Summit Derm

The Next Peak: Advancing Dermatology Together

Summit Derm will elevate your clinical care and practice.

A course that presents dermatology training for dermatologists in a 2-day, in-person, CME accredited conference hosted by our very own UHealth Dermatologist, Dr. Elise Burger. Join us for this course on September 11-12, 2026 at the Limelight Hotel in Sun Valley, Idaho.

Director Dr. Elise Burger provides a quick 40 second promo on the upcoming Summit Derm course for dermatologists on September 11-12, 2026.

PURPOSE OF THE COURSE

That Dermatologic practitioners are confident and up-to-date with their ability to diagnose and manage both common and uncommon skin disease. Clinicians, residents, and other interprofessional health care teams working together with the latest research methods and treatment options for improved patient outcomes in regards to dermatology and related health disorders. Practitioners knowing where to turn for resources, up-to-date literature, and the incorporation of such into their daily practices. It is hopeful that with ongoing awareness and communication efforts, clinicians across Utah and Idaho can work together to bridge the gaps in healthcare offered to patients, and also draw in younger residents and physicians to the field of dermatology.

IDENTIFIED GAP

Many dermatological practitioners tend to rely mostly upon the knowledge and skills acquired in their schooling and training programs. Due to the vast amount of research, knowledge, and readily available resources, education can generate awareness on where clinicians can be supported in their practices for treating dermatology patients and related health conditions.

The aims of this course are to link clinicians with the latest research findings, as well as to refresh their skills in dermatologic foundational skills, which will help them gain familiarity with both basic approaches and recent breakthroughs. Thus, they will improve their ability to efficiently screen, diagnose, treat, and refer patients.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Summit Derm is geared toward existing dermatologists, including, MD’s, PA’s, NP’s, PhD’s, residents and medical students looking to advance their knowledge in the field. We have crafted an agenda that presents the most up to date information on skin, hair and nail conditions. Our University of Utah Health providers provide a unique expertise given their academic focus and wide catchments of the Mountain West region.

IS THIS COURSE ACCREDITED?

Yes, this course is CME accredited through the University of Utah's Continuing Medical Education Department. Although exact information can be found on the CME tab, this conference yields TBD AMA PRA Category 1 Credits.

WHEN AND WHERE IS THIS COURSE HELD?

This course will be held at the Limelight Hotel in Ketchum, ID., on September 11-12, 2026 from 8:00am - 4:30pm. Lunch and refreshments are included with registration. This course is an in-person only attendance course, it will not be offered virtually for the 2026 season.

PLANNING COMMITTEE

DIRECTOR

Elise Burger, MD

Faculty member who focuses on acne and the management of chronic, non-healing wound

Learn more about Dr. Burger

DEPT. CHAIR

Kristina Callis Duffin, MD

An expert in the field of Psoriasis and respected leader of a 365-person department.

Learn more about Dr. Duffin

PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Chante' Christensen, MBA

Dermatology's Marketing Director and fourth year coordinating the Practical Derm conference.

CO-PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Justin Martin

Dermatology special projects support with emphasis in event management.

ADVISORY BOARD

Steve Mings, MD

Practices at Gen State Derm in Boise, ID. Serves as chair of derm at the Boise VA Med Center.

ADVISORY BOARD

Matt Reeck, MD

Practices at St. Luke's Clinic in Ketchum, ID., specializing in complex derm cases including Mohs surgery.

TESTIMONIALS

Bruce Theirs, MD, FAAD

Past President, American Academy of Dermatology, Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery Medical University of South Carolina

"A great meeting in a beautiful setting. I enjoyed every minute of it. Thanks for your hard work behind the scenes to make it possible."

Steve Mings, MD

Gem State Dermatology in Boise, ID.

"The meeting this year was nothing short of spectacular and I've been to so many meetings and planned so many in my career that I am a qualified judge. Thank you."

Matt Schaffer, MD

Heartland Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center in Wichita, KS.

"I liked the smaller audience with great speakers and a variety of topics. The resident talks were great and I am appreciative that the University still requires such as I know some academics have shied away from these."

Ryan Owsley, MD

Comprehensive Dermatology of Idaho, PLLC. in Nampa, ID.

"I enjoyed the guest lectures and networking with colleagues."

Clara Curiel, MD

Professor and Chair of Dermatology at the University of Arizona

"The conference was perfectly orchestrated! I truly enjoyed the program and meeting everyone."

PHOTO GALLERY

Summit Derm, previously Intermountain Derm Society, was started in 1975 and is celebrating its 50th year in education the intermountain west. Dr. Jason Mathis took the Director position in 2022 & 2023 and passed that to Dr. Jessica Donigan who is returning for her second year as the director. The course is curated to provide dermatology education in an informative but fun and interactive format. Don't miss out on the opportunity to learn from experts in their field.

Contact Us

If we have not answered your questions and/or concerns through the web pages, reach out! Contact Chante' at chante.christensen@hsc.utah.edu or at 801-581-6477.

You can learn more about the University of Utah's Department of Dermatology on our academic site or on our patient site.

Follow updates on this conference and other educational efforts from UHealth Dermatology through our social links below.