Teaching dermatology: too dependent on dermatologists?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Training in dermatology is important for family physicians because skin diseases are common in family practice.

METHODS

We performed a national survey of 384 program directors to ascertain the dermatology teaching methods used by family practice residencies.

RESULTS

Based on an 83% response rate, most programs used dermatology lectures (84%), preceptorship rotations in a dermatologist's office (79%), and dermatology specialty clinics (51%) to teach residents dermatological skills. More than half of the programs using these teaching methods relied exclusively on dermatologists to be primary instructors. Despite the substantial dependence on dermatologists, one third of responding programs reported difficulty obtaining teaching support from dermatologists.

CONCLUSIONS

A substantial proportion (33%) of family practice residency programs have difficulty in obtaining support from dermatologists to teach their residents. Further research should be conducted to determine the effect of this finding on dermatologic instruction in family practice residency programs.