Office of External Learning

Frontline Dermatology: Psoriasis in Practice

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, TN
Saturday, March 21, 2026
8 AM – 5 PM

Equipping APPs across various fields—especially in primary care—with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and treat dermatological conditions promptly and effectively.

woman visiting dermatology NP, who is examining her elbow

Overview

Join recognized leaders in dermatological care at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing for a free, one-day event presented in partnership with Johnson & Johnson. Through specialized in-depth content, interactive discussions and hands-on demonstrations, advanced practice providers will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively recognize and treat psoriasis and related skin conditions.

The rising incidence of psoriasis and related conditions, combined with a shortage of dermatology specialists, creates a significant gap in care in Middle Tennessee.

84 million
Over 84 million Americans suffer from skin diseases, yet many APPs feel unprepared to manage these conditions due to a lack of specialized training.
13 per 100k
Middle Tennessee is experiencing a deficit of dermatologists, with only 13 dermatologists per 100,000 people compared to the national average of 19.
61%
61% of APPs report feeling inadequately trained to manage dermatological issues, particularly psoriasis.

Impact

Explore relevant topics and innovations in dermatological care with leading experts who are passionate about improving the understanding and treatment of psoriasis and related conditions
Engage in interactive sessions, knowledge sharing and networking with fellow participants, local providers and leaders in dermatology
Participate in innovative, AI-driven patient simulations designed to reinforce clinical skills in psoriasis care
Leave with practical strategies you apply to your practice immediately

Attendance Details

This event is free to attend and open to advanced practice providers who practice in dermatology, encounter dermatological issues, or who are interested in expanding their scope to include dermatological care, including:

Nurse Practitioners currently practicing in dermatology or interested in expanding their scope to include dermatological care
Physician Assistants/Associates seeking to enhance their understanding of skin disorders and management techniques
Primary Care Providers serving adults and adolescents who want to be equipped with the tools to manage dermatological conditions effectively

There is no cost to attend but registration is limited. Apply now to participate.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and participants notified via email.

Start Your Application

Attendance is limited to 85 participants. Preference will be given to applicants currently in dermatological practice or whose areas of expertise most closely align with the topics covered.

Key Topics

IL-23 and the Autoimmune Axis Unveiled: PsO and Other Related Conditions
Symptom Scoring and Screening: Psoriasis and Related Conditions in Clinical Practice
Beyond the Skin: Insights for Dermatology and Rheumatology Specialists
Recourse AI: Psoriasis Module and Debrief
Attendees will work through a case study presented by AI, diagnose the patient, and recommend a treatment plan. The session concludes with a debrief to discuss insights and learning points.
Open Forum with the Experts: Biologic Therapies in Psoriasis Care
An interactive, audience-driven Q&A with clinical experts focused on biologic therapies. Participants are encouraged to bring real-world questions about treatment selection, management, and practical considerations in care.
Open Forum with the Experts: Psychological and Emotional Aspects of Psoriasis
This open Q&A session invites candid discussion with experts on the psychological and emotional dimensions of psoriasis care. Topics include mental health considerations, stigma, patient support, and integrating emotional well-being into clinical practice.

Each attendee will receive a free copy of Book of Skin: A Visible Image Library

Agenda

Time	Event
8:00 - 8:45 AM	Registration and Welcome Breakfast Attendees check in, network, and enjoy a light breakfast to kick-start the day.
8:45 AM	Welcome and Housekeeping Greetings from Dean Pam Jeffries and our sponsor, Johnson and Johnson
9:00 - 10:00 AM Talk 1	Talk 1 - IL-23 and the Autoimmune Axis Unveiled: PsO and Other Related Conditions Melissa Davis, MSPAS, PA-C This session will explore the connection between psoriasis (PsO), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Participants will gain insights into the immune dysregulation that underlies these conditions and how it can lead to various clinical manifestations.
10:00 - 10:15 AM	Break
10:15 - 11:15 AM	Talk 2 - Symptom Scoring and Screening: Psoriasis and Related Conditions in Clinical Practice Victor Czerkasij, DNP, DCNP, FNP-BC, MSN, MA In this interactive discussion, attendees will learn effective methods for scoring symptoms and screening for psoriasis along with associated conditions in both clinical settings and clinical trials. This talk will provide practical insights into improving patient assessments and outcomes.
11:15 - 11:30 AM	Break
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM	Talk 3 - Beyond the Skin: Insights for Dermatology and Rheumatology Specialists Lakshi Aldredge, MSN, ANP-BC, DCNP, FAANP This presentation will delve into the systemic implications of psoriasis, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in dermatology and rheumatology. Participants will learn about the latest research and how collaboration across specialties can enhance patient care for those with PsO and related conditions.
12:30 - 2:00 PM	Lunch and Panel Discussion Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with speakers and fellow APPs, fostering discussion and collaboration within the dermatology community.
2:00 - 4:25 PM	Rotation Sessons Attendees will be assigned to groups that rotate through two Open Forums and a lab session.
	Option 1 Recourse AI: Psoriasis Module and Debrief Attendees will work through a case study presented by AI, diagnose the patient, and recommend a treatment plan. The session concludes with a debrief to discuss insights and learning points.
	Option 2 Open Forum with the Experts: Biologic Therapies in Psoriasis Care An interactive, audience-driven Q&A with clinical experts focused on biologic therapies. Participants are encouraged to bring real-world questions about treatment selection, management, and practical considerations in care.
	Option 3 Open Forum with the Experts: Psychological and Emotional Aspects of Psoriasis This open Q&A session invites candid discussion with experts on the psychological and emotional dimensions of psoriasis care. Topics include mental health considerations, stigma, patient support, and integrating emotional well-being into clinical practice.
4:30 PM	Closing Session and Wrap Up All attendees will gather to conclude the day and receive certificates of completion for Frontline Dermatology: Psoriasis in Practice.

Complimentary breakfast, lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Many thanks to Johnson & Johnson for their partnership in making this event possible.