Core competencies in dermatopathology

Dermatopathology education: an update

Dermatopathology (DP) education is critical to the comprehensive training of dermatology and pathology residents and to the accurate diagnosis and management of cutaneous disease. DP has seen tremendous growth, and its success depends on our ability to effectively educate future leaders, teachers, and researchers who will continue to advance the field. This article focuses on DP education in the United States, although specific components, such as assessment of medical education and the future of DP education, are relevant to the larger DP community. It is hoped that this review will aid in discussions of direction and collaboration.

The current state of dermatopathology education: a survey of the Association of Professors of Dermatology

BACKGROUND

Dermatology training programs develop program-specific dermatopathology (DP) curricula. We summarize the current state of DP education in dermatology residency programs and identify opportunities for DP education resource development.

METHODS

A 27-question survey was emailed to members of the Association of Professors of Dermatology (APD).

RESULTS

Fifty-two of 109 programs responded for a response rate of 48%. Results were calculated using a non-response adjustment. Thirty per cent of the overall education time during residency is spent in DP-specific education. Lever and Weedon are the texts most often cited as primary texts utilized for DP education. Three-quarters of programs have third year residents spend three or more weeks on the DP service. The majority of dermatology residency programs have a specific DP service rotation at some point during residency.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of training programs use a variety of resources and mechanisms for teaching DP to dermatology residents. Some programs list barriers to DP education including lack of cases, microscopes, resident education time for DP-related teaching and availability of educators. We conclude that a greater depth and breadth of resources for DP education would be of benefit to dermatology residency programs.