Physician Spotlight: Mark D. Kaufmann, MD, FAAD

This month, Mark D. Kaufmann, MD, FAAD, takes the helm as President of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

Dr. Kaufmann, a clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City and chief medical officer of Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery Clinics, chatted with Practical Dermatology® magazine about the state of the specialty and shared his goals for his year in office.

What can we expect from your AAD presidency?

Mark D. Kaufmann, MD, FAAD: My overarching goal is for the members to rediscover the joy of practicing medicine. To do that, the Academy has to work really hard so members feel that we have their backs. The rates of burnout were high before COVID-19 and even higher now. Clearly, there’s lots of work to do.

How do you plan to help re-inspire current and future dermatologists?

Dr. Kaufmann: Our greatest challenge is inflation, and the fact that our fee schedule and conversion factor was higher in 2001 than it is in 2022. The status quo is not sustainable. It doesn’t matter what your practice model is, you can’t keep your doors open if wages are effectively 50 percent lower than they were 20 years ago. Physician payment reform is the most important issue that the house of medicine should be undertaking. The AAD and the American Medical Association are both becoming much more vocal in this area.

We also have to maintain vigilance with payers now that payers and pharmacy benefit managers are predominantly one and the same. We will continue to advocate for more transparency on drug pricing that will allow our patients to take part in what is sure to be a revolution in pharmaceutical treatment for dermatologic diseases, including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and other inflammatory skin conditions.

How have wage inflation and burnout affected the dermatology workforce?

Dr. Kaufmann: I have seen older colleagues retire earlier than they planned. The so-called “Great Resignation” has led to a lot of people reevaluating their career paths. Some people are selling their practice and going into academics, and others are leaving academics for private practice. There is movement across all of the silos.

What role will emerging technology like artificial intelligence (AI) play in the future of this specialty?

Dr. Kaufmann: The demand for quality dermatologic care is infinite. The only thing that will change is how such care is delivered. Some technologies will be incorporated to make us better. AI can make us better dermatologists, so why would we shy away from something that makes us better? (See Dr. Kaufmann’s Digital Practice column for more on AI in dermatology.)

Let’s talk about another hot-button issue: the role of physician extenders in dermatology.

Dr. Kaufmann: The Academy got it right with its care team model. We require the direct supervision of physician assistants and nurse practitioners as part of the “DermCare Team.” This model benefits patient care and helps improve access. It is in the best interest of patients and physicians.