The Future of Dermatology
Join Dr. Faranak Kamangar, MD, every week as she chats with various guests about the future of dermatology. Each week, Dr. Kamangar and her guests cover topics from psoriasis, to eczema, to skin care, to AI, and more. Whether you’re a doctor or a patient, these episodes provide valuable information about your skin and how to navigate the world of dermatology.
Episodes
7 days ago
7 days ago
Summary
Janelle Ball, the CEO and founder of BC Educators, discusses the importance of having a dedicated biologic coordinator in dermatology offices to streamline the prior authorization process for specialty medications. She emphasizes the need for proper documentation and education to ensure patients have access to the medications they need. BC Educators offers virtual coordinators and training to support offices in this role. Janelle also highlights the challenges of navigating insurance requirements and the importance of collaboration and networking among coordinators. She sees the future of dermatology involving more biologics and specialty medications, making the role of the biologic coordinator even more crucial.
Takeaways:
Having a dedicated biologic coordinator in dermatology offices can streamline the prior authorization process for specialty medications. Proper documentation and education are essential for ensuring patients have access to the medications they need. BC Educators offers virtual coordinators and training to support offices in the role of the biologic coordinator. Collaboration and networking among coordinators can help navigate insurance requirements and share best practices. The future of dermatology will likely involve more biologics and specialty medications, making the role of the biologic coordinator even more crucial.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
06:45 Streamlining Workflow in Dermatology Offices
12:47 The Role of the Biologic Coordinator
23:20 The Future of Dermatology
Tuesday Apr 30, 2024
Tuesday Apr 30, 2024
Summary
Dr. Farah Kamangar interviews Dr. Whitney Tolpinrud, the Medical Director at Curology, a personalized skincare service. They discuss the journey that led Dr. Tolpinrud to her current position and the inefficiencies of traditional clinical practice. They also explore the founding of Curology and its mission to provide accessible and personalized dermatological care through telemedicine. Dr. Tolpinrud shares her experience as the Medical Director and the various aspects of her role, including product development, marketing, and clinical research. They discuss the future of dermatology, emphasizing the importance of personalized medicine and the integration of technology, such as AI, into medical practice.
Takeaways
Traditional clinical practice can be inefficient and limit the number of patients that can be seen.
Telemedicine offers a more scalable and accessible solution.
Curology is a personalized skincare service that provides telemedicine consultations and customized prescription treatments.
The company was founded by a dermatologist and focuses on treating conditions like acne through a telemedicine platform.
Dr. Tolpinrud serves as the Medical Director at Curology and is involved in product development, marketing, clinical research, and maintaining high medical standards.
The future of dermatology involves personalized medicine, utilizing individual bio data and genetics, as well as the integration of technology, such as AI, into medical practice.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Background
05:07 - Curology: Personalized Skincare through Telemedicine
11:35 - The Future of Dermatology: Personalized Medicine and Technology
Tuesday Apr 23, 2024
Tuesday Apr 23, 2024
Summary
Dr. Tina Bhutani shares her journey to becoming a dermatologist and the challenges she faced along the way. She emphasizes the importance of being proactive in interviews and marketing oneself effectively. Dr. Bhutani also discusses the rewards and challenges of working in an academic setting, including the bureaucracy and administrative burdens. She highlights the significance of clinical trials and her interest in studying lifestyle modifications and their impact on skin disease. However, she acknowledges the difficulty of getting funding for these types of studies. In this conversation, she discusses her busy life as a dermatologist and the importance of patient-centered research and accessible clinical trials. Dr. Bhutani and Dr. Fara also talk about Dr. Bhutani's book that she co-authored on the use of biologics in psoriasis treatment. The conversation covers various chapters of the book, including laboratory monitoring, TNF-alpha inhibitors, IL-17 class of biologics, combination therapies, biologic agents for pediatric psoriasis, special site psoriasis, comparing biologic agents, long-term registry data, biologic agents in special populations, and adherence to biologic therapy. Dr. Fara and Dr. Bhutani emphasize the importance of individualizing treatment and having open conversations with patients about their preferences and needs.
Takeaways
Be proactive in interviews and market yourself effectively
Working in an academic setting has rewards and challenges
Clinical trials are important for providing access to treatments
Studying lifestyle modifications and their impact on skin disease is valuable
Obtaining funding for non-traditional studies can be challenging
Patient-centered research and accessible clinical trials are important for improving dermatology treatments
Dr. Bhutani's book on the use of biologics in psoriasis treatment provides practical guidance and evidence-based recommendations
TNF-alpha inhibitors are still valuable in psoriatic arthritis treatment
IL-17 class of biologics work quickly and are effective for tough-to-treat areas
Combination therapies can be beneficial for patients who have already tried monotherapy
Treating special site psoriasis is important for improving quality of life and preventing comorbidities
Comparing biologic agents is challenging due to individual patient factors and access issues
Long-term registry data provides reassurance about the safety and efficacy of biologic agents
Special populations, such as pregnant women and the elderly, require careful consideration in biologic therapy
Adherence to biologic therapy is crucial, and treatment should be tailored to individual patient preferences and needs
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
08:39 Navigating the Challenges of an Academic Setting
29:27 The Value of TNF-alpha Inhibitors in Psoriatic Arthritis
36:04 Comparing Biologic Agents: Challenges and Considerations
Tuesday Apr 16, 2024
Tuesday Apr 16, 2024
Summary
In this episode, Dr. Farah Kamangar and Dr. Tina Bhutani discuss the challenges of accessing newer dermatology medications and the importance of proper documentation for prior authorization. They also touch on the use of patient coupons and the requirements set by insurance companies. The conversation highlights the need for clear and thorough notes, including previous treatments and failed therapies. The hosts emphasize the importance of advocating for patients and using all available resources to navigate the access process. They also discuss the potential role of AI in streamlining the prior authorization process.
This episode is sponsored by an educational grant from the company Dermavant.
Takeaways
Accessing newer dermatology medications can be challenging due to the paperwork and prior authorization process.
Patient coupons are available for some medications, but the reasons behind their existence are not always clear. Insurance companies often require documentation of previous treatments and failed therapies before approving newer medications.
Thorough and clear notes are essential for successful prior authorization, including details of previous treatments and justifications for prescribing specific medications.
Advocacy for patients and utilizing available resources can help navigate the access process.
AI has the potential to streamline the prior authorization process and reduce the burden on healthcare providers.
Tuesday Apr 09, 2024
Tuesday Apr 09, 2024
Summary
In this episode, Dr. Farah Kamangar and Dr. Tina Bhutani discuss the efficacy and safety of Tapinarof, a non-steroidal topical therapy for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. They highlight the impressive results of clinical trials, with 35-40% of psoriasis patients achieving clear or almost clear skin after 12 weeks of treatment. They also discuss the potential benefits of Tupinarof for atopic dermatitis patients. The side effects of folliculitis and headaches are mentioned, but overall, patients tolerate the medication well. The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of Tapinarof, including potential pediatric indications.
This episode is sponsored by an educational grant from the company Dermavant.
Takeaways
Tapinarof is a non-steroidal topical therapy that has shown impressive efficacy in treating psoriasis, with 35-40% of patients achieving clear or almost clear skin after 12 weeks of treatment.
The medication is also being studied for its effectiveness in treating atopic dermatitis, with early data showing promising results.
Common side effects of Tapinarof include folliculitis and headaches, but overall, patients tolerate the medication well.
The future of Tapinarof may include pediatric indications, which would be beneficial for parents looking for non-steroidal treatment options for their children.
Gentle skincare techniques and moisturization may also play a role in managing psoriasis and improving skin barrier function.
Tuesday Apr 02, 2024
Tuesday Apr 02, 2024
Summary
In this episode of the Future of Dermatology podcast, Dr. Farah Kamangar and Dr. Tina Bhutani discuss the mechanism of action of aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AHR) and its potential in dermatology. They explore the history of AHR and its connection to coal tar, as well as its role in inflammation, antioxidant activity, and metabolism. They also touch on the importance of considering the impact of circadian rhythms and sleep on skin health. The conversation highlights the potential of AHR-targeted therapies in achieving longer remissions and the need to view psoriasis patients as a whole, addressing comorbidities and environmental factors. The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of dermatology, including the possibility of directly targeting resident memory T cells and the further exploration of AHR mechanisms.
This episode is sponsored by an educational grant from the company Dermavant.
Takeaways
Aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AHR) have a complex mechanism of action and can have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and metabolic effects.
AHR-targeted therapies, such as tofacitinib, have shown promise in achieving longer remissions in psoriasis patients.
Considering the impact of circadian rhythms and sleep on skin health is important, as sleep loss can increase inflammation and affect skin diseases.
Psoriasis patients should be viewed as a whole, addressing comorbidities and environmental factors.
The future of dermatology may involve directly targeting resident memory T cells and further exploring the mechanisms of AHR.
AHR-targeted therapies may offer new possibilities for treating inflammatory skin diseases and achieving longer remissions.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:24 Understanding the Mechanism of Action of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptors
09:07 The Impact of Circadian Rhythms and Sleep on Skin Health
12:43 Viewing Psoriasis Patients as a Whole
16:39 The Potential of AHR-Targeted Therapies in Achieving Longer Remissions
22:35 Exploring the Mechanisms of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptors
Wednesday Mar 27, 2024
Wednesday Mar 27, 2024
Summary
In this follow up episode, Dr. Wilson Liao shares insights on the benefits of a research year for medical students and offers advice on transitioning back to medical school. He and SFDS Med Student, Chandler Johnson, also discuss the future of dermatology and the role of team science in advancing research.
Takeaways
A research year provides medical students with valuable skills and insights into the field of dermatology.
Transitioning back to medical school requires a clinical refresher and practicing essential clinical skills.
Team science and collaboration are key to advancing dermatology research and finding better treatments for patients.
Tuesday Mar 26, 2024
Episode 27, part 1 - Psoriasis & Research | The Future of Dermatology Podcast
Tuesday Mar 26, 2024
Tuesday Mar 26, 2024
Summary
In this episode, Dr. Wilson Liao discusses the genetics and environmental triggers of psoriasis. He highlights the significant progress made in identifying psoriasis genes and how they relate to the different types and severity of psoriasis. Dr. Liao also explores the connection between psoriasis genes and therapeutic response, as well as the potential for precision medicine in psoriasis treatment. The conversation delves into the evolutionary persistence of psoriasis and its survival advantage in fighting off viruses. The role of environmental triggers, such as obesity, diet, and smoking, is also examined. Additionally, Dr. Liao and Chandler Johnson discuss their current research studies, including the Skin Tracker Project and capillary blood testing. In this conversation, Dr. Wilson Liao and Chandler Johnson discuss various research projects and clinical trials in dermatology. They explore the use of RNA and proteins in research, the importance of studying multiple aspects of autoimmune disease, and ongoing psoriasis survey studies. They also delve into the impact of menopause on psoriasis and the relationship between sleep and psoriasis.
Takeaways
Significant progress has been made in identifying over 100 psoriasis genes, which has led to a better understanding of the different types and severity of psoriasis.
Genetic testing can help predict therapeutic response and guide treatment decisions, with the potential for precision medicine in psoriasis.
Psoriasis genes may have persisted evolutionarily due to their role in fighting off viruses, as seen in the similarities between psoriasis patients and HIV non-progressors.
Environmental triggers, such as obesity, diet, and smoking, can contribute to the development and severity of psoriasis.
Current research studies, including the Skin Tracker Project and capillary blood testing, aim to improve accessibility to clinical trials and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of psoriasis. Research in dermatology involves studying RNA, proteins, and multiple aspects of autoimmune disease.
Psoriasis survey studies are being conducted to explore the impact of menopause and sleep on psoriasis.
Help us understand how psoriasis affects you
Help Us Understand More About Sleep and Psoriasis Are you interested in helping researchers understand how psoriasis and sleep are related?
Please consider taking our paid online survey. Recruiting both individuals with and without psoriasis. https://redcap.ucsf.edu/surveys/?s=RLFR379LNL4RFTTF
Help Us Understand About Menopause and Psoriasis Are you interested in helping researchers understand how psoriasis and menopause are related?
Please consider taking our paid online survey. Recruiting post-menopausal women with psoriasis. https://redcap.ucsf.edu/surveys/?s=JYTNX3XKDC84J3DX