IDCP 2021 - 2022 Cohort Updates

Naturopathic Approach to Dermatology

Naturopathic medicine focuses on finding and treating the root cause and is an important part of the integrative medicine landscape. This course will explain the fundamental tenets of naturopathic medicine and how naturopathic doctors approach the treatment of dermatological conditions.

After completing this activity, participants will be able to: 

1. Describe the basics of naturopathic medicine, including education, therapies, and philosophy
2. Explain licensure and scope of practice for Naturopathic Doctors
3. Discuss a naturopathic approach to dermatology

Herbal Functions

This lecture will review the major functional categories for herbs and their typical mechanisms of action. We will also cover the concept of herbal formulations.

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

1. Recall the major functional categorizations for herbal actions
2. Review the concept of heating vs cooling herbs
3. Diagram how herbal formulations are created

Food Allergies and Testing

When did food get so complicated? Journey through the variations of immune responses to food. This course will review how we become sensitized to foods and offer a guide on testing. 

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

1. Evaluate and review the skin's importance in the pathophysiology of food allergies
2. Define what increases susceptibility to food allergies
3. Review the most common types of food allergy tests
4. Compare data for management of clinical disease

Marma Therapy in Ayurveda

Marma points are energy points in vital areas of the body that can be manipulated to alter how prana circulates in the body. This lecture will offer a background and overview to Marma with interactive demonstrations on how it can be used.

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

1. Summarize the origins of Marma
2. Determine the effect of Marma therapy in recovery from stroke
3. Demonstrate how Marma points can be used for facial aesthetics and with breathing exercises

Functional Medicine Testing: Stool Tests and OATs

While dermatological diseases such as eczema have complicated pathologies, there is abundant evidence that part of the underlying root cause of these conditions is connected to gut microbiome dysfunction. This course presents the latest published research on the gut/skin connection including commensal bacteria, pathogenic bacteria, fungal organisms, and intestinal hyperpermeability. It will also review how to use functional medicine tests, like stool tests and organic acid tests, to determine and treat the root cause of dermatological disease. Several case studies with before and after photos and lab results will be presented.

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

1. List the basic components of a stool test and recognize which specific bacterial strains, markers, and patterns are most helpful for analyzing dermatological problems
2. List the basic components of an organic acid test and recognize which specific markers and patterns are most helpful for analyzing dermatological problems
3. Summarize research on the changes in the gut microbiome in eczema patients compared to healthy controls
4. Analyze research on how gut dysbiosis contributes to the pathophysiology of eczema

Traditional Chinese Medicine Therapies for Psoriasis

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete and unique medical system has been used to treat psoriasis for thousands of years. TCM remains widely used for the treatment of psoriasis. Therapies are personalized for each patient based upon the proper identification of the disease pattern underlying the condition. Chinese medicine therapies are used both orally and topically. This presentation will illustrate the TCM background on how to approach psoriasis as well as explore clinical trials of oral and topical Chinese medicine and acupuncture remedies using the perspective of TCM. We will also discuss good candidates for TCM treatment.  

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

1. Identify common patterns of psoriasis in TCM
2. Review the current state of research for TCM and psoriasis
3. Propose an integrative model of care for psoriasis patients

Skin Care Products: A Legal Overview 

This session will provide an overview of legal issues relevant to the manufacture, sale, and medical practice use of cosmetic and dietary supplement products.  

Protecting the Dermatologist: Liability Insurance

This session will focus on insurance for developing a skin care line, selling products in office, and conducting research.

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

1. Review what liability insurance is and the importance of having it
2. Recall the different types of liability insurance including general, products, medical professional, research, and cyber liability
3. Identify the liability involved with consulting to a group vs one-on-one with patients

Marketing and Social Media

This session will delve into marketing tips and tricks for busy dermatologists.

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

1. Identify and utilize social media platforms as a dermatologist
2. Understand how to create and design high-quality content that is relevant to a target audience
3. Discuss how to collaborate with colleagues on social media

Additional Resources

How Far Is Too Far? What You Need to Know About Telemedicine in Your Practice

This lecture will discuss the legal implications involved with practicing telemedicine and how regulations vary among different states. A discussion on how to document properly and what things to avoid to limit liability is included as well.

Hemorrhaging Cash: How Your Employment Contract Should Be Negotiated to Protect Your Family, Finances, and Future

This lecture discusses the different employment options available and factors to consider when signing or creating contracts. The advantages and disadvantages of being an employee vs an independent contractor are evaluated in this course.