When Amy Jones, PA-C, first stepped into emergency medicine, she didn’t yet know her calling would lead her to dermatology, and ultimately to building something new for her peers.

After 15 years in dermatology and medical affairs, Jones has become one of the driving forces behind PANP360, a new learning hub and community designed by and for advanced practice providers in dermatology. Her vision: to create a space where PAs and NPs can find comprehensive education, clinical confidence, and a sense of connection that extends beyond CME.

“If we don’t take care of ourselves, we can’t take care of patients,” Jones says. “Helping people master their craft so they feel confident in the care they provide—and also learn how to be well-rounded humans—is how we prolong our ability to see patients and live our lives to the fullest.”

Amy’s Story from the ER to Dermatology

What originally drew you to dermatology?
I had practiced in emergency medicine, and that was very procedural-based and fast-paced. I knew after doing that for a few years that it was a young person’s game; it’s hard on the body and the lack of sleep is rough. I wanted that broad foundation of treating patients, but I knew it wasn’t a long-term fit for me.

One of my PA school friends said, “You should look at derm. Everyone who does derm is really happy.” I started shadowing a PA near my home, and he was great. He let me learn the ropes from him. When their practice had an opportunity to add a PA, they offered it to me. That was a huge blessing.

What changed for you once you transitioned into dermatology? 
I knew dermatology was going to be good, but I didn’t realize what was missing in the ER—the patient connection. In emergency medicine, you never have continuity; you see a different patient every time.

Once I started having that in dermatology, it changed my life. I felt like I was part of something. I was able to recognize my patients, ask about their lives without reviewing their chart, "Your child graduated? Where did they go to college?” Those types of things really made me feel connected. That’s what dermatology did that I really loved.

The Future of Care: PA and NP Leadership

How have you seen the role of PAs and NPs evolve in dermatology? 
Dermatology is underserved, and I’ve really seen PAs and NPs fill that gap, especially in more rural areas. They’re setting up clinics, sometimes practicing independently or with collaborating physicians available by phone. That’s something that’s definitely changed over time.

PAs and NPs are the future of medicine—definitely the future of dermatology. They’re a workforce trained to take care of patients at an advanced practice level, and that need is only going to keep growing.

Building PANP360 Starts with a Holistic Approach

What makes PANP360 different? 
I really want to focus on holistic healthcare providers who can take holistic care of patients. Once you’re complete in your knowledge and in your self-care journey, that spills over into your ability to take care of patients. That’s where the ‘360’ comes from—the well-rounded view of not only practitioner care, but patient care.

How will the hub reflect that vision? 
The hub will be a great place to get all kinds of information at your fingertips, all year long. It’s intended to create a customized journey for PAs and NPs—no matter where you’re at in your practice.

Whether you’re a student, new to practice, or you’ve been around for 20+ years, you’ll get content that meets you where you are—videos, articles, podcasts, Q&As with experts, social media live streams. You’ll be immersed in the topics that matter most.

Collaboration and Community

You’ve said it’s important that this be by and for PAs and NPs. How will that show up? 
I would love for anybody who’s part of our community to be part of creating the content. PAs and NPs know what we need to take care of patients and where are the gaps or what topics have new developments. I really want to encourage people to be part of shaping the future and come along on the journey with us.

I’d love to see PAs and NPs writing editorials, lecturing from the podium, joining panel discussions with physicians—getting involved at every turn in the future of dermatology. I want this to be a place where that happens, where people get recognized for what they contribute.

Continuous Learning, Real-Time Relevance

How will PANP360 help clinicians stay current and confident in real time? 
PANP360 will always be committed to cutting-edge education all year long. The learning experience is meant to cover hot topics—what’s most relevant to you and your practice at any given time.

We’ll have timeless content you can learn from anytime, but also updates on what’s new, what’s trending, and what’s changing in the field.

What do you hope every PA and NP takes away from this community? 
I want PAs and NPs to feel valued. Day-to-day clinic life can be monotonous sometimes. It can be thankless. I want them to know that what they do matters, that patients value them, and that we value them. We see you, and we want to make your practice and your life better.

And if you could send a message to your peers across dermatology? 
This matters because patients need us. Patients need healthcare providers educated to the highest level and ability, providing the standard of care regardless of credentials. Patients deserve the best, and PAs and NPs are the future of making that happen.

A Community You Won’t Want to Miss

What excites you most about what’s coming next? 
I think we’ll be able to create a community people can’t wait to be part of. They’ll see the fruits of what they’re contributing to, feel ownership over how programming evolves, and feel so ingrained in what we’re building that they don’t want to miss a thing.

PANP360 launches this January as Dermsquared’s newest hub for dermatology PAs and NPs—a place for education, connection, and collective growth.