THE CENTER FOR DERMATOLOGY NP PA (CDNPPA):
Our Mission
To establish and advance competency, confidence, and build excellence in dermatology nurse practitioner (NP) and physician associate (PA) care through structured learning pathways.
The founder and President, Dr. Margaret Bobonich, is known for her innovative and successful dermatology educational program development. As a cofounder of the Center for Advanced Practice Dermatology, she launched the first live DCNP Review Course in 2019 and served as the course director. The DCNP Review Courses and the Practice to Pass program became a critical educational tool for dermatology NPs striving to elevate their level of professionalism by achieving national certification.
In 2023, Dr. Bobonich’s commitment to dermatology education expanded to include all levels of dermatology nursing practice and physician associates. The unmet demands for dermatologic care have resulted in the rapid influx of NPs and PAs into dermatology, yet there are few formalized post-Masters programs. Furthermore, preparation for certification is critical for the DCNP and CAQ-Derm examinations. As the science and technology of dermatology evolves rapidly, so must professional education and competencies.
Now in its ninth year, the Dermatology Essentials for NPs & PAs Advanced Pharmacology course has quickly become the go-to educational resource for dermatology NPs and PAs. This course is designed for both early-career and experienced dermatology NPs and PAs. Early-career clinicians gain a structured foundation that builds confidence, clinical reasoning, and therapeutic decision-making skills, while experienced providers refine diagnostic precision, identify knowledge gaps, and advance their expertise in complex disease management and emerging therapies. Through case-based learning, high-yield instruction, and practical application, we help participants strengthen clinical competency, improve patient care, and transform experience into expertise while enhancing readiness for certification.
Advanced Pharmacology Course with Workshops on Dermoscopy
& CAQ-Derm/DCNP Certification Review
Program Subject To Change
Course Directors:
Margaret Bobonich,
DNP, FNP-C, DCNP, FAANP
Douglas DiRuggiero,
DMSc, MHS, PA-C
Leigh Ann Pansch,
MSN, FNP-BC, DCNP
Founder
Margaret Bobonich, DNP, FNP-C, DCNP, FAANP, is an Assistant Professor at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) School of Medicine and the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing. She is a Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioner and founder of the Center for Dermatology NPPA. Her clinical focus has been on immune-mediated skin diseases and doctoral work in education for all dermatology advanced practice providers.
Dr. Bobonich’s leadership includes development of the CWRU two-year Dermatology NP Residency and the inaugural Florida Atlantic University’s Post-Masters Dermatology NP program. Her publications include A Core Curriculum for Dermatology NPs: Using Delphi Technique. Dr. Bobonich is co-Editor of the 2nd Ed. of Dermatology Essentials for Nurse Practitioners and Physician Associates textbook, which provides a comprehensive framework of foundational competencies for clinical practice. She is co-founding Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Dermatology for NPs & PAs.
Dr. Bobonich founded the Dermatology Essentials for NPs and PAs Advanced Pharmacology course, a structured, educational experience containing curriculum that helps clinicians identify knowledge gaps, uncover clinical blind spots, build confidence in applying current guidelines, advanced therapeutics, and real-world clinical decision-making to improve patient outcomes. She also serves as program director for Fitzgerald Health Education Associates Dermatology Certificate Program. Her leadership has been recognized by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and Distinguished Alumni of Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Bobonich is a well-known international speaker, consultant, and advocate for all dermatology NP and PA professional practice.
