‍Beyond the Mixer: Driving Change on Capitol Hill for Dermatology Access and Equity
The recent DMV Dermatology NP + PA Group Summer Mixer was more than just an evening of strategic networking and professional connection; it was a powerful launchpad for advocacy that resonated all the way to Capitol Hill for Step Up For Skin Health Hill Day. Held in strategic partnership with the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA) annual conference in Washington, DC, this event underscored the profound impact we can make when we unite our voices for a shared mission.

Our collaboration with the SDPA provided a unique opportunity to transcend traditional networking. We dedicated a full day to lobbying for critical legislative support, bringing the urgent needs of dermatology patients and providers directly to lawmakers. It was a testament to the power of collective action, demonstrating that Nurse Practitioners and Physician Associates are not only on the front lines of care but also at the forefront of policy change.

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A Unified Voice for Urgent Needs
On Capitol Hill, our discussions focused on key pieces of legislation designed to alleviate burdens for patients and enhance access to quality care:

The HELPS Copay Act: We advocated for this vital act to ensure that pharmaceutical manufacturer copay assistance counts towards a patient's out-of-pocket maximum and deductible. For patients managing chronic dermatologic conditions, high copays can be an insurmountable barrier to life-changing medications, directly impacting adherence and outcomes.

The Physician Reimbursement Act: Recognizing the delicate ecosystem of healthcare delivery, we also lent our support to legislation aimed at fair physician reimbursement. Stable reimbursement is crucial for ensuring specialists remain in practice and are able to collaborate effectively with advanced practice providers, ultimately safeguarding access for patients.

Beyond these specific acts, a central theme of our advocacy was the critical need for acknowledging dermatologic diseases like Alopecia Areata and Vitiligo as autoimmune diseases, not just cosmetic concerns. This distinction is paramount. When these conditions are minimized as purely aesthetic, it leads to a devastating lack of insurance coverage, insufficient research funding, and limited access to the care and support patients desperately need. We shared compelling patient stories and clinical data to underscore that these are serious, systemic health issues impacting quality of life and requiring comprehensive medical management.

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The Power of Partnership: Amplifying Our Reach
This advocacy day was made possible through the incredible spirit of partnership. We extend a heartfelt shout-out to Killian Lozach, Director of Advocacy & Membership at SDPA, for being so welcoming and instrumental in guiding our collective efforts. His leadership in advocacy for Physician Associates is inspiring, and his collaboration with the DMV Dermatology NP + PA Group, and our new friend Dr. Tim Reed, PhD, Founder of We Rock Cancer, exemplifies the strength found in diverse alliances.

Dr. Reed’s organization, We Rock Cancer, is a powerful nonprofit born directly from Tim’s personal journey with squamous cell carcinoma. His firsthand experience with cancer, coupled with the early loss of his father to kidney cancer, instilled in him a profound understanding of the difference early detection and treatment can make. This deep personal connection, combined with his background as a radio personality, Air Force officer, and live music devotee, fuels his passion. As CEO of BOSS and Founder/Chairman of the Board of Directors for We Rock Cancer, Tim firmly believes music is life itself. His doctoral studies even led him to create a symposium and graduate course on "Rock and Roll Entrepreneurship," which now serves as the foundation for bringing key music stakeholders together to do good. We Rock Cancer brings free skin cancer screenings and vital sun safety education directly to communities through engaging, music-infused events like concerts, 5Ks, and festivals, utilizing a fully equipped mobile screening unit and strategic partnerships with institutions like Howard University Medical School and the DC Dermatological Society. This mission perfectly complements our advocacy for early diagnosis and prevention.

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There are many ways to join We Rock Cancer and support their mission. Whether you're looking to volunteer your time, contribute to fundraising efforts, or simply help spread the message to your friends and family, your involvement makes a tangible difference. Find out more about volunteer opportunities and how you can support We Rock Cancer's vital mission here.

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This spirit of community-led advocacy is also powerfully embodied by Tonja Johnson (Founder of Beautifully Unblemished) and Ayesha Patrick (Founder of Sistas with Psoriasis and the Psoriasis Collective). These two visionary women built the very communities they couldn’t find for themselves. They tirelessly dedicate their time to increasing awareness, cultivating supportive networks, partnering with national leaders in dermatology, and fiercely advocating to get rid of step therapy, a practice that cruelly delays access to readily available care that is crucial for patients' physical, mental, and holistic well-being. Their work is a testament to the resilience and determination of patient-led movements. Fun fact: Step Up For Skin Health Hill Day took place on June 25, also known as World Vitiligo Day!

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This month, I invite you to celebrate Vitiligo Awareness Month and watch my impactful interviews with Tonja on The Melanin Initiative Podcast:

Tonja: Building Community. Watch here.

Tonja's Journey with Vitiligo. Watch here.

And stay tuned for Ayesha's appearance in August when we recognize Psoriasis Awareness Month, another critical conversation you won't want to miss. Please reach out and find out how you can best support these incredible advocates.

These collaborations highlight the undeniable power of uniting professional organizations, non-profits, and individual champions from across the healthcare spectrum. Our DMV Dermatology NP + PA Group, alongside our growing network including the DERM NPs + PAs of Atlanta, is built on the belief that strategic community and purposeful partnerships can truly transform patient care. Whether it's through direct clinical support, business acumen, or policy advocacy, every voice contributes.

A Collective March Towards Healthcare Access
This lobbying experience underscored a profound truth: increasing access to quality dermatological care, especially for communities of color and in provider shortage areas, requires a multi-faceted approach. It's not just about more providers; it's about advocating for equitable policy, ensuring inclusive education, and fostering collaborations that break down systemic barriers. The lack of acknowledgement for certain dermatologic diseases disproportionately affects these communities, leading to worse outcomes and deeper mistrust.

By sitting at the table with policymakers, alongside diverse and dedicated champions like those from SDPA, We Rock Cancer, Beautifully Unblemished, and Sistas with Psoriasis, we are building, brick by brick, a future where every patient receives the care they deserve, and every Nurse Practitioner and Physician Associate is empowered to lead with maximum impact. The power of these relationships is undeniable in these times, transforming conversations into tangible change.

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Kimberly Madison, DNP, AGPCNP-BC, WCC

I am a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner, educator, and author dedicated to advancing dermatology nursing education and research with an emphasis on skin of color. As the founder of Mahogany Dermatology Nursing | Education | Research™, I aim to expand access to dermatology research, business acumen, and innovation using artificial intelligence and augmented reality while also leading professional groups and mentoring clinicians. Through engaging and informative social media content and peer-reviewed research, I empower nurses and healthcare professionals to excel in dermatology and improve patient care.

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