number of conditions, including infections such as herpes simplex virus infections and other cutaneous infections,” Kirkorian said. “I also had a large chunk on reactive infectious mucocutaneous eruptions. That's a mouthful, which we call ‘RIME.’ RIME is a condition that occurs primarily in children, but can occur in adults, where people develop a reactive mucositis of multiple sites, the eyes, the mouth, or the genitals, in the setting of a recent infection. It's quite morbid and people can be hospitalized.”

This condition, Kirkorian noted, can lead to hospitalization among children for several weeks at a time. Early recognition and understanding is necessary, she added.

The quotes used in Kirkorian’s interview summary were edited for clarity.

Kirkorian had no relevant financial disclosures of note.

Kirkorian Y. The ABC's of Genetic Disorders of the Skin: Guidelines for Recognition and When to Refer. Presented at the Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) Fall Conference, November 5-9, San Antonio, TX.

Kirkorian Y. It's Just a Little Different in Peds: Demystifying Complex Pediatric Dermatology Cases. Presented at the Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) Fall Conference, November 5-9, San Antonio, TX.

Kirkorian speaks in this interview about her sessions at SDPA Fall on genetic disorders in pediatric dermatology patients.

Halpin reviews the state of triple therapy inhaler prescribing strategies in the era of new biologic options.

COPD Inhaler Use in the Biologic Era, with David Halpin, MBBS, DPhil

Single inhaler triple therapy options reached the US market in the last decade, providing clinicians a number of options to effectively treat the common symptoms of 

 without tasking a patient to adhere to multiple devices; options like fluticasone furoate / umeclidinium / vilanterol (Trelegy Ellipta)

 and budesonide / glycopyrrolate / formoterol (Breztrai Aerosphere)

 have simplified a patient’s means to receive a regular dose of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), long-acting beta agonist (LABA) and long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA).

But this drug class hasn’t come without its own practical hang-ups.

Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) International COPD Conference

 in Philadelphia, PA, this month, David Halpin, MBBS, DPhil, Clinical Lead of Respiratory Medicine at the University of Exeter, discussed the advantages and challenges alike that have emerged in the era of multiple-therapy inhaler devices to treat COPD.

While there are more opportunities to now fit a suitable device to a patient with COPD, the amplification of choices warrants an adequate understanding of each option.

“It's confusing for clinicians about how you should use them optimally,” Halpin said. “And so even though many devices are available, many clinicians default to a limited number that they're familiar with.”

There’s even differing methodology between single inhaler multiple therapy options — some warrant a twice-daily administration, others only one. Some do require an add-on treatment, others do not.

“Patients get very confused, and as a result, don't take it as well as they should and are more likely to have exacerbations and not get as good symptom control as they could achieve,” Halpin said. “There’s still a lot of work to do to educate the prescribers and to train the patients that having a single inhaler is much more convenient — patients are going to be more adherent and more likely to get the benefits from that treatment.”

Halpin also discussed general prescribing strategy trends in COPD. He noted that some of his colleagues may initiate a long-acting bronchodilator, wait to assess its benefit, then add a second bronchodilator, wait again, and finally add an ICS to a patient’s regimen. He stressed that this strategy is only delaying the time to optimal care — and time is everything in COPD treatment.

“The evidence suggests that if a patient needs the treatment, the sooner you start all of the components together, the better the outcomes will be,” he said.

The advent of biologic therapies to treat COPD further evidences the need to start timely, robust maintenance treatment as soon as the patient needs it; an add-on biologic is now available for most patients with severe cases.

“Biologics offer an opportunity to add on to the triple therapy, to further reduce those exacerbation rates,” Halpin said. “And they have to be tailored to the individual patient. But if you've got the right patients with the right biomarkers to indicate the need for a biologic, the biologics really offer something new.”

Walter K. FDA Approves COPD Triple Therapy. 

. Published July 24, 2020. https://www.hcplive.com/view/fda-approves-copd-triple-therapy

Hoffman M. FDA Grants New Indication to Trelegy Ellipta for COPD. 

. Published online April 24, 2018. https://www.hcplive.com/view/fda-grants-new-indication-to-trelegy-ellipta-for-copd

Pulmonology

Infectious Disease condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on respiratory health. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease, COVID-19, and more.

COPD

COPD condition center page, resources on the topics of medical news and expert insight into chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can be found. Content includes articles, interviews, videos, podcasts, and breaking news on COPD research, treatment, and drug development.

Associate Professor, University of Alabama and Chief Medical Officer for AllerVie Clinical Research

Soong discussed the role of allergist's in atopic dermatitis care at a recent HCPLive clinical forum.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic Dermatitis condition center page, audiences can find a variety of coverage mediums for medical news and updates, including articles, video interviews, podcasts, and breaking news on dermatitis research, treatment, and drug development.

Shared Decisions, Better Outcomes in Atopic Dermatitis, With Weily Soong, MD

Explore the long-term safety and efficacy of JAK inhibitors in atopic dermatitis, enhancing patient care and clinician confidence.

Special Report: Safety, Future Directions, & the Art of Therapy Selection in Atopic Dermatitis

Healthcare providers discuss the importance of effective communication when switching patients from biologics to JAK inhibitors.

Special Report: Overcoming Therapeutic Inertia and Communicating Safety of  JAK Inhibitors

Special Report: Inadequate Response and When to Switch Systemic Therapy in Atopic Dermatitis

Explore the evolving landscape of atopic dermatitis treatment, focusing on advanced therapies and long-term patient management strategies.

Special Report: Treat-to-Target in Atopic Dermatitis—Applying the AHEAD Recommendations

Healthcare professionals explore effective questioning techniques to uncover deeper emotional and physical impacts of skin pain in patients.

Special Report: Practical Communication Strategies for Skin Pain in Atopic Dermatitis 

This video explores skin pain as a key symptom of atopic dermatitis and reviews clinical trial data with JAK inhibitors.

Special Report: Reframing Skin Pain in Atopic Dermatitis

Viet Le, DMSc, PA-C, is a preventive cardiology PA at Intermountain Health and the former president of the Academy of Physician Associates in Cardiology.

Special Reports

RX Review: Barriers, Real-World Implementation, and Future Directions in FCS

Explore the critical role of nutrition and pharmacologic therapies in managing hypertriglyceridemia and preventing pancreatitis effectively.

RX Review: Monitoring and Safety Considerations in FCS

Experts discuss the future of psoriasis treatment, highlighting the potential of oral therapies to enhance patient adherence and quality of life.

Latest News

Expert Consensus Provides Recommendations on Dermoscopy Standards for PAs

Anaphylaxis Treatment FAQ: When to Give Epinephrine, Order Tests, Call 911

Olpasiran Lowers Lp(a) Irrespective of Apo(a) Isoform Size, With Michelle O’Donoghue, MD

Guidelines on Genetic Disorders of the Skin and Pediatric Patients, With Yasmine Kirkorian, MD

COPD Inhaler Use in the Biologic Era, with David Halpin, MBBS, DPhil