Our current Author Spotlight features Joshua Burshtein MD, one of the co-authors of Remibrutinib: Insights Into Its Mechanism of Action and Use for Dermatologic Conditions published in our April 2026 issue. In addition to his article, Dr. Burshtein provided his insight about the current state of dermatology and how the field is adapting to new advances in technology and treatments. 

In your experience, what is one commonly overlooked factor in diagnosing or managing a specific skin condition that you think deserves more attention?

In many inflammatory skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and chronic spontaneous urticaria, incorporating patient-specific factors into management decisions can greatly improve outcomes. Exploring the impact of these diseases on quality of life, work, and home life can enable clinicians to consider earlier initiation of advanced systemic therapies. This individualized approach can help determine whether one therapeutic option may be more appropriate than another for a given patient.

Of all your research findings, are there any surprising or unexpected results that changed your perspective on the topic?

While not classically being thought of as involved with CSU, targeting the BTK pathway has shown significant efficacy for the treatment of this disease. It has shifted my perspective from viewing CSU treatment as primarily targeting histamine or IgE to recognizing the importance of upstream signaling pathways. Understanding the mechanism of action for new and emerging therapeutics can enhance insight into why and when we use these medications, inform the direction of research and innovation, and ultimately help raise outcome thresholds for our patients.

How do you see artificial intelligence and digital dermatology evolving in clinical practice over the next five years?

Artificial intelligence will become more integrated as an adjunct tool for diagnosis and clinical management, augmenting patient evaluation and workflow efficiency. Technology is already advancing with the ability to aid in evaluation of concerning lesions and diagnosis of melanoma. AI systems will continue to advance for other disease states with the potential to improve both in-person and digital dermatologic care.

If you could implement one immediate policy change to improve dermatologic care on a broader scale, what would it be and why?

I would implement evidence-based prior authorization reform for dermatologic therapies, particularly advanced topicals and systemics (i.e., biologics, JAK inhibitors). Reducing administrative barriers would allow more timely access to appropriate treatments and empower clinicians to make individualized, patient-centered decisions rather than being constrained by external, non-clinical factors, ultimately improving outcomes and efficiency of care.

Are there any misconceptions among dermatologists or patients about a specific treatment or condition that you’d like to address?

A common misconception is that conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and CSU are limited to the skin and can be managed conservatively. In reality, these are systemic, inflammatory diseases associated with substantial comorbidities, and they warrant recognition by both primary care physicians and specialists as conditions that often require escalation to advanced topical and systemic therapies in appropriate patients.

How do you navigate the challenge of balancing efficacy and accessibility when recommending treatments to patients from diverse backgrounds?

Ultimately, therapies are only effective if patients are able to use them and access to medications is essential for all patients. This highlights the importance of personalized discussions and treatment plans, including early conversations about the most appropriate therapies, potential barriers to access, and strategies to ensure patients can obtain the medications they need.

If you could collaborate with any other specialty or field to advance dermatologic research, which would it be and why?

I would collaborate with those working in genetics and genomics. As our understanding of the molecular science continues to evolve, integrating genomic insights could help identify distinct disease markers, uncover novel therapeutic targets, and enable more precise, individualized treatment strategies that move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach.

What is a piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your dermatology career?

Communication is one of the most essential components for delivery of high-quality care, particularly among colleagues, between specialties, and with patients. Clear dialogue not only improves diagnosis and care coordination, but also ensures that treatment plans are aligned, understood, and tailored for each patient.

Outside of clinical practice and research, what excites you most about the future of dermatology?

What excites me most is the rapid pace of technological innovation and its potential to transform care delivery. Expanding access and more personalized care can help us reach more patients who need specialists. The field is also raising the bar for treatment outcomes for many diseases, with new and emerging therapies continuing to be more and more safe and effective.