What Changes Is AI Making in Dermatology? With Vinod Nambudiri, MD, MBA, MPH

Speaking at the 2026 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting in Denver, following the Skin of Color Society (SOCS) Scientific Symposium, Vinod Nambudiri, MD, MBA, MPH, of Brigham and Women’s Hospital, spoke in the latest episode of the Skin of Color Savvy podcast on the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in dermatology alongside practical strategies to support clinician well-being.

Nambudiri emphasized that AI remains a topic of both enthusiasm and uncertainty within medicine, particularly as tools such as large language models and clinical workflow integrations become more widely accessible. He noted that, beyond general-use platforms, AI is increasingly being embedded into dermatology practice in ways that can meaningfully improve day-to-day efficiency. Among the most immediate applications are AI-powered scribe tools, which can assist with clinical documentation, a well-recognized contributor to physician burnout.

By reducing time spent on note-writing, these tools may allow dermatologists to redirect focus toward patient care. Similarly, Nambudiri pointed to emerging use of AI in managing patient communication, particularly through drafting responses to electronic health record messages. While not replacing clinician oversight, such tools can help streamline inbox management and reduce administrative burden, offering what he described as a “win-win” for both workflow efficiency and clinician well-being.

In addition to technological advancements, Nambudiri discussed key themes from a panel on physician wellness, underscoring the importance of individualized approaches to sustaining professional fulfillment. He highlighted the value of incorporating humor into daily practice as a means of maintaining perspective amid the inherent stressors of clinical work. Acknowledging moments of levity, he suggested, can help clinicians navigate the challenges of a demanding healthcare environment.

Nambudiri also stressed the importance of recognizing personal and professional limitations. He described the ability to acknowledge uncertainty, whether by telling a patient “I don’t know” or seeking input from colleagues, as a critical component of both effective care and personal resilience. Rather than diminishing physician confidence, he suggested that this transparency can strengthen the therapeutic relationship and support more thoughtful, collaborative decision-making.

Additional insights from the session included the role of habit formation, gratitude, and strong team dynamics in promoting well-being. Ultimately, Nambudiri framed clinician wellness as a highly individualized process, encouraging dermatologists to identify strategies that align with their own needs while continuing to adapt to an evolving clinical landscape shaped by innovations such as AI.

Editor’s note: This summary was developed with the help of AI tools.