“I think if you can understand the development process and what it’s intended for, then you’ll know, ‘This isn’t going to replace me, but it’s going to help augment my decision-making process in the clinic,’” Block explained. “The goal of AI is to truly create optimal workflow in the clinic. »
Block touched on several key points in his speech about AI, including how it is being implemented in clinical practice settings.
“You have to know the intended use of the device and, above all, you have to use your brain,” Block said. “As a clinician, you have to rely on the standard of care when it comes to using your dermatoscope, based on the history, and then using those tools as an objective lens to help you in that decision-making process, whether you leave that lesion alone or triage it or biopsy it. That will help you make that decision for you, but ultimately you’re the clinician who makes the final decision.”
Later in her discussion, Block talked about what she hopes PAs and clinicians in general will walk away with after viewing her talk at SDPA.
“What I want people to come away with when they hear my talk is really a fundamental understanding of how AI can be integrated into our workflow and how they could use it to provide the best patient care,” Block said. “And also, to understand the regulatory processes and make sure that they’re relying on an FDA-approved tool that’s been rigorously researched, and the guardrails in place to ensure that they’re not using a product that’s going to harm the patient.”
Additional information on dermatology topics presented at the SDPA Fall 2025 Conference can be found at
In this summary of Block’s interview, quotes used have been edited for clarity.
Block had no relevant financial information to note.
References
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Partridge B, Gillespie N, Janda M et al. Exploring the views of dermatologists, general practitioners and melanographers on the use of AI tools in the context of good decision-making during melanoma detection: a qualitative interview study. JMIR Dermatol. Mar 24, 2025;8:e63923.
doi: 10.2196/63923 . PMID: 40127437; PMCID: PMC11976179. -
Block R. AI use and management tools for dermatology. Presented at the Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) Fall Conference, November 5-9, San Antonio, Texas.
