DermWorld Academy Insider: New courses on clinical trials and wound care offer 14 CME credits
March 20, 2025
The AAD’s Learning Center recently released two new courses, Navigating Clinical Trials: Essential Knowledge for Dermatologists and Essential Wound Care: Basics Every Dermatologist Should Know. The two courses offer a total of 14 CME credit hours included as a benefit of your membership.
In this exclusive DermWorld Academy Insider interview, Afsaneh Alavi, MD, FAAD, who planned and developed both of the courses, discusses the courses, what members can expect to learn, and why members should take them.
DermWorld: What is the Navigating Clinical Trials course and why was it created?
Dr. Alavi: Clinical trials are an important and essential part of dermatology. This course was designed to provide dermatologists with a comprehensive understanding of the clinical trial process. Clinical trials play a crucial role in advancing dermatologic treatments, yet many dermatologists haven’t been exposed to it during their training. I have personally learned clinical trials after graduation.
This course was created to bridge that gap by equipping dermatologists with the essential knowledge needed to engage in clinical trials, whether as investigators, or referring physicians.
DermWorld: What can members expect to learn in this course?
Dr. Alavi: By taking this course, members will gain a deeper understanding of how trials are conducted, how to assess trial quality, and how to effectively integrate clinical research into their practice. This course provides dermatologists with practical knowledge and skills to confidently engage in clinical research including different types of clinical trials phase I – IV and investigator-initiated trials.
DermWorld: What is the Essential Wound Care course and why was it created?
Dr. Alavi: This course was designed to fill the knowledge gap in wound care training for dermatologists. Wound management is a fundamental aspect of dermatology, yet it often receives limited attention in formal training programs. By taking this course, participants will gain essential skills to confidently diagnose and treat various types of wound and get familiar with dressings, compression therapy and vascular studies
DermWorld: What can members expect to learn in this course?
Dr. Alavi: This course provides a strong foundation for dermatologists at all levels, from trainees to experienced practitioners, ensuring they have the necessary knowledge to manage wound care effectively in their daily practice.
DermWorld: Why should members take these courses?
Dr. Alavi: Members who take these courses will be able to provide their patients with the comprehensive care that they deserve.
DermWorld: Anything to add?
Dr. Alavi: I would like to thank colleagues from other disciplines and the AAD members who contributed to these courses and who shared their extensive knowledge in the field of clinical trials and wound care when related to dermatology with AAD members. You can see the list of talented contributors on the webpages for each individual course.
