Discover The def
Learn More About Us and Our Leadership Team
The DEF, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) corporation, was founded to inspire dermatology nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) to achieve a professional balance between the art of healing, the power of diagnostic skills, and case-based assessment and training.
We Fulfill Our Mission Through Education
It’s at the heart of all we do. Whether live or virtual, through video or written word, our content is designed and delivered by dermatology thought leaders, researchers, and educators who are experts and world leaders in the training of dermatologists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.
We offer live events, webinar series, virtual CME programs, podcasts, practice resources, informative blog posts, and more, all intended to teach both foundational and advanced elements of the practice of dermatology.
We Strive to Elevate the Training Experiences
of the nurse practitioner and physician assistant in dermatology by funding Mentorship Grant opportunities throughout the year. Visit with a dermatologist outside your region or state to put into practice what you were mentored on and to bring back to your own clinic. After the grant project is completed, the DEF helps the grantee publish their experience and promote the outcome of the mentorship program. Learn more and apply for a mentorship grant on this page.
We Foster Engagement
and build relationships. Dialogue is essential to the learning experience. We stive to provide opportunities for meaningful, multi-directional interaction between key stakeholders. Whether it’s a peer-to-peer exchange in a webinar, a Q&A with faculty thought leaders, or a networking opportunity in an exhibit hall, we emphasize opportunities to voice ideas and make connections.
We Appreciate
the support of our industry partners who make our programs possible and are grateful for all those whose contributions support our mission. We thank those who have participated in our programs and thank you for your interest in the Dermatology Education Foundation!
Get to Know DEF Better
Our leadership includes nurse practitioners and physician assistants who are recognized leaders in the field of dermatology. Together, they represent multiple facets of dermatology practice, with expertise across a range of diagnoses. They serve as consultants to industry, speakers, researchers, and authors with valuable perspectives to share.
The DEF Essential Resource Meeting (also known as DERM) is the Clinically Relevant and Practical Case-Based Dermatology NP and PA CME Education Experience™ you don’t want to miss! In addition to 21.25 hours of CME/CE credit from sessions on more than 30 diseases and conditions in dermatology, including a dermoscopy course, there is ample time to meet and interact with dermatology companies and manufacturers in our exhibit hall and social functions.
Our Biologic & Small Molecule NP/PA CME Bootcamp Series provides in-depth training on the pathophysiology, assessments, diagnosis, and treatment of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, atopic dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and more. This is the only conference for NPs and PAs that focuses on initiating and maintaining patients who are eligible or you may be considering a biologic, biosimilar, and small molecule agents. Huge emphasis on better understanding mechanisms of action of these treatment approaches and special considerations. Audience engagement is key at these live CME conferences held several times a year.
The DEF Download helps you stay engaged with our digital offerings, such as the Dermalorian™ Podcast or the Dermalorian™ Webinar series. Each offers updates on patient care, therapeutic advancements, professional development, and more. We know that consumption preferences vary, so we offer content in different formats to meet your needs. We also offer various clinical tools and resources, special industry-sponsored learning opportunities, and a monthly newsletter called DEFinitely. Follow us on Social Media or sign up for our enewsletter to keep up to date.