How to Better Use AI and Machine Learning in Dermatology, With Renata Block, MMS, PA-C

The topic of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in clinical practice for dermatology is an evolving discussion, with clinicians sharing different viewpoints on AI’s potential.1

The topic was covered in a session featured at the 2025 Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) Fall Conference in San Antonio, Texas.2 The session, titled ‘AI Utilization and Management Tools for Dermatology,’ was discussed with HCPLive by its presenter, Renata Block, MMS, PA-C, a physician associate (PA) and instructor at Rush University.

“I think if you become savvy in understanding the process of how it's developed, what it's intended to do, then you're going to know, ‘This is not going to replace me, but it is going to help augment my decision-making process in the clinic,’” Block explained. “The goal of AI is to really create an optimal workflow in the clinic.”

Block touched on several key points from her talk on AI, including ways in which it is being implemented in clinical practice settings.

“You have to know the intended use of the device, and first and foremost, you have to use your brain,” Block said. “As a clinician, you have to rely on the standard of care in regards to using your dermatoscope, relying on the history, and then utilizing these tools as an objective lens to help you with that decision-making process, whether you're going to leave that lesion alone or you're going to triage it or biopsy it. That will help make that decision for you, but in the end, you're the clinician with the ultimate decision.”

Later in her discussion, Block spoke about what she hopes PAs and clinicians in general walk away with after viewing her talk at SDPA.

“What I want people to walk away with when they hear my lecture is really getting a foundational understanding of how AI can be integrated into our workflow and how they could utilize it to provide the best patient care,” Block said. “And also, to understand the regulatory processes and make sure they are relying on a tool that is FDA-approved, that has been gone through rigorous research, and the guardrails that are up to ensure that they are not using a product that is going to harm the patient.”

Additional information on topics in dermatology presented at the 2025 SDPA Fall Conference can be found on the latest conference coverage page.

In this summary of Block’s interview, the quotes used were edited for clarity.

Block had no relevant financial disclosures of note.

References

1. Partridge B, Gillespie N, Janda M, et al. Exploring the Views of Dermatologists, General Practitioners, and Melanographers on the Use of AI Tools in the Context of Good Decision-Making When Detecting Melanoma: Qualitative Interview Study. JMIR Dermatol. 2025 Mar 24;8:e63923. doi: 10.2196/63923. PMID: 40127437; PMCID: PMC11976179.

2. Block R. AI Utilization and Management Tools for Dermatology. Presented at the Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) Fall Conference, November 5-9, San Antonio, TX.