Expanding Education Beyond the Walls of Pine Point Medical
At Pine Point Medical, patient care has always been rooted in education, compassion, and practical clinical experience. That same philosophy now extends beyond the Finger Lakes region through an exciting new continuing medical education opportunity led by Tess MacQueen, MS, PA-C.
Tess, co-founder of Pine Point Medical and a Dermatology Diplomate Fellow, will serve as the featured instructor for an upcoming dermatology CME conference hosted by Conifer Healthcare Solutions.
The course, “Derm Procedures for Primary Care,” is a one-day, hands-on dermatology conference designed specifically for healthcare providers seeking practical, real-world guidance they can immediately apply in clinical practice.
Set against the backdrop of Copper Mountain Resort in Colorado, the February 2027 conference reflects the same patient-centered, approachable style of care and education that Tess brings to Pine Point Medical every day.
A Natural Extension of Tess MacQueen’s Clinical Expertise
Patients at Pine Point Medical already know Tess for her thoughtful, thorough approach to care. Over the years, she has built extensive experience in dermatology, medical aesthetics, preventative medicine, and primary care.
Through the Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) Dermatology Diplomate Fellowship, Tess completed advanced dermatology-focused training centered on diagnosing and managing a wide range of skin conditions.
Her clinical expertise includes:
- Acne and advanced acne management
- Rosacea and inflammatory skin conditions
- Psoriasis and chronic dermatologic disorders
- Skin cancer screening and early detection
- Dermatologic concerns commonly seen in primary care settings
However, what truly sets Tess apart is her ability to make complex topics feel approachable and practical.
At Pine Point Medical, patients frequently appreciate how clearly she explains diagnoses, treatment options, and preventative strategies. That same communication style now forms the foundation of her educational approach through Conifer Healthcare Solutions.
A CME Conference Focused on Real-World Clinical Practice
Continuing medical education is an essential part of healthcare. However, not every course reflects the realities providers face during busy patient schedules and fast-paced clinical environments.
Conifer Healthcare Solutions was created with a different approach in mind. The company focuses on practical, case-based learning designed to support real patient care rather than theory alone.
The upcoming conference, “Derm Procedures for Primary Care,” reflects this philosophy throughout every part of the curriculum.
The one-day conference will include:
- 8 AAPA-accredited CME credits
- Case-based dermatology education
- Hands-on procedural training
- Practical biopsy and suturing instruction
- Real-world clinical decision-making strategies
Participants will learn how to:
- Identify common benign and malignant skin lesions
- Determine when biopsy or referral is appropriate
- Perform shave and punch biopsies safely
- Develop confidence in cryotherapy and lesion management
- Integrate dermatologic procedures into primary care workflows
The conference specifically focuses on helping providers feel more confident managing common skin concerns frequently encountered in everyday practice.
Why This Course Matters for Primary Care Providers
Access to dermatology specialists can be limited in many communities, especially in rural or underserved regions. As a result, primary care providers are often the first clinicians evaluating skin concerns.
This makes practical dermatology education increasingly valuable.
The conference emphasizes:
- Early recognition of concerning lesions
- Appropriate treatment strategies
- Clear referral decision-making
- Improved patient access to care
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, early identification and treatment of skin conditions can significantly improve patient outcomes.
Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasizes the importance of preventative screening and early intervention in reducing long-term health complications.
By teaching providers practical dermatologic skills they can immediately implement, this course aims to improve patient care in meaningful ways.
Education Grounded in Everyday Patient Care
One reason Tess is uniquely qualified to lead this course is her daily experience treating real patients in a primary care setting.
At Pine Point Medical, her work blends:
- Primary care
- Dermatology
- Lifestyle medicine
- Preventative health strategies
This integrated perspective shapes how she teaches.
Rather than focusing only on textbook scenarios, the course emphasizes the kinds of skin conditions providers actually encounter in routine visits. The curriculum was intentionally designed to help healthcare professionals feel more comfortable and confident in practical clinical settings.
That real-world focus is one of the defining characteristics of Conifer Healthcare Solutions as a growing medical education platform.
Bringing a Broader Perspective to Medical Education
Tess’s perspective as an educator has also been shaped by her experiences beyond the clinic.
Alongside the Pine Point Medical team, she has participated in global health initiatives through International Medical Relief, helping provide care in underserved communities throughout Peru, Belize, India, and Ecuador.
These experiences reinforced the importance of:
- Adaptability in healthcare
- Patient-centered communication
- Practical decision-making
- Compassionate care across diverse settings
They also strengthened her belief that medical education should remain grounded in real patient experiences and accessible clinical strategies.
That philosophy is reflected throughout this upcoming CME conference.
Building a Strong Foundation for Future CME Opportunities
The February 2027 dermatology conference is only the beginning for Conifer Healthcare Solutions.
The organization plans to continue expanding its educational offerings with future topics that may include:
- Advanced acne management
- Skin cancer detection and screening
- Inflammatory skin conditions
- Medical aesthetics in clinical practice
As Conifer Healthcare Solutions grows, Pine Point Medical is proud to see Tess helping shape a platform focused on thoughtful, clinically relevant education for healthcare professionals.
Supporting Education That Improves Patient Care
At Pine Point Medical, education has always been part of the mission. Whether working directly with patients, mentoring students, participating in global outreach, or leading CME conferences, the goal remains the same: improving care through knowledge, compassion, and practical experience.
Tess MacQueen’s leadership in this upcoming dermatology CME course reflects the same values patients throughout Ithaca and the Finger Lakes region already know and trust.
Healthcare providers interested in learning more about the upcoming conference can visit Conifer Healthcare Solutions to explore course details and registration information.
FAQs About the Dermatology CME Conference
Who is teaching the dermatology CME conference?
The conference is led by Tess MacQueen, MS, PA-C, Dermatology Diplomate Fellow, and co-founder of Pine Point Medical.
What is the focus of the conference?
The course focuses on practical dermatology education for primary care providers, including biopsies, cryotherapy, suturing, and lesion evaluation.
How many CME credits are offered?
Participants will earn 8 AAPA-accredited CME credits upon completion of the conference.
Who should attend the course?
The course is designed for physician associates, nurse practitioners, nurses, and other healthcare professionals interested in dermatologic procedures.
Where is the conference being held?
The conference will take place at Copper Mountain Resort in Frisco, Colorado, on February 14, 2027.
What topics will be covered during the conference?
Topics include common skin lesion recognition, biopsies, cryotherapy, suturing techniques, referral decision-making, and practical dermatologic procedures.
Is the conference hands-on?
Yes. The course includes supervised, hands-on procedural training in addition to case-based didactic instruction.
Why is dermatology education important in primary care?
Many skin concerns are first evaluated in primary care settings. Additional dermatology training can help providers improve diagnostic confidence and patient access to care.
What makes this CME course different from other conferences?
The course emphasizes practical, real-world application rather than theory alone, helping providers immediately apply what they learn in clinical practice.
What experience does Tess MacQueen bring to the course?
Tess combines advanced dermatology training, primary care experience, lifestyle medicine education, and global healthcare outreach experience to provide a well-rounded, patient-centered perspective.
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