Healing Skin, Shaping Futures: Meet Jameka McElroy, MSPAS, PA-C

Jameka McElroy, MSPAS, PA-C is a Board Certified Physician Assistant/Associate (PA) practicing in the dermatology specialty in Arlington, Virginia. McElroy shares her unique journey into medicine, from discovering the PA profession during her own skin care concerns to becoming a mentor and advocate for diversity and equity in dermatologic care.  

Can you share your path to becoming a Physician Assistant and how you stepped into a leadership role within dermatology? 

My path to becoming a Physician Assistant felt divinely ordained. I had always been interested in medicine, and by age 16, I dreamed of becoming an obstetrician. It wasn’t until my junior year of college—while struggling with severe adult acne and its psychosocial impacts—that I discovered the PA profession. I desperately needed dermatology care, and while the next dermatologist appointment was two months away, a dermatology PA had availability in two weeks. At first, I declined the offer because I wasn’t familiar with what a PA was. 

Thankfully, I ultimately agreed—and that’s when I met Jennifer, the first PA I’d ever encountered. She was knowledgeable, empathetic, and helped restore my confidence. I left that visit inspired and immediately began researching the profession. As I learned more, I saw this career fit my short and long-term goals perfectly. During follow-ups, I peppered Jennifer with questions about her journey, the challenges and rewards of the field and she generously shared her wisdom. That experience planted the seed for what would become my career as a PA practicing in dermatology. 

Leadership, on the other hand, has always come naturally to me—likely because I’m the oldest of five siblings. From eighth grade through college, I played basketball and often served as team captain and NCAA liaison for our women’s basketball team. However, stepping into leadership within dermatology wasn’t as instinctive. About four years into my career, I began searching for community and deeper engagement in my specialty. I joined the Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) to expand my education and connect with peers. Eventually, I applied to volunteer with the organization, and from there, doors of opportunity continued to open. 

What challenges did you face early in your career, and how did they shape you as a leader today? 

I began my career as an emergency medicine PA in a rural community—an environment that was fast-paced, spontaneous, and intense. I had the privilege of working alongside brilliant and supportive physicians and PAs, but the patient population lacked diversity, and I often encountered microaggressions and, at times, overt discrimination. 

There was also a general lack of awareness about the PA profession. Many patients didn’t understand our training or scope of practice. I was frequently asked if I planned to “finish” my training or go to medical school. Some even requested to see a “real doctor.” As a new grad, I entered the profession hopeful and eager to deliver excellent patient care. But my rose-colored glasses were quickly knocked off. I wasn’t emotionally prepared to constantly defend my credentials while trying to grow as a clinician. 

These experiences deeply shook my confidence and led me to question my career choice. That internal conflict lingered into my early years as a dermatology PA. I realized I needed perspective and support, so I leaned on trusted physician and PA mentors who helped me navigate those difficult moments. 

That season of growth taught me the power of mentorship—and it’s now central to who I am as a leader. To this day, I receive messages from PA students or early-career PAs seeking advice or sharing similar struggles. Because of what I’ve been through—and the wisdom my mentors shared with me, I’m able to pay it forward, offering encouragement and guidance to those walking a similar path. 

How do you approach mentoring or guiding other PAs who are entering the dermatology field? 

Mentorship for aspiring dermatology PAs is multifaceted and depends on the individual and what support they need. I usually start by understanding their motivation for pursuing dermatology. Many are initially drawn to the cosmetic side, the perceived work-life balance, or the idea that it’s a financially rewarding field. While those aspects exist, there’s so much more to dermatology. 

It’s a complex specialty that involves managing chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, staying current with an evolving pharmacologic landscape, and developing strong diagnostic skills. It’s also a highly competitive field, especially without prior experience. I often recommend educational resources to help build and expand clinical knowledge. 

Other times, mentorship may involve reviewing an employment contract, discussing red flags, or sharing negotiation tips. One of the most rewarding parts is hearing from peers who landed a job or secured the compensation package they were hoping for because of my guidance. Those moments remind me why mentorship is essential. 

Can you think of a particular moment in your career when you realized just how much of a leader you’d become? What did that mean to you? 

That realization came during a quiet moment of reflection earlier this year. In March, I received an email from Black Health Connect—an organization that elevates health care professionals who champion diversity and health equity—notifying me that I had been nominated and selected as a finalist for their 2025 class of 40 Under 40. 

Not being selected didn’t feel like a loss.  Instead, it prompted me to reflect on everyone who had poured into me and all the meaningful milestones that made me a contender. That was the moment I realized—I’ve become the woman and professional my younger self dreamed of becoming. And that, to me, is the most meaningful win of all. 

How does your work as a dermatology PA impact your local community—both inside and outside of the clinic? 

My goal as a dermatology PA is to positively impact the patient experience—especially for those who are underserved or have had poor experiences in health care. In the clinic, I strive to listen intently, use patient-friendly language, and foster shared decision-making. 

Outside of patient care, I teach and mentor medical assistants, many of whom are pre-med or pre-PA. I see it as my responsibility to model the kind of medical professional they hope to become. 

I’m also passionate about addressing the barriers affecting patients with skin of color. That passion has led me to contribute to publications and research that highlight clinical presentations in darker skin tones and explore the lack of diversity in PA schools and the dermatology profession. 

Through this work, I hope to bring awareness, foster critical conversations, and bridge gaps in education and care. 

How have you used your position to advocate for accessibility or awareness around dermatological health, especially for underrepresented communities? 

When I began my dermatology career, I had so much to learn. The first few months were overwhelming, especially coming from the emergency department, where we gave prednisone for just about every rash. I was fortunate to work in a practice that served a predominantly Black and Brown population. But I quickly noticed that what I saw in clinic didn’t always match the textbooks. That’s when I realized how much nuance there is in treating skin of color. 

This inspired me to create a social media platform focused on the unique presentations of conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne in skin of color. I also used it to highlight PA advocacy issues. Over time, it grew into a community of PAs, PA students, NPs, physicians, and others. I received messages from people looking for guidance or second opinions, many of whom felt misdiagnosed or dismissed. While I could not give medical advice, I understood their need to reach out. 

Later, as Chair of the SDPA Conference Education Committee, I used my position to recruit diverse speakers and build agendas that prioritized skin of color education. I also served on the DEI Council for my PA program, focusing on curriculum bias and culturally competent care. 

Are there any organizations or programs you’re particularly proud of being a part of or leading? 

I’m incredibly proud to have served several organizations and programs over the past decade. Being selected as a PA Ambassador for the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) from 2020 to 2021 was a notable experience.  I hosted webinars, visited PA programs, and even taught middle school students about the PA profession. 

But the organization that’s had the most impact on me is the Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA). Through my involvement, I’ve learned what it means to be a servant leader. I’ve gained skills in conflict resolution, collaboration, and advocacy. 

Now, as a member of the Board of Directors, I feel honored to serve my dermatology peers and help advance the profession in meaningful ways. 

What advice would you give to young women PAs looking to step into leadership roles? 

My biggest advice is this: you already have what it takes to be a leader. The skills you possess right now are enough. Growth doesn’t require perfection when you step into situations that stretch and strengthen you. 

We often doubt ourselves, I certainly did. But I can’t imagine where I’d be if I hadn’t taken that first step. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about showing up, being willing to learn, and using your voice. Start where you are, and trust that you’re capable of rising to the occasion.