[December 2024.] At the ’24 Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) Fall Conference in Las Vegas, Dr. Tracey Vlahovic delivered a compelling presentation. She emphasized the critical need for interdisciplinary collaboration in diagnosing and managing nail disorders. Her message resonated deeply with healthcare professionals, highlighting the untapped potential of combining dermatology and podiatry expertise to enhance patient outcomes—a vision uniquely supported by Sagis.
During her interview with Dermatology Times at the conference, she said— “To me, it’s just a very natural collaboration. I was the first podiatrist to do a fellowship in podiatric dermatology over 24 years ago. I was very fortunate to have people who believed in me in the dermatology world and in the podiatry world to do that. And since then, I’ve forged a path to combine the two worlds, and the dermatology world has had extremely open arms with me…”
Identifying a Gap in Nail Disorder Education
Dr. Vlahovic identified a significant gap in medical education: the limited focus on nail diseases at professional meetings. She called for focused efforts towards structured, practical approaches to diagnosing and managing nail disorders, focusing on onychomycosis. This condition is responsible for nearly 50 percent of all nail-related issues. The other half, she explained, includes conditions like lichen planus, alopecia-related changes, and psoriatic nails, each requiring a nuanced understanding for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Through her presentation, Dr. Tracey Vlahovic provided literature-based algorithms and actionable steps for diagnosing suspected fungal infections. She emphasized the importance of recognizing overlapping presentations in nail conditions, where clinical nuances complicate diagnoses. While dermoscopy and laboratory tests, such as fungal cultures, are invaluable, Vlahovic underscored the necessity of comprehensive clinical insight.
Focusing Beyond Common Nail Disorders
In addition to typical conditions, Dr. Vlahovic shed light on less-discussed disorders such as onychomadesis (nail shedding), retronychia, and the “disappearing nail bed.” She highlighted the psychological importance providing patients with a diagnosis, even when treatment options are limited. For many patients, naming the condition validates their experiences and, in turn, fosters understanding.
Forging a Collaboration Between Podiatry & Dermatology
As a trailblazer in integrating podiatry and dermatology, Dr. Tracey Vlahovic—the first podiatrist to complete a fellowship in podiatric dermatology—advocates for stronger collaboration between these disciplines. Disorders like plantar psoriasis and atopic dermatitis often require the combined expertise of both specialties for accurate diagnosis and effective management. Her presentation highlighted opportunities for mutual learning, such as clinical trials and joint publications. Under these settings, podiatrists can benefit from dermatologists’ skin expertise and dermatologists from podiatrists’ proficiency in nail and foot surgery.
Dr. Vlahovic’s dedication to advancing nail disease education is evident through her work with the Council for Nail Disorders and her mentorship within the nail care community. Inspired by leaders like Dr. Antonella Tosti, she champions the idea that “nails make friends.” In turn, this encourages healthcare providers passionate about nail disorders to connect and collaborate.
Advocating Mutual Learning Through Podiatric Dermatology Education— Something Sagis is Uniquely Positioned to Do!
Sagis shares Dr. Vlahovic’s commitment to bridging the gap between dermatology and podiatry. As a physician-led pathology group specializing in dermatopathology, Sagis recognizes the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex conditions. By fostering connections between these specialties, Sagis is uniquely positioned to support clinicians in providing comprehensive, patient-centered care.
Dr. Vlahovic’s insights at the SDPA Fall Conference in November underscore the transformative potential of collaboration. Through partnerships, mentorship, and shared expertise, dermatology and podiatry can collaborate to advance education. Additionally, this interdisciplinary combination can also improve diagnostic accuracy and enhance outcomes for patients with nail disorders.
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