Erik J. Stratman, MD, has joined the American Board of Dermatology (ABD) Executive team, serving as Associate Executive Director for Continuous Program Improvement and Research.
As with all executive team members, Dr. Stratman’s role is part-time. He will continue his practice and research for the Marshfield Clinic Health System, a multispecialty group practice in Wisconsin.
The role of associate executive director for continuous program improvement and research is new for the ABD. Dr. Stratman will oversee the board’s continuous program improvement needs and direct its research agenda.
He already has started making improvements. Dr. Stratman was a consultant to the board for 18 months before he joined the staff July 1. During that time, he has invited other dermatology specialty societies and organizations to help identify gaps in dermatology training and lifelong learning opportunities. The ABD will use this information to improve assessments, continuing certification activities, and research focus.
To help fill these gaps, Dr. Stratman already is developing new focused practice improvement modules (fPI). As part of continuing certification, each diplomate is required to complete one fPI every five years. This year, the ABD has added 17 additional fPI modules, including new modules in cosmetics, dermatologic surgery, and dermatopathology. Diplomates may find a list of all fPI activities when they log on to their profile on ABDerm.org.
Also, under Dr. Stratman’s leadership, the ABD has joined the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) Visiting Scholars Program which supports the research of early-career physicians and research professionals.
A native of Nevada, MO, Dr. Stratman earned his medical degree at the University of Missouri School of Medicine - Columbia. He completed his residency in dermatology at Marshfield Clinic and at the University of Wisconsin - Madison.
He is certified in general dermatology and in micrographic dermatologic surgery (MDS). He is participating in the ABD’s continuing certification program.
Dr. Stratman has been an ABD volunteer for nearly 20 years. He was an item writer in medical dermatology (2004-2006) and general dermatology (2008-2011). He was a member of the ABD Board of Directors from 2012-2020, serving as Board President in 2019 and Vice President in 2020.
He launched and led the fPI workgroup from 2016-2018 and was instrumental in the implementation of the CertLink pilot.
He has authored more than 50 articles in peer-reviewed journals, most focused on dermatology education and dermatology practice gaps.
