Janelle Ball interviewed Dr. Kristi Hawley and Alena Chapman at the Patient Access Management Summit (PAMS) in Dallas, Texas in September 2024. This live recording featured a panel discussion about continuing education and how it impacts healthcare and patient access. Dr. Hawley, a dermatologist in Michigan, highlighted the importance of partnering with pharmaceutical representatives to gain insights into new drugs and their mechanisms of action. Alena, a biologic coordinator in Texas, emphasizes the value of seeking training and resources, such as attending conferences and utilizing social media platforms to follow dermatology news.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or health advice. This podcast does not substitute medical treatment. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist regarding medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

There were four main themes of continuing education:

1. Staying Updated with Industry Changes: The dermatology field constantly evolves, with new treatments, drugs, and protocols emerging regularly. Dr. Hawley emphasizes the importance of keeping up with these changes to provide the best care for patients. She mentions that many physicians have fallen behind due to the fast pace of change, which can negatively impact patient outcomes.
2. Enhancing Patient Care: Alena highlights that continuing education equips staff with the knowledge to educate patients effectively. When coordinators and medical assistants are well-informed, they can confidently explain treatment options, procedures, and insurance processes to patients, fostering trust and understanding.
3. Networking and Resource Sharing: Alena and Dr. Hawley encourage professionals to connect and share knowledge and resources with others in their field at events like PAMS. This collaboration can lead to better problem-solving and support when facing challenges like navigating insurance approvals.
4. Utilizing Available Resources: Alena shares her experience leveraging relationships with pharmaceutical representatives and using platforms like LinkedIn to stay informed about new biologics and treatment options. This proactive approach to education allows her to advocate effectively for her patients and ensure they receive the medications they need.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners.

Dr. Nayan Patel's journey into the skincare industry was not a direct path. Initially aspiring to be an engineer, he transitioned to pharmacy due to the limitations he faced as a first-generation immigrant. His passion for physical chemistry led him to explore the intricacies of medicine, ultimately guiding him toward developing the Auro Wellness skincare products. The realization that skin health is as important as heart or brain health sparked his interest in creating a skincare line that addresses the fundamental needs of the skin.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or health advice. This podcast does not substitute medical treatment. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist regarding medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

Dr. Patel's work significantly focuses on glutathione, the master antioxidant. He emphasizes that glutathione is vital to detoxification and overall skin health. His initial goal was to enhance glutathione levels to improve immune function and detoxification. However, through user feedback, he discovered that his glutathione-based serum had remarkable effects on skin health, improving skin tone, texture, and overall vibrancy.

One of Dr. Patel's key messages is simplifying skincare routines. He advocates using fewer, more effective products rather than overwhelming the skin with multiple layers of different creams. His approach encourages users to focus on nourishing the skin with high-quality ingredients that enhance skin health.

Dr. Nayan Patel's chemistry and pharmacy background is the foundation for his skin health and care approach. By focusing on the science of skin health, simplifying skincare routines, and prioritizing nutrition, individuals can achieve healthier, more vibrant skin. His journey from pharmacy to skincare innovation is an inspiring example of how passion and knowledge can lead to meaningful advancements in health and wellness.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for small business owners.

Diane Omdahl is a registered nurse and the founder and president of i65. 65 Incorporated is an organization that educates individuals about Medicare without selling insurance. The organization focuses on helping people understand their options, including whether they need to enroll in Medicare based on their current healthcare coverage.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or health advice. This podcast does not substitute medical treatment. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist regarding medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

Diane shares her journey from bedside nursing to becoming a Medicare advocate, highlighting her experiences in hospital education and long-term care. On That’s Derm Good!, Diane Omadhl sheds light on dermatology patients' challenges regarding specialty medication access during Medicare open enrollment.

The first step to understanding Medicare is knowing whether or not you should enroll. The United States has employer-sponsored plans and individual health plans.

• Employer-Sponsored Plans: If someone is employed by a company with 20 or more employees, their employer's health plan is considered primary.
• Individual Health Plans: For those with individual health plans, such as those obtained through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), these plans become secondary to Medicare after age 65. Therefore, individuals must enroll in Part A and Part B to ensure complete coverage.

Diane Omdahl highlights the critical need for education and awareness regarding Medicare. As open enrollment approaches, individuals must take proactive steps to understand their options, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure they are making informed decisions about their healthcare coverage.

To make informed decisions, individuals should consider the following steps:

1. Review Current Coverage: Understand how existing health plans will interact with Medicare.
2. Consult Resources: Utilize resources like the Medicare plan finder on medicare.gov to compare options and understand costs.
3. Seek Guidance: If needed, seek help from Medicare educators or financial advisors who can clarify the complexities of Medicare enrollment.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for small business owners.