APPs, Mentorship, and the Future of Collaborative Dermatology

At the Masterclasses in Dermatology APP Institute, Victor Czerkasij, DNP, DCNP, FNP-C, CWCP, MA, MSN, delivered a passionate and empowering session titled “Networking and Interdisciplinary Co-Management Among APPs.” His central message? When APPs and physicians collaborate as equals, patient care and professional growth both win.

With humor, humility, and decades of experience, Dr Czerkasij explored the evolving role of nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) in dermatology. He noted the growing number of APPs earning terminal degrees, such as DNP or DMSc, and called for greater inclusion in advisory boards, publications, and leadership.

The presentation emphasized how APPs contribute far beyond clinical skills. From co-managing comorbidities and supporting lifestyle change to offering research insights and “the therapeutic touch,” their presence can elevate both outcomes and patient experience.

Dr Czerkasij shared real-world examples of successful APP-MD partnerships and highlighted the importance of mentorship and mutual respect. Quoting colleague Douglas DiRuggiero, PA-C, he reinforced the value of professional inclusion: “We want to rub shoulders with our MD counterparts.”

The session underscored that great mentoring means teaching, coaching, and understanding each provider’s training path and scope. Dr Czerkasij urged attendees to foster psychological safety, recognize diverse strengths, and model lifelong learning.

He recounted his own journey in dermatology—mentored by giants like Dr Randolph Rasch and Dr Margaret Fitzgerald—and emphasized that mentorship, like medicine, is a career-long commitment.

Dr Czerkasij also challenged outdated hierarchies, encouraging a move away from “benign dictatorships” in medicine toward a team sport approach where MDs, NPs, PAs, and other doctorally-prepared professionals work together.

“There’s no shortcut to excellence,” he reminded the audience, referencing Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers. “It takes time, passion, and peer support.”

Reference

Czerkasij V. Networking and interdisciplinary co‐management among APPs. Presented at: Masterclasses in Dermatology APP Institute; October 11–12, 2025; Dallas, TX.