The utility of scribes in the academic dermatology clinic: An opportunity for mutual benefit to patients, trainees, and shareholders.

Electronic medical records have made great advances in the provision of quality health care but have increased physician workload and often limit face-to-face time with patients. These effects are particularly felt in the academic dermatology clinic, a critical time of practice development. Time constraints from implementation of electronic medical records have resulted in low patient volume and reduced educational opportunities. A review of the literature suggests that utilizing scribes as physician aides in the academic dermatology setting may increase patient access, clinic volume, educational experience, and hospital revenue.