Diversity in Dermatology presents

The Achieve Program

A Core Practice Curriculum Advancing the Future of Dermatology PAs & NPs

Medical dermatology is the core and foundation of dermatology. Many patients seeking dermatology care are suffering from psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, rosacea, acne, a rash, or an infection and are hopeful to see someone with experience that will treat their disease state and improve their quality of life. The Achieve Program was developed with this in mind. This program will help develop the core practice and medical dermatology foundation needed to improve patient outcomes, compliment on-the-job training, and enhance practices of dermatology PAs and NPs with less than 3 years of experience. 

Diversity in Dermatology is invested in the future and education of dermatology PAs and NPs. It is our mission to assist in decreasing the gaps in core medical dermatology, to improve patient care and outcomes, and increase collaboration between PAs, NPs, and Dermatologists.

ALREADY REGISTERED CLICK HERE FOR ACHIEVE PORTAL ACCESS
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Achieve Program Agenda & Objectives

The Ideal Candidate

  • Dermatology Physician Associates and Nurse Practitioners with less than 3 years of dermatology experience.
  • Physician Associates and Nurse Practitioners with a strong interest in dermatology 25 available slots.
  • Priority is given to practicing dermatology PAs and NPs. Seats are limited.

Benefits of the Achieve Program

  • Core Foundation Medical Dermatology Courses developed to supplement on-the-job training.
  • Content is developed and taught by expert Key Thought Leaders who are Board Certified Dermatologists.
  • Educational materials, to include online resources and dermatology textbook.
  • All enrolled participants have access to experienced PA or NP advisors/mentors and will meet virtually on scheduled evenings.
  • A minimum of 23 Continuing Medical Education Credits.
  • On-Demand Access to course material and resources via Achieve Program Portal for one year.
  • Upon completion of the Achieve Program receive discounted registration to the annual DID conference.
  • Discounted rate of $99 to access the SKINtegrative Series

Featured Faculty

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Raj Chovatiya, M.D., Ph.D.
Chicago, Illinois

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Pearl Kwong Headshot

Pearl Kwong, MD
Jacksonville, Florida

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Ted Rosen Headshot

Theodore Rosen, MD
Houston, Texas

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Richard Usatine, MD
San Antonio, Texas

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Tracey C. Vlahovic, DPM
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD
Miami, Florida

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Course List

Intro to Dermatology

Intro to Dermoscopy

Recognizing Benign Lesions

Malignant Lesions You Won’t Want to Miss

The Approach to Atopic Dermatitis

Differential Diagnosis of Dermatitis

The Approach to Psoriasis

Papulosquamous Diseases

Recognition and Management of Infections

Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Diseases of the Nail

Hair and Scalp Disorders

Skin Manifestations of Systemic Disease

Disorders of Hypo and Hyperpigmentation

Childhood and Viral Exanthems

Autoimmune Disorders

Bullous & Blistering Diseases

Oral Lesions

Genital Diseases and Disorders

Dermatopathology

Photoaging and Sun Protection Basics

Common Procedures in Dermatology

Topical Corticosteroid Pharmacology

Please note: Courses are subject to change

CE credit provided by AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare.

In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare and BCI Management and Communications. AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare has been authorized by the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 23.0 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. Approval is valid until December 1, 2025. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Accreditation Standards of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) through the joint providership of AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare and BCI Management and Communications. AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare is accredited by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners as an approved provider of nurse practitioner continuing education. Provider number: 030803. This activity is pending approval of up to 23.0 contact hours of accredited education.

Program Mentors

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Risha Bellomo,
MPAS, PA-C

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Tracee Blackburn,
MPAS, PA-C

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Andrea Brezill,
MMS, PA-C

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Terry Faleye,
MPAS, PA-C

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Shanna Miranti headshot 300x300

Shanna M. Miranti,
MPAS, PA-C

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Cindy Sershen Headshot Professional

Cindy Sershen,
DCNP, FNP-BC

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Thank You to Our President, Diamond and Platinum Level Sponsors!

Thank You to Our President, Diamond and Platinum Level Sponsors!

Raj Chovatiya, MD, PhD, MSCI

Raj Chovatiya, MD, PhD, MSCI is Clinical Associate Professor at Rosalind Franklin University Chicago Medical School and Founder and Director of the Center for Medical Dermatology + Immunology Research in Chicago, Illinois. His clinical and research focus includes the intersection of cutaneous immunology and inflammatory disease. He received his MD and PhD in immunology from Yale and completed his residency, postdoctoral research fellowship, and MS in Clinical Investigation at Northwestern University where he also served as Chief Resident. Dr. Chovatiya has a particular interest in optimizing patient-centered care, understanding chronic disease burden especially in understudied inflammatory diseases, exploring health and social disparities, and improving care across diverse skin types. He has published numerous abstracts and manuscripts and has been nationally and internationally recognized for his contributions as a clinician, educator, researcher, and leader.

Pearl Kwong, MD

Pearl Chu Kwong MD, PhD is a board-certified pediatric dermatologist in private practice in Jacksonville, Florida. Dr Kwong received her doctorate in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and received a degree in medicine from the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry in Edmonton, Alberta Canada.

 After an internship at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, Dr Kwong completed a pediatric residency at the University of Alberta, followed by a dermatology residency at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec Canada.

Before she went to private practice in Jacksonville, Dr Kwong was Chief of Pediatric Dermatology at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, PA where she held an academic position of Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh. In 2001, she moved to Jacksonville to join Nemours Children’s Clinic Jacksonville as Chief of Pediatric Dermatology and was Assistant Professor of dermatology at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville.

Dr Kwong has authored and coauthored more than a dozen peer-reviewed articles as well as several article abstracts. She has presented more than 100 presentations and participated at conferences and student lectures.  She has been a reviewer for Pediatric Dermatology Journal and Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Dr Kwong is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, Society for Pediatric Dermatology, Women’s Dermatologic Society, and Jacksonville Dermatology Society. In 2004, she received a Teacher of the Year award from Mayo Medical School in Jacksonville.

Dr Kwong was born in the Philippines and is of Chinese descent who grew up in Canada (therefore she is not qualified to become POTUS). She has one daughter, Emma, who followed tradition and had just obtained her BSc Honours in Microbiology and Immunology at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec and is currently attending medical school .

 

Ted Rosen, MD

Dr. Rosen, a native of Chicago. attended Michigan State University as a National Merit Scholar, and graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School cum laude. He trained in internal medicine at the University of Alabama and dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine, where he currently serves as Professor and Vice-Chair. Dr. Rosen served on the Board of Directors and is past Vice-President of the American Academy of Dermatology. He is also past-President and Secretary-Treasurer of the Houston Dermatological Society and prior Chairman and Secretary-Treasurer of the Dermatology Section, Southern Medical Association. Dr. Rosen was the 2017 recipient of the AAD Thomas G. Pearson Memorial Award for lifelong achievement in education and the 2021 recipient of the Robert J. Freeman Memorial Leadership and Mentoring Award from the Texas Dermatological Society. Dr. Rosen has written over 325 peer-reviewed journal articles, 28 textbook chapters and 4 textbooks, including the award-winning Atlas of Black Dermatology. Dr. Rosen has given over 500 CME talks, including plenary presentations to the national dermatology societies of: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Italy, South Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, and Taiwan. On a personal note, he is an avid numismatist and fan of horror films, but is most proud of having helped raise four rational, debt-free and productive adult children.

Richard Usatine, M.D.

Dr. Richard Usatine is a Professor of Dermatology, Cutaneous Surgery and Family Medicine at University of Texas Health, San Antonio. He is the lead author of 8 books including “Dermatological and Cosmetic Procedures in Office Practice”, “The Color Atlas and Synopsis of Family Medicine” and “Cutaneous Cryosurgery”. He has published over 130 journal articles. Dr. Usatine began teaching dermoscopy in 2009 with the mentorship of Dr. Marghoob. In 2014, he co-developed a free interactive app for smart phones and tablets called “Dermoscopy: Two Step Algorithm”.  It remains the top downloaded app for dermoscopy and was updated to contain the “TADA” method too. In 2018, he was elected to the board of the International Dermoscopy Society. Dr. Usatine has also developed over 80 dermatology instructional videos and the Interactive Dermatology Atlas website. His photography of skin disorders has been used in many books, monographs, journal articles and educational websites (including the American Cancer Society). He has taught dermoscopy for the American Academy of Family Physicians, Texas Dermatological Society and for general practitioners in Australia and Canada. Dr. Usatine has been teaching yearly in the American Dermoscopy Meeting since 2014. He teaches regularly on Dermoscopy of Skin of Color and is the lead author of the Dermoscopedia chapter on this area.

Tracey C. Vlahovic, DPM

Dr. Vlahovic is a Clinical Professor and J. Stanley and Pearl Landau Faculty Fellow at the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine (TUSPM) in Philadelphia, PA.  She is also a member of the Faculty of Podiatric Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (Glasgow). 

Dr Vlahovic graduated from Yale University with a BS in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry and received her medical degree from TUSPM.  After finishing her surgical residency at St Luke’s University Health Network in Allentown, PA, she was the first podiatrist in the US to complete a fellowship in podiatric dermatology under the supervision of Stephen Schleicher, MD. 

She is board certified in foot surgery by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and in podiatric medicine by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Vlahovic currently teaches the Fundamentals of Dermatology course at TUSPM and has received numerous teaching awards. She has authored several articles in peer-reviewed journals and is involved in multiple clinical research trials for various dermatological therapies and devices.

She is the author of Skin Disease of the Lower Extremities:  A Photographic Guide (HMP Communications) and Onychomycosis:  An Illustrated Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment along with Antonella Tosti and Roberto Arenas (Springer).

Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD

Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd is a board-certified dermatologist and an internationally recognized expert in skin of color. She completed her undergraduate studies at Georgetown University and later earned her medical degree at the University of Miami School of Medicine. She completed her training in dermatology at the University of Miami where she also served as chief resident.  

Dr. Woolery-Lloyd serves as the Director of Skin of Color Division at the University of Miami and specializes in the treatment of both cosmetic and general dermatology concerns common in skin of color.  She also sees patients in private practice.

Dr. Woolery-Lloyd participates extensively in clinical research and has over 40 publications in the literature.  Dr. Woolery-Lloyd is an active member of Skin of Color Society, an international non-profit organization dedicated to furthering research and awareness of skin diseases in skin of color.

Risha Bellomo, CEO

Risha Bellomo is the Founder and CEO of BCI Management & Communications, which she develops medical education programs, manages national and regional meetings, establishes strategic business plans for organizations and companies, and speaks on financial empowerment and building wealth patiently and intelligently.  She has over 25 years of healthcare experience; and practiced as a dermatology physician assistant for 22 years before transitioning entirely into entrepreneurship.

Risha Bellomo is the co-founder of Diversity in Dermatology and the Diversified Dermatology Education Foundation. She is extremely passionate about giving back to her profession, to build platforms for medical professionals to increase not only their knowledge, but to elevate their careers and bring restorative balance to their lives.

Risha Bellomo has been married for 24 years and has two beautiful sons, Austin and Enzo. She is proud to call herself, “GiGi: to her grandson, Rohnin.  Risha is an avid video game player and has been gaming since she was 8 years old.

Tracee Blackburn, PA-C

Tracee Blackburn is a Board-Certified Physician Assistant, nationally certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and licensed by the state of Illinois. She has been serving in the healthcare industry since 1998 and has specialized as a PA in Dermatology since 2005. She also had the privilege of practicing in Adolescent and Pediatric Health and enjoys interacting with and treating children and teenagers. Tracee graduated from Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Illinois in 2005. She has worked in several entities of healthcare, but found her passion in Dermatology where she has extensive experience in general, surgical, and aesthetic dermatology. She diagnoses and treats common dermatologic conditions, is proficient in detecting and treating skin cancers, performs basic and intermediate surgical procedures, and performs cosmetic and laser services. Her special interests are acne, eczema, psoriasis, benign skin lesions, and skin cancer. Tracee likes to focus her attention on patient education, as she believes it is a vital part to every patient’s recovery.  She is an active member and co-chair for the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, and an active member and former President and Director at Large of the Illinois SDPA.  She is also a member of the AAPA and the NEA, the National Eczema Association, in which she volunteers her time annually at the Eczema Expo.

Tracee is a published author and  has written two childrens’ books entitled “Wally The Wart” and “Xzema, A Children’s Guide to Happy Skin”, as well as a few published articles.  She is also a Speaker, Mentor, and creator of Project Skin-X, her passion project to help those in need of help for their skin, hair, and nails. 

She has also volunteered her time doing medical mission trips with CHAI to Haiti. 

When she is not at work or driving her 4-yo daughter around to social events, she enjoys working out, hanging out with her family and friends, and watching anything on the Bravo network. :-)

‘Currently, she is pursuing her Masters Degree in Integrative Medicine at George Washington University in Washington DC and is expected to graduate in 2022.

Andrea Brezill, MMS, PA-C

Andrea Brezill is a certified and licensed Physician Assistant and practices at The Dermatology Institute – Dupage Medical Group in Hinsdale & Lombard, IL. She has lectured nationally on the topics of acne vulgaris, rosacea, and  atopic dermatitis. She has over 12 years of Dermatology and dermatologic surgical experience and over 20 years of experience in healthcare. Her special interests include acne, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, ethnic skincare, and skin malignancies. She treats both pediatric and adult patients.

Andrea received her PA training from Midwestern University in 2008 and has specialized in Dermatology since 2009. Prior to becoming a Physician Assistant, Andrea worked as a certified athletic trainer and has an extensive sports medicine background. She received her Bachelors Degree in Athletic Training from Purdue University in 2001 and a Masters of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois in Champaign in 2003.

Andrea is active in the Dermatology PA community serving her second two-year term as the President of the Illinois Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, Andrea spearheaded the 3-day Midwest Dermatology Conference. She is the co-founder of Diversity in Dermatology.

MEMBERSHIPS:

  • AAPA – American Academy of Physician Assistants
  • SDPA – Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants
  • ISDPA – Illinois Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants
  • American Medical Writers Association
  • IAPA  – Illinois Association of Physician Assistants

Terry Faleye, MPAS, PA-C

Terry has worked as a physician assistant in the field of dermatology since 2009. She has expertise in both medical and cosmetic dermatology.

She is a native Houstonian, graduating from the University of Houston with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies in 2003. After earning an early admission to UTMB Galveston Physician Assistant program, she received her Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies. She is certified by the National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants. Terry leads the Houston Derm PA/PA Society and is a committee chair on the Diversity in Dermatology Board.

She is passionate about medical dermatology and the management of inflammatory diseases associated with dermatology. She has lectured nationally on the topics of psoriasis, hidradentis suppurative and atopic dermatitis. Her special interests include acne, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, skin of color and skin malignancies.  Along with her expertise in medical dermatology, Terry is adept with dermal fillers, Dysport and Botox injections.   

In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 children, attending extracurricular activities. She also enjoys exploring the Houston restaurant scene.   

Terry was recently honored as the President – Elect of the Board of Directors of the Texas Society of Dermatology Professional Associates for the 2024-2026 term. She continues to support the society members by facilitating and organizing educational events, workshops, and networking opportunities to help them enhance their knowledge and make professional connections.                                    

Shanna M. Miranti, MPAS, PA-C

Riverchase Dermatology
Naples, FL

Shanna Miranti grew up in Ormond Beach, FL and is the oldest of her 3 siblings…a Podiatrist, a Derm PA, and a Lawyer (who had the good sense to marry another Derm PA!) She got her undergraduate degree from Loyola University in New Orleans with a major in Biology and a Minor in Chemistry. She received her Masters/PA degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine. Shanna has practiced Dermatology for 19 years in both Jacksonville and Naples, and was the founding PA for Riverchase Dermatology. She is passionate about dermatology education, and has taught Dermatology to the PA students at NSU-Ft. Myers PA program for 9 years, guest lecturer at FGCU for over 15 years. Shanna lectures nationally to her dermatology colleagues, school nurses, athletic trainers, high school and college students, and to patients in the community. She is also the mother of 4 children under 12 years old…in her spare time.

Cindy Sershen, DCNP, FNP-BC

Cindy Sershen is a board-certified Dermatology Nurse Practitioner. Cindy has been practicing Dermatology since she completed a fellowship in Dermatology in 2011. She practices at Lahey Hospital in Burlington and Peabody, MA. She is continuing her education at University of Massachusetts and will be obtaining a doctorate in Public Health nursing in 2025. She has experience working with a diverse patient population in many settings, including: community health centers and global health. She provides care in both English and Spanish. Her clinical interests include: acne, hair loss. skin of color, transgender care, and providing equitable and inclusive care to all. Cindy enjoys giving educational lectures and precepting students.