Whole-Person Dermatology: From Systems-Based Insight to Integrative Care

Course Overview

Preview what you'll learn in this program

4hr 53min

Duration

5

Credits

Jun 2025

Released

Aug 2026

Expires

PremiumAvailable with a Premium subscription. Know more

87% avg

Completion

What You'll Learn

This set of five lectures explores the intersection of sleep, stress, systemic health, and individualized treatment in dermatology. Learners will gain clinically grounded insights—from using nail findings as diagnostic tools for internal disease, to applying naturopathic principles, addressing vulvovaginal conditions through integrative care, understanding the impact of sleep on skin health, and building a holistic dermatology practice. Each session offers practical, evidence-informed strategies that blend conventional and integrative approaches to enhance diagnostic accuracy, promote patient-centered care, and support clinician well-being.

Nail Disorders as Clues to Systemic Health

This session delves into how nail abnormalities serve as important diagnostic indicators of systemic diseases. Dr. Morrison shares clinical insights on identifying subtle and overt nail changes that can lead to early detection of internal pathology, with emphasis on practical application in patient evaluations.

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

Recognize common and uncommon nail changes associated with systemic diseases such as psoriasis, thyroid dysfunction, and anemia.
Differentiate between nail findings caused by local trauma versus those indicating systemic involvement.
Integrate nail evaluation into routine skin examinations to enhance diagnostic accuracy.
Correlate specific nail presentations with underlying metabolic, cardiovascular, and autoimmune disorders.

Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science: The Interplay Between Sleep and Skin Health

This session examines how sleep influences skin health from both modern biomedical and traditional perspectives. Dr. Choudhary discusses the skin’s circadian biology, effects of sleep deprivation on inflammatory skin conditions, and evidence-informed approaches to promoting restorative sleep for dermatologic benefit.

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

Examine the historical evolution of sleep patterns from ancient to modern times.
Identify the health consequences associated with sleep deprivation.
Describe the role of the circadian cycle in overall health and disease.
Discuss the circadian rhythm’s impact on skin health and function.
Apply evidence-based tools and research to improve sleep and support skin health.

Foundations of Naturopathic Medicine: The Art and Science

Dr. Traub introduces the core principles of naturopathic medicine as they relate to dermatology, focusing on individualized care, the healing power of nature, and root-cause resolution. The session blends traditional healing frameworks with evidence-based interventions for skin disorders.

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

Describe the foundational principles of naturopathic medicine and their relevance to modern healthcare.
Identify natural therapies, including nutritional supplements and herbal medicine, that support the body’s innate healing processes.
Analyze the role of naturopathic therapies in managing and preventing dermatological conditions.
Develop individualized, integrative care plans that include naturopathic therapies to enhance patient health and well-being.

Vulvovaginal Dermatology: Integrative and Whole-Person Treatments

This session offers an integrative perspective on diagnosing and treating vulvovaginal dermatologic conditions. Dr. Rutherford addresses hormonal, microbiome, and lifestyle factors, while combining conventional treatments with holistic approaches to improve outcomes and patient comfort.

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

Recognize common and rare vulvovaginal dermatologic conditions, including lichen sclerosus, eczema, and contact dermatitis.
Understand the impact of hormonal changes, stress, and microbiome imbalances on vulvovaginal skin health.
Develop individualized, multimodal treatment plans that address physical, emotional, and systemic contributors to vulvovaginal conditions.

Creating an Integrative Dermatology Practice – Tips and Pitfalls

Dr. Lio shares lessons from his experience building an integrative dermatology practice, including practical strategies, regulatory considerations, and common challenges. This session provides a roadmap for clinicians seeking to incorporate holistic modalities into a successful, patient-centered model.

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

Explain the core principles of integrative dermatology and their role in enhancing patient care.
Identify essential steps for incorporating holistic treatments, such as nutrition, mind-body practices, and natural therapies, into dermatology practice.
Evaluate potential challenges, including regulatory compliance and financial considerations, and develop strategies to address them.
Design a plan for building a collaborative, patient centered integrative dermatology practice while avoiding common pitfalls

Faculty

MD

MD

ND DHANP FABNO

MD FAAD

MD

Accreditation Information

This set of three lectures explores the intersection of culturally responsive care, bias awareness, and practitioner well-being in dermatology. Learners will develop essential skills to deliver inclusive, patient-centered care by examining the principles of cultural humility, recognizing and addressing implicit bias in dermatologic diagnosis and treatment, and implementing strategies to manage burnout and foster resilience. Together, these lectures aim to promote health equity, improve patient outcomes, and support clinician well-being in the evolving landscape of dermatologic care.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This activity is intended for dermatology clinicians, including residents and fellows, as well as non-clinical staff committed to providing inclusive, equitable care for diverse patient populations.

GOAL & PURPOSE

The annual Integrative Dermatology Symposium is designed to appeal to practitioners across disciplines. It will address emerging trends, and practical approaches to dermatology as practitioners assess and manage skin conditions and care. It is estimated that nearly one-third of the population is afflicted with a skin disorder. There is a great need for best practice sharing and cross-collaboration to support practitioners in the field and improve patient outcomes.

ACCREDITATION STATEMENT

This virtual activity of 2025 Integrative Dermatology Symposium is approved for 5 credits of continuing medical education (CME) by Medical Education Resources, Inc.

In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Medical Education Resources (MER) and LearnHealth. MER is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

PHYSICIAN CREDIT

Medical Education Resources designates this activity for a maximum of 5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

PHYSICIAN ASSOCIATE CREDIT

Medical Education Resources has been authorized by the American Academy of Physician Associate (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 5 AAPA Category 1 CME Credits. Physician Associate should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

NURSING CREDIT

Medical Education Resources designates this activity for a maximum of 5 ANCC nursing contact hours. Nurses will be awarded contact hours upon successful completion of the activity. Medical Education Resources is a provider of continuing nursing education by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #CEP 12299, for 5 contact hours.

FOR NATUROPATHIC DOCTORS

This virtual activity of 2025 Integrative Dermatology Symposium is approved for 5 General credit(s) of continuing education credits by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. CE approval by the AANP covers all states that regulate naturopathic physicians, except Oregon. Please note that as of January 2025, the Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine (OBNM) will no longer approve a CE Activity submitted to them by the CE Activity Host. Only the individual Oregon licensee can apply directly to OBNM for CE approval.

FOR ACUPUNCTURISTS AND ORIENTAL MEDICINE PRACTITIONERS

This virtual activity of 2025 Integrative Dermatology Symposium is approved by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine for 5 PDA Points. NCCAOM® PDA Points Provider #9093.

Course Participant Attestation

I understand that the information in this course presented by the Provider and/orInstructor(s) is for educational purposes only and should only be applied with appropriate clinical judgment and used by a trained and licensed practitioner. Governmental laws and regulations vary from region to region and the contents of this course vary in permissible usage. The participant is required to check their local, state, and federal laws and regulations regarding the practice requirements and scope of practice issues and the use of the information of this course including, but not limited to, theory, herbal medicine, and acupuncture. I acknowledge that NCCAOM does not endorse any specific treatment regimens of any kind. Furthermore, if I use any modalities or treatments taught in this course, I agree to waive, release, indemnify, discharge, and covenant not to sue NCCAOM from and against any liability, claims, demands, or causes of action whatsoever, arising out of any injury, loss, or damage that a person may sustain related to the use of the information in this course. I understand that this Release is governed by the laws of District of Columbia, U.S.A. and shall survive the termination or expiration of this course.

DISCLOSURE OF RELEVANT FINANCIAL RELATIONSHIPS

Medical Education Resources ensures balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all our educational activities. In accordance with this policy, MER identifies relevant financial relationships with its instructors, content managers, and other individuals who are in a position to control the content of an activity. Reported relevant financial relationships are mitigated by MER to ensure that all scientific research referred to, reported, or used in a CE activity conforms to the generally accepted standards of experimental design, data collection, and analysis. MER is committed to providing learners with high-quality CE activities that promote improvements or quality in health care and not the business interest of an ineligible company.

The faculty reported the following financial relationships with commercial interests whose products or services may be mentioned in this activity

Name of Faculty	Reported Financial Relationship
Brian Morrison, MD	No financial relationships to disclose.
Sonal Choudhary, MD	Grants/Research Support: Eli-Lilly Speakers’ Bureau: Regeneron-Sanofi
Michael Traub, ND DHANP FABNO	Consulting Fees (e.g. Advisory Board) – Nutritional Fundamentals for Health: Advisory Board, Speaker
Audrey Rutherford, MD FAAD	No financial relationships to disclose.
Peter Lio, MD	Consulting Fees (e.g. Advisory Board) Alphyn Biologics, AbbVie, Almirall, Amyris, Arcutis, ASLAN, Astria Therapeutics, Boston Skin Science, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Burt’s Bees, Castle Biosciences, Codex Labs, Concerto Biosci, Dermavant, Eli Lilly, Galderma, Kenvue, LEO Pharma, Lipidor, L’Oreal, Merck, Micreos, MyOR Diagnostics, Pelthos Therapeutics, Regeneron/Sanofi Genzyme, Sibel Health, Skinfix, Soteri Skin, Stratum Biosciences, Sun Pharma, Theraplex, Thimble Health, UCB, Unilever, Verdant Scientific, Verrica, Yobee Care Ownership Interest /Stock Holder – STOCK OPTIONS: Alphyn Labs, Codex Labs, Concerto Biosci, Soteri Skin, Stratum Biosciences, Thimble, Yobee Care, Verdant Scientific Royalty /Patent Holder – Theraplex AIM Speakers’ Bureau – AbbVie, Arcutis, Eli Lilly, Galderma, Hyphens Pharma, Incyte, La Roche-Posay/L’Oreal, MyOR Diagnostics, Pfizer, Pierre-Fabre Dermatologie, Regeneron/Sanofi Genzyme, Verrica Other – Board Member, National Eczema Association

The content managers reported the following financial relationships with commercial interests whose products or services may be mentioned in this activity:

Name of Content Manager	Reported Financial Relationship
Venita Sivamani	LearnHealth Inc. Stockholder
Mer Content Manager	No financial relationships to disclose.

DISCLAIMER

The content and views presented in this educational activity are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of MER and LearnHealth Inc. The speakers have disclosed if there is any discussion of published and/or investigational uses of agents that are not indicated by the FDA in their presentations. Before prescribing any medicine, primary references and full prescribing information should be consulted. Any procedures, medications, or other courses of diagnosis or treatment discussed or suggested in this activity should not be used by clinicians without evaluation of their patient’s conditions and possible contraindications on dangers in use, review of any applicable manufacturer’s product information, and comparison with recommendations of other authorities. The information presented in this activity is not meant to serve as a guideline for patient management.

CONTACT INFORMATION

This activity is jointly provided by MER and LearnHealth. For questions about the CME credit for this activity, contact [email protected] For all other questions, please contact [email protected].

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Questions: 3
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Lesson 10hr 34min